Archive of SID Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce: A life line tree species of the Thar Desert in danger

Prosopis cineraria is a very significant tree of the Thar Desert of India, contributing to ecological stability of the region and providing extensive support to human beings, livestock and the nutrient deficient soils. Since last one decade, problem of drying and mortality of this species has been noticed in some parts of the desert. Factors responsible for this drying phenomenon and research efforts undertaken by Arid Forest Research Institute, Jodhpur, India for various aspects related to the species has been discussed in the paper.