Abstract

The mesquite, Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. is a small tree or shrub highly droughtresistant and extensively spread in India and other dry and semi-arid tropical regions.The plant was believed to one of the most damaging intruders impacting natural and manmade ecosystems, as well as local biodiversity in Tamil Nadu. Seemai Karuvelam is found in all districts of Tamil Nadu. This paper covers the study area at Mustakkuruchi Village ecosystem, Kariapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District in Tamil Nadu from March 2021 to June 2021. We highlighted the paper by splitting the area into three parts (Site I, II and III) based on the plant's growth density in the cultivating and non-cultivating fields. The effects of P. juliflora with discussing to the farmers such as groundwater table reduction, cattle infertility and reduction of herbivore food for cattle, and knowledge facts are discussed. It was identified that, the plant has been causing problems to the feeding habit of the herbivores due to its root system along with its expansion and invasion in agriculture is questioning sustainable land reclamation of the plant-invaded territory. Moreover, P. juliflora must be controlled through chemical, biological, and mechanical techniques as early as possible. There is currently no plan in place to control these weeds. At best P. juliflora spread can be halted by some actions which are all mentioned in this paper. Besides harm, this exotic weed has enormous beneficial roles.