The escalating activity of harmful insects, driven by global warming, has emerged as a grave concern for countries worldwide, including Azerbaijan and Türkiye, according to Professor Ismail Karaca from Isparta University of Applied Sciences in Türkiye. Speaking at a training session titled “Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Production in Azerbaijan within the Framework of Integrated Plant Protection” held in Baku, Professor Karaca highlighted the alarming impact of climate change on pest insect populations.
“Climate change stands as one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing humanity today,” stated Professor Karaca. “Research indicates that pest insects are migrating northward at a rate of 6.1 kilometers every decade. The rising temperatures not only influence insect behavior but also amplify their activity and destructive potential.
Professor Karaca emphasized that many nations are ill-prepared to tackle this growing threat, underscoring the necessity for global collaboration and joint initiatives to combat the surge in pest insect populations. He cited the example of Türkiye, which, despite being the world’s fourth-largest tomato producer and third-largest exporter, suffered significant losses in tomato production last year due to pest-related issues.
