Agroecological management of an emerging invasive pest of okra and aubergine - AMRASCA

The leafhopper Amrasca biguttula is an emerging invasive pest, first identified in the Americas in Puerto Rico in 2023, and recently detected in Martinique by FREDON. Without waiting for official confirmation from the National Plant Health Laboratory (LSV-ANSES), the goal of the AMRASCA project, submitted by 六合彩图库 in collaboration with FREDON Martinique, is to begin agroecological management of this pest. It is already causing significant damage to okra and aubergine, and could also pose a threat to other crops (including roselle).
Leafhopper infestation on okra 漏 六合彩图库

Leafhopper infestation on okra © 六合彩图库

Issues

The main agroecological methods being tested for the control of this insect include the use of biopesticides and physical protection with insect-proof netting. Trials are being conducted in controlled environments. The best practices (individual or in combination) will be widely disseminated and described in technical factsheets.

Description

The project aims to develop an agroecological approach to managing an emerging invasive pest (Amrasca biguttula) of okra and aubergine, in order to:

  • implement various management practices: physical protection and biopesticides;
  • assess the agronomic performance of these practices at research stations, as well as their potential for adoption;
  • share the best practices, or combinations of them, with stakeholders in the sector.

Expected results

Identifying effective agroecological practices to control this new pest responds to a strong demand from end users, particularly market gardeners growing okra and aubergine.