Weed potential and control
Because of its thicket formation, Senegalia brevispica can be a troublesome weed in pasture and it may be necessary to control its growth. When the trunks are cut down, they sucker profusely and regenerate easily, even after burning and clearing (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007; Skerman, 1982). In the 1990s, severe control methods were suggested such as digging out the trees for full control, repeated burning, or repeated spraying of the foliage with herbicide (2,4-D) mixtures. Spraying was recommended four to six months after cutting (Skerman, 1982). However, more recent research has been less negative. In semi-arid rangelands in Ethiopia, in spite of Senegalia brevispica encroachment, 23 grass species could be found in the sub canopy or in the surroundings of this shrub. The most important sub-canopy grass was red oat grass (Themeda triandra). Sub-canopy grasses were reported to yield better than on open lands. It was thus suggested to moderate the control of Senegalia brevispica (Tefera et al., 2010).