Chemical Inhibition and Ecological Impact of Prosopis juliflora in Saudi Arabia

Author(s): Alfagham Alanoud, Al-atawi, Reem, Alothmani, Yasmeen, Alsadoun, Aseel

Prosopis juliflora, an invasive species known for its allelopathic properties, poses a significant threat to biodiversity, particularly in arid regions like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This investigation sheds light on the chemical mechanisms underlying its allelopathic effects using Fourier- Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and assesses the influence of leaf extract and soil solution on the germination of native plant species (Acacia gerrardii, Horwoodia dicksoniae and Panicum turgidum). The study identifies critical allelochemicals responsible for suppressing native plant species under study. These include nitriles, alkynes, thiocyanates, carbonyl groups, and alcohols or amines in plant extracts and soil solutions, although plant extracts had the highest impact on seed germination. The results suggest these compounds interfere with plant proteins and cellular processes, reducing growth and biodiversity loss. The paper concludes with a call for urgent biodiversity conservation measures to mitigate the adverse impact of P. juliflora.