Effects of the Invasive Alien Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC and Its Management Options in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract

This paper aimed to review the effects of P. juliflora (hereafter P. juliflora is represented by P. juliflora) on environmental factors in Ethiopia, management options and take up lessons learned elsewhere, and discuss about utilization and management of P. juliflora. It addresses relevant scientific information based on the evaluation of data collected from different journals, books, manuals, and various reports using the systematic review method. Invasion of P. juliflora had positive effects on soil properties, negative effects on plant diversity, human health, livestock health, and other economic losses. Its negative effects are outweighing its positive effects. The main negative effects of P. juliflora are its biotic factors such as allopathic chemicals and active ingredients such as phenolic compounds that are impairing animals and human beings. Mechanical, chemical, management by utilization, fire, disruption of its phenological stages, and biological control methods are among control methods of the species. However, these control methods have their pros and cons for its management. The review was based on limited research findings and sources because there are limitations in research works regarding P. juliflora and its management. This review is used to know the invasion of P. juliflora and its management options in Ethiopia and other similar tropical countries across the world.