Broadening the scope of weed research: Integrating ecological theories to propel weed management

Abstract

Weed science plays a vital role in mitigating the negative impacts of weeds in agriculture and natural ecosystems. However, the field has received criticism for its limited theoretical foundation and excessive focus on phenomenological and narrow scope. Our contention is that weed science needs to integrate more ecological theories to foster a deeper understanding of weed ecology, biology, and management. By embracing theoretical frameworks, weed science can enhance its ability to predict and explain weed dynamics, identify underlying mechanisms, and develop sustainable management strategies. This insight emphasizes the advantages of integrating theoretical approaches and offers practical recommendations to integrate ecological theory effectively into weed science research.