Organic Pesticide from Atis (Anona squamosa) Leaves Extract

as an Alternative to Commercial Synthetic Pesticide

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 Abstract

Atis is a plant abundant in the Philippines. All parts of atis tree have medicinal

properties, such as poultice and enema to children with dyspepsia, abortifacient,

cataplasm to induce suppuration, astringent and possess vermicidal properties.

Because of these attributes, the researchers aimed to produce an organic pesticide

from the extract of Atis leaves ( Anona Squamosa ).

The pesticide was derived from the extraction of the 750 grams of Atis leaves.

The following experimental set-ups had been made: 30% Atis leaves extract and 70%

distilled water (15 ml atis leaves extract and 35 ml distilled water.); 50% Atis leaves

extract and 50% distilled water (25 ml atis leaves extract and 25 ml distilled water.);

70% Atis leaves extract and 30% distilled water (35 ml atis leaves extract and 15 ml

distilled water.); and 100% Atis leaves extract (50 ml pure atis leaves extract). Using the

different concentrations, the effectiveness was tested to some pests such as ticks,

termites, and hairy caterpillars in terms of mortality rate. T- test showed that there was

no significant difference between the experimental product and the commercial product

in terms of the pest’s mortality rate, at 0.05 level of significance. The results of

experimentation and data analysis showed that the experimental product is just as

effective as the commercial pesticide in eradicating pests. Thus, the organic pesticide

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from Anona squamosa leaves extract could be an alternative to commercial synthetic

pesticide.

Acknowledgement

The researchers would like to thank with all their hearts the people behind their project

who helped them to be successful in their undertakings.

Special thanks to Muntinlupa National High School Principal IV, Dr. Estrella C. Aseron

who gave them opportunity to conduct a research project. Science and Technology Faculty

headed by Mr. Dean Hermoso who gave them advices and helped them improving their project.

DOST assigned laboratory technician, Mr. George Gatdula, who assisted the in using the

MNHS- DOST Laboratory.

The researchers will not forget the biggest effort and support of their research adviser,

Mrs. Ma. Regaele Olarte, who have always been there to answer and counsel them in finishing

their research project, MNHS Chemistry Teacher IV , Mrs. Marissa Factor and MNHS Chemistry

Teacher III, Mrs. Anilet Cariaga who gave suggestions and guidance to advance their project.

Most especially, the researchers give gratitude to the parents who encouraged and supported

their children in their research project.

Finally, the researchers would also like to give back the glory to the Almighty God who

gave them more than enough patience, knowledge, wisdom and physical strength in fulfilling

this research project.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page 1
Abstract 2

Acknowledgement 3

Table of Contents 4

Chapter I – Introduction

A. Background of the Study 5

B. Objectives 6
C. Hypothesis 7
D. Significance of the Study 7
E. Scope and Limitations 8
F. Conceptual Framework 9
G. Review of Literature 9

Chapter II – Methodology

A. Materials and Instrumentation 14

B. Methods 15

Chapter III – Results 20

Chapter IV – Discussion 25

Chapter V – Conclusions and Recommendation 26

References/ Bibliographies 27

Appendices 28

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 Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

A pest is any organism which is damaging to humans or human concerns. This is

frequently because it causes ruin to agriculture through feeding on crops or parasitizing

livestock, such as codling moth on fruits, or boll weevil on cotton. An animal can also be

a pest when it causes detrimental effect to a wild ecosystem or carries germs within

human habitats. Examples of these include those organisms that lead to human

disease, such as rats and fleas which carry the plague disease, mosquitoes which

brings malaria, and ticks which carry Lyme disease.

One of the disturbing news that recently affected the community this year was

pest infestation in several parts of the country. Some cases even brought particular

areas to a state of calamity due to drastic devastation of crops, as well as livelihood.

Consequently, citizens continue to seek rapid development of control or eradication

procedures. More often than not, people buy chemicals to control pests and diseases.

Synthetic pesticides are commonly used to exterminate these irritating organisms since

they are mostly commercially available in the market. However, the use of synthetic

pesticides can have unintended negative effects.

One of the greatest risks to our environment and our health comes from the

chemical pesticides. In spite of the threats, the government continues its approval of the

use of toxic chemicals in making pesticides. Moreover science is constantly developing

variations of poisons. On the contrary, campaigns for sustainable development and

utilization of green products are very much supported. The use of organic pesticides is

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one way to do away with pests without posing harm since no detrimental chemicals are

present in it.
The researchers aimed to discover an alternative, safe, less expensive and eco-

friendly source in exterminating destructive pests in our environment using the extract

from the leaves of Atis (Anona squamosa), also known as sugar apple, sweet sop, and

custard apple. Atis seed extract was already proven to have insecticidal properties.

Hence the study sought to investigate the potentiality of its leaves in killing pests such

as ticks, termites, and hairy caterpillars.

B. Statement of the Problem

The researchers intended to find an effective way in solving pest infestation

through the development of an organic pesticide using Anona squamosa leaves extract.

Specifically, the study sought to answer the following questions:

1. Can organic pesticide from Anona squamosa leaves extract be an alternative to

commercial synthetic pesticide?

2. Is there a significant difference between the experimental product and the

commercial product in terms of the pests’ mortality rate?

3. Which of the following percent concentrations of Anona squamosa leaves extract

in aqueous solution will yield to the most number of pests exterminated over a

given period of time?

a. 100% b. 75% c. 50% d. 25% e. 0%

C. Hypotheses

1. Ha: Organic pesticide from Anona squamosa leaves extract can be an alternative

to commercial synthetic pesticide.

Ho: Organic pesticide from Anona squamosa leaves extract cannot be an

alternative to commercial synthetic pesticide.

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 2. Ha: There is a significant difference between the experimental product and the

commercial product in terms of the pests’ mortality rate.

Ho: There is no significant difference between the experimental product and the

commercial product in terms of the pests’ mortality rate.

3. The 100% concentration of Anona squamosa leaves extract will yield to the most

number of pests exterminated over a given period of time.

D. Significance of the Study

The use of alternative organic pesticides to exterminate harmful pests is

considered advantageous in a number of ways. Despite the fact that the “organic” does

not always connote “harm-free” since some plants contain toxic chemical compounds,

Anona squamosa leaves extract are already proven to be safe as it is even used as

herbal remedy in a form of tea. (http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org)

Among the product’s benefits, aside from being safe, environment-friendly, and

valuable in getting rid of pests, is that it is cost-effective. Additionally the study would

contribute to the following:

Community: There is a great prospect of diminishing harmful pests using the

organic pesticide from atis leaves; though it might not eliminate totally, it will still be of