Climate change, Crop-weed interaction, Elevated CO2 and Elevated temperature, Weed physiology, C3 plants and C4 plants
Agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate change, which influences key factors like land, water, and environmental conditions critical for crop production. Rising atmospheric CO2 and global temperatures exacerbate these challenges, particularly by enhancing the growth and competitive advantage of certain weed species. Elevated CO2 levels stimulate photosynthesis and biomass accumulation in C3 weeds, allowing them to outcompete crops, while higher temperatures shift weed growth cycles and distributions. Together, these changes complicate weed management, reduce herbicide efficacy, and contribute to resistance development. The combination of environmental stressors, such as heat and water scarcity, further strains agricultural systems, threatening food security and economic stability. This review critically examines the impacts of ever-increasing CO2 and temperature on weed biology, physiology, and population dynamics. It highlights the consequences of weed shifts, invasions, and altered life cycles, emphasizing the challenges these pose to agricultural systems. Drawing on recent findings, including experimental data from Open Top Chambers (OTCs) and Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE), the review discusses how elevated CO2 and elevated temperature can impact weed management practices. It also proposes mitigation strategies aimed at addressing these challenges, including the development of climate-resilient weed management practices and integrated weed management approaches. Understanding the impacts of climate change on weed dynamics is crucial for designing sustainable agricultural systems capable of adapting to future environmental conditions.