Prosopis tree species form a major component in dry forests and savannahs in the Americas, and introductions into Africa and Asia have now made Prosopis species, principally P.juliflora, one of the most widespread trees in the arid and semi-arid zones of the world. Random introductions of poorly documented germplasm into Africa and Asia, coupled with little transference of the technologies whereby it is utilised commercially in its native range, have led to the under-utilisation of this forest resource.

Thorny Prosopis shrubs, widespread in Africa and India, came from the introduction of inferior germplasm, and has lead to a poor appreciation of the genus. Research trials from several continents have identified superior material in terms of growth, pod production, erectness and thorn-less-ness, in a range of rainfall and salinity regimes. There is a need for the dissemination of information concerning this material. In some regions, Prosopis has spread from the low rainfall zones in which it was planted, invading water courses, irrigated agricultural land, and adjacent higher rainfall areas. The need for information concerning the relative invasiveness of species, reproductive biology and methods for controlling the spread, or eradication has been strongly demanded by many organisations.

Plantations and natural forests of Prosopis provide regional marketable outputs, such as timber and charcoal in the USA, honey in Mexico, animal feed in Brazil, gums, fodder and firewood in north-eastern India, timber, charcoal and human foods in South America, and firewood in West Africa. Prosopis species are unusual in their importance, both as a vital fuel resource for some of the poorest and most disadvantaged rural and peri-urban inhabitants in India, and as economically important sources of timber and animal feeds in South America. The different experiences of these disparate economic activities need to be evaluated and disseminated, to develop the potential of diversified output from Prosopis forests in plantations in the dry zones of the world.

Collation and dissemination of the present state of knowledge of Prosopis juliflora and related arboreal species as a monograph and database. Production and dissemination of a technical manual, appropriate to the Indian context. The objectives of the outputs are to facilitate an increase in productivity, utilisation and diversification and commercialisation of Prosopis products.

• Monograph on Prosopis juliflora and related arboreal species.
• Technical manual for India on management of Prosopis.
• Database of Prosopis literature.