Weed Management and Climate Change: Monitor, Measure, Manage.

Rising concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide, C_a and subsequent changes in climate, including temperature and precipitation extremes, are very likely to alter weed pressures in both managed and unmanaged plant communities.  Such changes in weed pressures can be positive (migration from a region), or negative (new introductions), but are likely to be accompanied by significant economic and environmental consequences.  Recent studies indicate the range of invasive weeds like kudzu  have already expanded to more northern regions as temperatures have risen.  To reduce these consequences, a better understanding of the link between C_a /climate and pest biology is needed in the context of existing and new strategies for pest management.  Here we provide an overview of the probable biological impacts, the vulnerabilities of existing weed management, (esp. chemical control) and provide a preliminary synthesis of research needs that could potentially improve our ability to monitor, mitigate and manage weed impacts.