Abstract

Okra and eggplant are fundamental in local diet and key components of agricultural economy in Côte d'Ivoire, through their significant contribution to food security and population welfare. However, these crops are severely threatened by infestation from jassids (Cicadellidae), especially the cotton jassid Amrasca biguttula and Jacobiasca lybica, which induce devastating plant damage. This study in Daloa revealed 20.74% infestation, with severity levels intermittently rising, particularly in field borders. Both jassid pests coexisted in some plants, causing the most damage. They cause major physiological stress on okra and eggplant, including leaf chromatic changes, curling, desiccation, and premature leaf abscission, leading to substantial reductions in plant vigor and yields. Besides direct damage, these jassids transmit plant viruses that amplify production losses and affect local food security, contributing to rising food prices. The natural predator Macrolophus pygmaeus has been found affecting jassid densities, highlighting its crucial role in their biological control of pest outbreaks. Consequently, integrated management strategies combining biological control via M. pygmaeus, the adoption of adapted cultural practices, and varietal improvement appear indispensable to mitigate jassid impacts while preserving ecological balance.

Key words: Amrasca biguttula, Côte d'Ivoire, eggplant, food security, Jacobiasca lybica, Macrolophus pygmaeus, Okra.