Does Climate Change Favour Weeds Over Crops? - Dr Lewis Ziska, USDA

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Atmospheric CO2 has been on the rise since the 1960s. Levels have increased roughly 22% according to some scientists. That increase can be seen as favourable to plants in general, but according to some researchers, it may not be as broad as that. Some research states that the increased levels of atmospheric CO2 may actually favour the growth and distribution of weed species over traditional crops.  Does climate change really give the upperhand to weeds over crops?  what does this say for the future of organics or conventional agriculture?

Dr. Lewis Ziska is a Plant Physiologist with the USDA and he spoke at the Guelph Climate Change Symposium this month.  His research has focused on the effects of climate change on weed species and the resulting effects on agricultural production. Bernard Tobin sat down with him to discuss what producers can expect with regards to new challenges in weed management as well as where innovation will have to focus to be effective in the future.

If you cannot see the embedded video below click here.

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