Impact of Global Climate Change On Weed Biology and Management.

Carbon dioxide represents the raw material (carbon) needed for plant growth.  As carbon dioxide increases in the air as a result of industrialization and de-forestation, the growth of many plant species is likely to be stimulated globally; either indirectly through changes in surface temperature or directly through the increase in a basic resource.  While there are a number of crop plants that could respond positively to such a change (i.e. increased growth, yield), there are also a number of weedy species that could negatively impact human society.  I will discuss those potential impacts in three general areas: (1) weed/crop interactions and crop losses; (2) probable changes in the range and distribution of invasive weeds, and; (3) weed management. These data are far from complete, but should provide a broad overview of current issues, areas of uncertainty, and adaptation measures to be taken by the agricultural community.