Prof. Rexhep Uka was invited to AUT to deliver an open lecture focused on the challenges of plant protection from animal pests and the importance of integrated management as the most effective approach.
Prof. Uka addressed in detail the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), presenting it as one of the most sustainable approaches for protecting agricultural crops. He emphasized that plant protection, although often perceived as a specialized field, has a direct and far-reaching impact on the economy, the environment, and food security.
The professor highlighted the fact that insects existed long before humans and constitute a fundamental component of biodiversity, significantly influencing ecological balance.
He further shared interesting insights on the “abundance of insects,” emphasizing that their global biomass significantly exceeds that of many other groups of living organisms. These findings highlight their crucial role in food chains and in the functioning of natural ecosystems.
The lecture was followed with great interest by students, academics, and field professionals, creating a valuable space for discussion on the current challenges of agriculture and the role of science in addressing them.
Rexhep Uka, who has also served as Minister of Agriculture, has made a valuable contribution to the development of the sector both within university lecture halls and in the design and implementation of agricultural policies at the national level.
Through such activities, AUT transmits knowledge from experienced academic figures such as Rexhep Uka, shaping critical thinking and preparing a generation of professionals who will lead the transformation of agriculture toward a more sustainable and innovative future.
