Perspective on the control of invasive mesquite trees and possible alternative uses

Abstract

Biogeosciences and Forestry Biogeosciences and Forestry Perspective on the control of invasive mesquite trees and possible alternative uses Seth W Ellsworth (1) , Philip G Crandall (1-2) , Jody M Lingbeck (2) , Corliss A O'Bryan (2) Mesquite trees continue to invade forests and range lands in many countries across the world. The cost to remove these trees is staggering. In Texas, landowners spent $25 million over a 10-year period to clear 300.000 ha of mesquite trees, a fraction of the 22 million ha of Texas land affected by this invasion. Estimates are that the mesquite continues to negatively impact one to two percent of additional land in selected counties each year in Texas. However, the problem is not unique to Texas, but rather to the 44 species of mesquite trees, belonging to the genus Prosopis found in the pea family (Fabaceae), introduced across the southern United States, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America, and the Caribbean. In response, researchers are searching for economically viable uses for harvested trees and seeds to provide an alternative to the high cost of removal. If viable uses for harvested mesquite trees and seeds are found, then sustained pressure will limit and ultimately reduce the negative impact from these invasive trees. One key factor to controlling this invasive species is to find economically and environmentally sustainable uses to help pay the costs of removal or perhaps make removal less necessary. Traditional uses of mesquite are as a building material, as a source of food for both animals and humans and as wood for charcoal. Emerging uses of mesquite are new applications as a biofuel and as a bio-filter medium for water. Moreover, forestry land management of mesquite has adapted to include the tree as a component of hunting lands. New control methodologies and technologies are based on an increased understanding of mesquite growth patterns, using recommended practices that reduce control and eradication costs while improving the efficiency of land management. Previous land management practices have proven that excessive application of herbicides, physical removal of mesquite trees, or human-induced brush fires, if not carefully planned, only worsen mesquite infestations. The growing problem of mesquite land management provides an opportunity for continued research into novel ways to utilize mesquite biomass, of both wood and seed pods.

Antifungal and anti-termite activities, total phenolic content of Prosopis Farcta extracts; and attempts to develop weed biocontrol method against it

“…The interest focuses mainly of Prosopis species that grow as trees, and less of P. farcta, which is more of a low, shrubby plant type. 16…”

Mesquites Limit Targeted Grazing Effects on Texas Wintergrass Growth and Reproduction Responses

“…In the southern Great Plains and the southwestern United States, the best example of this is honey mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa Torr. ), a native tree species that has encroached to the point of ecologi-cal dominance in many grassland and savanna areas of the region ( Ellsworth et al 2018 ;Ansley et al 2001 ). Mesquite and other encroaching woody species have multiple effects on habitat structure and ecosystem dynamics, including hydrology, nutrient cycling, and microclimate ( Simmons et al 2008 ;Eldridge et al 2011 ).…”

The Use of Removed Mesquite Brush as a Fiber Replacement in Silage Production

“…Mechanical intervention removes the taproot and lignotuber of the plant from the soil to effectively kill the plant [ 1 ]. However, mechanical removal yields an excess of biomass that must be dealt with, typically by burning [ 2 ]. This necessitates solutions to invasive plant control that are environmentally sustainable and supportive of productive practices.…”