Parasitism of Loranthaceae in Cocoa Agroecosystems of Daloa in Côte d’Ivoire: Ecological Basis for Management Based on Sustainable Plant Biodiversity

Abstract

Context: In Côte d’Ivoire, Loranthaceae are a major factor in the parasitism of trees and shrubs, particularly cocoa trees, causing damage that can affect productivity. Knowledge of their specific diversity and ecological preferences is essential for the development of sustainable management strategies for cocoa plantations. Methodology: The study was conducted in fifteen periurban cocoa plantations in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire. The inventory of parasitic species was carried out using the itinerant method, supplemented by direct observations in the field. Producers and plantations were selected using a purposive (non-random) sampling approach based on accessibility, plantation age and farmers’ experience. At the same time, thirty-five producers were interviewed using semi-structured interviews to analyse local practices for controlling Loranthaceae Results: Four species belonging to three genera were identified: Globimetula dinklagei, Phragmanthera capitata, Tapinanthus bangwensis and T. globiferus. Their development in the canopy of cocoa trees depends on light and shade. Damage ranges from partial or total invasion (50 %) to progressive depletion of trees (3.5 %). 95% of producers mainly prune infested branches, while only 5% reported manually pulling up clumps due to technical and safety constraints. Conclusion: These results provide a solid ecological and biological basis for the development of pre-biotechnological management strategies, including varietal selection and integrated biological control to limit the impact of Loranthaceae on cocoa trees in Côte d’Ivoire.