Effects of Climate Change on Weeds and Invasive Alien Plants in Sri Lankan Agro-Ecosystems: Policy and Management Implications

Changes in the climate have worsen problems caused by weeds and invasive alien plants (IAPs) agro-ecosystems at global scale resulting from their changes range population densities. Over past six decades, Sri Lanka has experienced a slow but steady increase annual environmental temperature 0.01–0.03°C. Increasing extreme events of rainfall, wetter wet seasons, drier dry seasons are some characteristic features observed over years. The Ministry Environment (MOE) established National Invasive Species Specialist Group (NISSG) 2012 adopted Policy on Alien (IAS) Lanka, Strategies Action Plan 2016. Further, MOE developed protocols to assess risk IAS pre- post-entry level country while incorporating change concerns. Periodic assessments being carried out prioritize actions against Lanka. Agriculture as Weed Strategy (NWS) identified Weeds Significance (WONS) under different priority crops. A study done 2014 clearly shown that weed control costs agricultural lands several district were nearly doubled during years El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). studies indicated IAPs also survive, expand impact continuously disturbed environments agro-ecosystems. Panicum trichocladum , species listed potential based assessment 2016, an its density distribution last 2–3 However, drawn less attention policy makers, scientists, practitioners relation island ecosystems. This paper focuses scientific evidence reported climate-related impacts agriculturally important IAPs, efforts made manage introduction spread across country.