Puducherry: Prof. P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, on Saturday released a comprehensive new book titled Prosopis Juliflora: Attributes, Impact, Utilization, highlighting the global threat posed by the invasive plant species Prosopis juliflora, commonly known in Tamil as Seemai Karuvelam.

The book, published by internationally reputed publishers Elsevier and Academic Press, compiles extensive research findings on the species, which has been described as one of the most aggressive and ecologically damaging weeds worldwide. India, particularly the Puducherry-Tamil Nadu region, has been severely impacted by the unchecked spread of prosopis, which outcompetes native vegetation through a phenomenon known as negative allelopathy.

The book is the result of sustained research led by former Pondicherry University professor S. A. Abbasi and his team, who have been exploring economically viable strategies to repurpose the plant's biomass as a resource.

The publication consolidates global studies and offers insights into the ecological impact and potential utilitarian value of the species.

Speaking at the launch, Prof. Babu expressed hope that the book would serve as a catalyst for international efforts to curb and manage the prosopis menace through sustainable solutions.

The seriousness of the issue was underscored in 2022 when public interest litigations were filed in the Madras High Court seeking government intervention.