Challenges in scaling management of the invasive tree Prosopis juliflora: A review

Prosopis juliflora is an invasive tree species native to Central and South America, is listed among the world’s 100 worst invasive species, severely impacts biodiversity, soil chemistry, human livelihoods, and poses health risks, potentially endangering native species. Despite global efforts to control this species using mechanical, chemical, biological, and integrated methods, it continues to spread, suggesting current strategies are ineffective. This review evaluates the effectiveness of various management approaches and highlights challenges and lessons from global experiences. Findings reveal that management efforts have mostly been small-scale trials, with mechanical, chemical, biological, and integrated methods applied at 12%, 38%, 12%, and 17% scales, respectively. These strategies often fail due to their unsustainability, lack of follow-up, and poor documentation of scalable protocols. Prosopis juliflora‘s adaptability to diverse environments further complicates management. The review underscores the urgent need for sustainable strategies that account for environmental factors and community perceptions. It recommends developing tailored management plans for each country, raising awareness in affected regions, and integrating various control methods to improve effectiveness. published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES)