Climate change, manifested through increased frequency and intensity of drought as well as rising temperature regimes, significantly influences weed dynamics in field crops in southern Romania. In this context, the effectiveness of conventional weed control methods, predominantly based on herbicides, is limited both by the emergence of resistance to active substances and by European restrictions on the use of plant protection products. This paper analyzes and systematizes the main biotechnological methods of weed control, with emphasis on cover crops, allelopathy, the use of biological agents, genetic improvement for enhancing crop competitiveness, and the application of bioinputs (beneficial microorganisms). The methodology consists of a critical review of recent scientific literature, correlated with the pedoclimatic characteristics of southern Romania. The results highlight that biotechnological methods contribute to reducing weed pressure through complex ecological mechanisms, such as resource competition, chemical inhibition, and optimization of rhizosphere interactions. At the same time, their effectiveness is strongly dependent on climatic conditions, particularly water availability and soil temperature. It is concluded that the implementation of integrated weed management, based on the combination of biotechnological strategies and their adaptation to local conditions, represents an essential direction for developing sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems. However, practical implementation remains constrained by economic and knowledge barriers.

biological control, weeds, climate change, cover crops

agronomy

Presentation: poster