Travelling anywhere north or west of Beaufort West in the Western Cape reveals an increasingly dominant feature on the landscape: the Prosopis or honey mesquite tree (Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana). This invasive alien species (IAS) has benefited from degraded veld conditions, exacerbated by drought. The Prosopis has been classified as a Class 1 IAS due to its aggressive spread and the threat it represents to natural rangelands and water security in arid areas.
The Prosopis is native to north-eastern Mexico and the south-western US. It was first introduced into Southern Africa in 1897 in South West Africa (now Namibia), where German settlers planted it for shade and livestock feed. In South Africa, it was planted for windbreaks and shade near Upington, from where it spread into the Great Karoo and the Kalahari Thornveld. There are approximately 45 species of Prosopis, and some have become a worldwide problem. Prosopis juliflora is a rampant IAS tree problem in Central and north-east Africa, particularly in Kenya.
Prosopis is an extremely successful invader. Originating from an arid region, it is well equipped to survive drought, and flourishes under conditions of rangeland overgrazing and extended drought. I have observed that many landowners who have scattered, low-density Prosopis on their properties fail to recognise the impending threat or take the trouble to control these precursors in order to prevent the invasion that will follow. These low-density Prosopis trees need to be quickly (and continually) removed before they become dense invasions that are costly and almost impossible to control.
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin February 18, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin February 18, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.