Plant Description:
Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth. is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It grows up to 2-6 meters tall and has a distinctive shape, with a very short trunk and many spreading branches, often forming a rounded or irregular crown. The branches are thorny, with grayish-green bark and small leaves that measure about 2-4 cm long, each divided into 2-4 pairs of leaflets. The tree also bears small yellow or greenish-yellow flowers that are arranged in spikes that measure about 8-12 cm long.
Origin and Common Names:
Prosopis strombulifera is native to South America, particularly in the dry areas of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. It is commonly known as 'tara', 'chañar', 'algarrobo chañar', and 'palo amarillo' in Spanish-speaking countries. In its native range, the tree is an important part of the ecosystem and has long been used by the local communities for its various benefits.
Uses:
The Prosopis strombulifera tree has many uses, both for humans and animals. Its hard and durable wood is used for making furniture, tool handles, and charcoal. The bark contains tannins that can be extracted and used for tanning leather, dyeing fabrics, and preserving animal hides. The leaves, pods, and seeds are a valuable source of food for livestock, particularly in times of drought when other food sources are scarce. In human nutrition, the edible pods, which are rich in protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins, are used in traditional dishes and snacks. The tree has also been used for its medicinal properties, as it is believed to have antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Light Requirements
Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth. is a sun-loving plant that requires direct exposure to sunlight for optimal growth. In fact, it is highly tolerant of bright sunlight and can thrive in areas with high levels of solar radiation.
Temperature Requirements
Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in hot and dry conditions. It is a drought-tolerant species and can withstand prolonged periods of extreme heat and low humidity. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20 to 35°C. However, growth can still occur at temperatures outside this range.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are sandy or rocky. Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth. can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline, but prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils. It can also tolerate soils that are nutrient-poor and saline, which makes it a useful species for growth in arid and semi-arid regions.
Cultivation of Prosopis strombulifera
Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth., also known as the Argentine Screwbean Mesquite, is a hardy, drought-resistant plant that is native to Argentina. It can be cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions, and it is a good choice for people who live in areas that have limited water resources.
The plant grows well in sandy loam soil that has good drainage. It is also able to grow in soils that are nutrient-poor. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seedlings should be transplanted when they are about 6 inches tall and have a well-developed root system. Cuttings should be taken in the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Watering needs
Prosopis strombulifera is drought-resistant, but it still needs water to grow. The plant should be watered once a week during the growing season. The amount of water the plant needs will depend on the climate and soil conditions. Too much water can damage the plant, and too little water can cause the plant to dry out and die.
Fertilization
The plant is able to grow in soils that are nutrient-poor, but adding fertilizer can help the plant grow stronger and faster. The plant should be fertilized once a year with a slow-release fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied in the spring when the plant begins to come out of dormancy.
Pruning
Pruning is important for maintaining the health and appearance of the plant. Dead or diseased branches should be pruned off the plant as soon as they are noticed. The plant should also be pruned to control its size and shape. Pruning should be done in the early spring before the plant begins to grow.
Propagation of Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth.
Propagating Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth. can be easily done by using its seeds. The seeds should be collected during the autumn months and sown immediately. These seeds are usually dormant and require pretreatment to break their dormancy. Scarification of the seed coat or soaking of the seeds in hot water for several hours will help to break their dormancy.
The seeds of Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth. should be sown in sandy or loamy soil, with good drainage. The planting depth should be about 2-3 cm, and a spacing of 2-3 meters between each seed is recommended. After planting, the soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination takes anywhere between 2-6 weeks, depending on the environmental conditions.
It is also possible to propagate Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth. vegetatively. The plant can be propagated through cuttings, but this method is not widely used due to the low success rate. The plant can also be propagated through grafting, but this method is not commonly used either.
Overall, propagating Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth. through seeds is the most reliable and efficient method, and will result in a high success rate if the necessary pretreatments are given.
Disease and Pest Management of Prosopis strombulifera
Prosopis strombulifera is a valuable plant species that contributes significantly to the ecosystem as well as human livelihood. However, the plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage if not managed effectively. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Prosopis strombulifera and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Phomopsis sp. is a fungal disease that can cause defoliation and stem canker in Prosopis strombulifera. The disease manifests as brown spots on leaves and eventually leads to leaf drop, weakening the plant. To manage this disease, it is essential to prune and remove infected branches and leaves. Additionally, using fungicides can help control the spread of the disease.
Leaf rust fungus is another common disease that affects Prosopis strombulifera. Symptoms of the disease include yellowing of leaves and reddish-brown spots on upper leaf surfaces. To manage the disease, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves and spray copper-based fungicides.
Common Pests
Acacia psyllid (Acizzia uncatoides) is a common pest that feeds on the sap of Prosopis strombulifera. The insect can cause severe damage to leaves, leading to early defoliation and stunted growth. To control the pest, it is advisable to prune and remove infested branches and leaves. Additionally, using insecticides such as neem oil or imidacloprid can help reduce the population of the insect.
Root-knot nematodes feed on the roots of Prosopis strombulifera, leading to stunted growth and reduced vigor. To manage this pest, it is essential to maintain proper soil drainage and avoid over-irrigation. Additionally, using nematicides can help control the population of the pest.
Conclusion
By managing diseases and pests effectively, it is possible to ensure the healthy growth of Prosopis strombulifera. It is recommended to monitor the plant regularly and take appropriate measures at the first sign of infestation to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
