Effect of cutting time and chemical for control of Prosopis julifiora

Abstract

Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) is one of the most invasive woody tree species introduced into arid and semi-arid regions for land rehabilitation. However, its vigorous coppicing ability and rapid regeneration after cutting have made it a serious ecological and economic problem. This study evaluated the effects of cutting time and herbicide application on mesquite regeneration under greenhouse and field conditions. The greenhouse experiments were conducted at the Greenhouse of Sudan University of Science and Technology during 2012–2013, while the field experiments were carried out at El-Sileit Agricultural Project, Sudan, during 2013. In the greenhouse experiments, Garlone Super® (triclopyr) was applied as an aqueous spray at concentrations of 0.125% and 0.5% (v/v), and seedlings were cut at different intervals after treatment. In the field experiment, Garlone Super® was applied as a basal bark treatment at 1.67% (v/v) in diesel to mature mesquite trees, followed by cutting at different time intervals. The results showed that untreated and mechanically cut mesquite regenerated vigorously. Under greenhouse conditions, uncut seedlings treated with Garlone Super® showed 100% mortality, whereas cutting shortly after herbicide application significantly increased regeneration, particularly at the lower herbicide concentration. Increasing herbicide concentration and delaying cutting markedly reduced regeneration. Seedlings cut during the early growth stage (within six weeks after emergence) showed little or no regeneration, whereas regeneration increased progressively with seedling age. Under field conditions, basal bark application of Garlone Super® at 1.67% (v/v) in diesel completely suppressed regeneration of mature mesquite trees for up to six months regardless of cutting time, whereas untreated trees and those treated with diesel alone exhibited 100% regeneration. The findings demonstrate that cutting time and herbicide application method are critical factors for successful mesquite management. Mechanical cutting alone is ineffective, whereas integrating cutting with properly timed herbicide application provides long-term suppression of mesquite regeneration. Therefore, basal bark application of Garlone Super® at 1.67% (v/v) in diesel is recommended as an effective and environmentally sound strategy for the sustainable management of Prosopis juliflora.