Saint Francis of Assisi College

045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City

Effects of dieffenbachia seguine (dumb cane) leaf extract to mosquito larvae

A Quantitative Research
Presented to the Basic Education Department
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI COLLEGE-MAIN CAMPUS
Admiral Village, Talon III, Las Piñas City

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements in

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

Barte, Olyvia Erika E.

Fabe, Danica P.
Merciales, Svertsen A.
Ojenar, Charline D.
Oliveros, Vince Lynel
Padilla, Ian Timothy A.
Peñaranda, Darnny Uriel A.
Romero, Johnmarco T.
Valerio, Maria Angelica G.
Uson, Alain Gil
Grade 12- Elon Musk
Ms. Inah Mae R. Esteban
September , 2019
 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City

CHAPTER 1

The Problem and its Background

Introduction

Mosquitoes are group of 3,500 species of small insects that are flies. According to

Jacksonville, some mosquitoes can hatch in as little as one week. A mosquito has four distinct

life cycle: the egg, larvae, pupae and the adult. Mosquito females oviposit their egg on or near

the bodies of water. These eggs are almost transparent at first but gradually darken as they

mature. An egg hatched in a permanent-standing water matures in a span of 3 days and then,

reaches the larval stage. The larvae and the pupae are the aquatic immature stages because they

only occur in water. The former has four distinct developmental stages or intars. These are called

1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar. Upon reaching the fourth instar, the larvae will molt into the pupal stage.

Within the body casing of the pupa, immature starts to break down and adult tissues are forming.

Adult mosquitoes feed on blood considering that the adult males do not. Female

mosquitoes must take blood meal in order to lay eggs. The bite of a mosquito causes harm and

disturbance to people because it may transmit diseases such as Dengue fever, yellow fever,

chikungunya and etc.

Chemical insecticides such as, Baygon Spray, Off Spray and lotions are the alternatives

that are commonly used as mosquito repellents. These products have been proven effective that

controls mosquito-borne diseases in harming human-kind. However, these products became a

burden for those who have sensitive skin and pulmonary deficiencies.
 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City

In addition, insects have learned to fight back by evolving resistance to many insecticides. This

resistance make some chemical insecticides completely ineffectual.

At present, there are studies that are testing the use or organic materials that can be used

to reduce mosquito population through what we call larvicide. This study would like to

formulate a larvicide from Dumb Cane (dieffenbachia) crude extract to effectively reduce the

population of mosquitoes. This natural pesticide can be utilized to get rid of chemical-based

sprays and lotions.

Background of the Study

The rapid increase of dengue cases here in the Philippines made the Department of

Health (DOH) declare a National Dengue Alert. Over 106,630 dengue cases was reported by the

Philippines Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (PISDR) system. DOH data showed

that from the month of January up to June this year, the compared cases was 85 percent higher

than the last year case record of 57, 564. Mosquito species, specifically the female ones, feed on

the blood of their hosts. The mosquito’s saliva is transferred to the host during the bite and can

cause skin irritation and itchy rash. Mosquitoes are considered to be vectors of diseases such as

malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and etc. Through biting, mosquitoes transmit these diseases

to the future host and upon transmission, they caused death of many other than animal taxon.

Most dengue victims are children whose age ranges from 2-15 years old and sometimes, older

than the given range.

 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City

Dengue outbreak in the Philippines has been declared a national epidemic because of the

high number of deaths reported by the PISDR. The outbreak was caused by the heavy rains that

caused standing-water formations which is the breeding place of mosquitoes. In National Capital

Region (NCR), 10 out 17 local government units had an increase in dengue cases. Provincial

governments was also alarmed because of the outbreak. Affected regions are II, IVA, V, VI, VII,

VIII, IX, BARMM.

Dieffenbachia, also known as Dumb Cane, is a genus of tropical flowering plant in the

family Araceae. It is popular as house plants because of their tolerance of shade. Senguine and

Amoena are two of the most well-known species of this plant. Despite the fact that the dumb

cane is a favourite houseplant, it is not good for smaller children and pets. This houseplant is

poisonous because the leaves sap and roots that contain oxalic acid and primary damaging agents

called “raphides”. These raphides are needle-shaped crystals which are expelled from the cells

when the cells are broken and if ingested can cause oral irritation and may also lead to vocal cord

paralysis and other health problems.

This experimental study aims to establish a product that will effectively reduce the

population of mosquitoes and to eliminate sites where mosquitoes can continuously breed.

Mosquitoes can be managed using an integrated approach that relies mostly on prevention, using

biological and chemical controls, but attempting to control them or prevent their egg laying is
 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
difficult. Mosquito larvae are easier to manage, since they are concentrated in known areas, do

not bite, and cannot fly away.

Due to the fact that the Dumb Cane plant is high in toxicity, the researchers wanted to

test its potential in lessening the mortality of the mosquito larvae to prevent the spreading of

different diseases brought by these mosquitoes.

By this, the researchers will conduct an experiment in 4 different containers. The 3

containers will be part of the experimental group with different concentrations of the dumb cane

extract and one will be the control group.

The objective of this study is to create a water concentration from the Dumb Cane and to

help all people in their everyday life, because mosquitoes are dangerous to human health. It is

important to act quickly to kill mosquitoes when they are small, easiest to manage, and before

they become adults.

 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City

Conceptual Framework

Input Process Output

Knowledge
Requirements:
 Biology of
mosquitoes
 Steam
 Backgroun
Distillation
d study
 Experimentati The Dumb Cane
about the
on Plant is effective in
Dumb Cane
 Observation killing mosquito
Plant
 Data larvae.
Materials Needed gathering and
for experiment: Analysis

 Dumb Cane
Leaves
extract
 Mosquito

Figure 1

The conceptual framework incorporates the Input, Process and Output of the research.

The input includes knowledge requirements about the Dumb Cane plant and mosquito larvae. It

also includes the materials needed for the process. The next box gives the process that will be
 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
done all throughout the study. The output integrates the expected outcome of the research that

will provide the conclusion.

Statement of the Problem

This experimental study aims to address the following problems:

1. Is there a significant effect brought by the dumb cane plant extract to the mosquito

larvae?

2. Is it possible to develop a Larvicide from the Dumb Cane plant?

3. Is there a significant difference in the larvae population after putting the extract?

Hypotheses

This research aims to test the following hypotheses:

1. The container with 0.10 concentration of Dumb Cane extract is the most effective in

exterminating mosquito larvae.

2. The container with 0.5 concentration of Dumb Cane extract is more effective in

exterminating mosquito larvae.

3. The container with 0.01 concentration of the Dumb Cane extract is the least effective in

exterminating mosquito larvae.

4. The Dumb Cane extract is not an effective insect exterminator.

5. The dumb Cane extract does not diminish mosquito mortality.

 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City

Scope and delimitations

This research aims to show the effectiveness of the dumb cane plant as a larvicide

at three varying concentrations towards mosquito larvae. The researchers used rain water

as the component for the control group and the dieffenbachia leaves extract at 0.01, 0.5

and 0.10 concentration for the experimental group. The researchers selected the mosquito

larvae through the complete random design (CRD).

The present study is delimited to studying the effectiveness of an extract of a

perennial herbaceous plant to exterminate the larvae of the mosquitoes.

Significance of the Study

This study will be conducted to test the potential of the Dumb Cane extract in killing

mosquito larvae. This study will be of benefit to the following:

Children. Mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn. Children generally attract more

mosquito bites than adults because their skin is usually warmer. In this product, we can keep the
 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
mosquitoes away from the children, especially if your children is active on playing outside the

house.

Students. Students who are often exposed to the open grounds will have a safe and sound

environment wherein they will not be bothered by these mosquitoes. They will enjoy their time

outside their classroom without worrying that they might catch some diseases that will be

brought by these harmful mosquitoes.

Those who have sensitive skin. Majority of insect repellants contain substances like petroleum

and other synthetic chemicals that may cause skin irritations and allergic reactions. Through this

research, the use of insect repellants will be lessened.

Researchers. The researchers are able to acquire new knowledge through this research. Through

their interest and curiousity, they are able to discover new things.

Future Researchers. The ideas presented may be used as reference data in conducting new

researches or in testing the validity of other related findings. This study will also provide

baseline data needed for future researches and studies related to this one.

Definition of Terms

Dieffenbachia - a perennial herbaceous plant with straight stem, simple and alternate leaves

containing white spots and flecks, making it attractive as indoor foliage. 

Raphides - are tiny needle shaped crystals made up of calcium oxalate.

 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
Dengue - a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness and, sometimes

causing a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue.

Chikungunya – a self-remitting febrile viral illness that has been associated with frequent

outbreaks in tropical countries of Africa and Southeast Asia. 

Larvicide - an insecticide that is specifically targeted against the larval life stage of an insect. 

Steam Distillation - a process used for the recovery of volatile compounds with high boiling

point, from inert and complex matrices, solid or liquid, using saturated or superheated steam as

separation and energy agent. ( Cerpa et al., 2008)

Mortality - refers to the state of being mortal.

Zika Virus - Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes,

which bite during the day

Exterminating – to kill a pest.

Complete Random Design (CRD) – CRD are for studying the effects of one primary factor

without the need to take other nuisance variables into account.

 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City

CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

This chapter presents the related literature and studies both from the local and

foreign sources. This includes literatures and finished studies which has significant relationship

with the present study. The ideas presented in this chapter helps in familiarizing information and

also gives knowledge background that is significant to this study.

Related Literature

The efficacy of phytochemicals against mosquito larvae can vary significantly depending

on plant species, plant parts, age of plant parts, solvent used during extraction as well as upon the

available vector species(Chandra, Ghosh and Chowdhury, 2011). Dieffenbachia or commonly

known as Dumb cane is a poisonous ornamental plant. However, it is one of the most favourite

houseplants that can be seen inside the house (McKenney, 2019). This plant is not edible because

it can cause oral paralysis if ingested. According to an article by Stuart (2015), all plant parts are
 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
believed to contain lots of calcium oxalate crystals which when chewed can cause painful

swelling or blistering of the mouth. However, the toxicity in the leaves is higher than in the stem.

The toxicity of the dumb cane plant was made use as an insecticide. In a journal article by

Ramirez, Francisco and Pialogo (2017), dumb cane is a good alternative in the absence of

commercial insecticide. Dumb cane is visible anywhere making accessible at easier to make.

Aside from its accessibility, it is also proven to be highly effective in eliminating harmful insects

such as mosquitoes.

It is useful in environment to use organic type of insecticide because it will reduce the use of

chemicals and it purifies the surroundings. In the same article, it was also stated that although

poisonous, Dumb Cane can be possibly used in the formulation of anti-cancer drug that will help

prevent the spreading of cancer cells in the body.

Oloyede and Onocha (2012) phytochemically investigated Dumb Cane for toxicity.

According to them, it was revealed that alkaloids, saponins, phenol, flavonoids and resins were

present in the extracts of the leaves and stem of the Dumb Cane plant. It showed that the plant

has broad anti-microbial activity. According to De Luna et. Al, dieffenbachia contains dangerous

compound which is the oxalic acid. It’s potential in killing mosquitoes and other insects was

tested and with the data gathered, it was revealed that it is highly effective.

With the insecticidal effects of the dumb cane, some tested it’s effects on mosquitoes.

According to the Gripp (2016), mosquitoes are small, primitive flies that breed in standing water.

During their life, they pass through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. A mosquito
 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
egg hatches in the span of 1-3 days depending on the temperature. The larvae of all mosquitoes

live in water and have four developmental periods or instars. Upon maturity stage, the 4 th instar

larvae molts into pupal stage. According to the okstate.edu, the mosquito is very active and like

the larvae, it lives in water. It is better to create an insecticide which can kill a mosquito in larva

stage because it is considered as the immature stage of mosquitoes. They cannot fly away and

spread mosquito-borne diseases that brings people to their death. The adult mosquito is entirely

terrestrial and is capable of flying long distances.

According to an article published by Terminix, mosquito breeding grounds can be anywhere with

standing, stagnant water. This includes gutters, cmall containers, canals, bowls, etc.

Dieffenbachia Senguine’s toxicity suits mosquito larvae. A larvicide that can kill mosquito in

the larvae stage wherein these mosquitoes can be prevented from growing and turn into a

harmful organism.

RELATED STUDY

According to Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, David J. Norman, Pachanoor S. Devanand,

and Chih-Cheng T. Chao, dieffenbachia schott is an important ornamental plant genus. A total of

30 species were recognized, but most cultivars comes from a single or related species. As a

result, the potential lack of genetic diversity in cultivated Dieffenbachia has become a concern.

In a study conducted by Gascon, Dela Cruz, Del Mar, Mercader, Sukontasawat and

Fernandez (2018), dumb cane leaf extract with 5% concentration had the most effective

larvicidal potential among the experimental group towards Aedes mosquito. The use of dumb
 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
cane extract enhanced the use of pest-killer Baygon. The larvicide was used Aedes mosquito but

can be used to other species of mosquito aside from the Aedes.

Larval Feeding led to the discovery of the toxicity of the dumb cane plant.

According to the experimental study done by Hatem, Laila and Hassan (2015), the

preoviposition times, spermatophore number, and the number of laying days is still the same

though there were significant changes in the number of fertile laying days which means at

affected the female larval completely.

Dumb Cane extract was not only used as larvicide. In a study done by Dolino, Miquiabas,

and Telen, they used the extract in poisoning black rats. According to them, the Dumb Cane

extract’s oxalate crystals can poison black rats. It became useful to the householders because

black rats was a nuisance. It also helped lessen the usage of chemicals and help not only humans

but also the environment.

The plant species commonly known as Dumb Cane is a well-known plant in Nigeria.

According to the study of Seguin and Schott, Dumb Cane has an ornamental purpose inside

houses and business areas. The toxicity of the plant is observed when it is injected to the albino

rats. Several changes occurs such as labored breathing, blurred vision, and death were observed.

SYNTHESIS

The gathered literature and studies states that the Dumb Cane plant is a good alternative

in absence of commercial insecticide. As of this year, the number of dengue victims are
 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
increasing. Utilizing this type of organic insecticide is useful not only for humans alone but also

for earth. This research will develop a product that will help reduce population of mosquitoes

through a larvicide from an organic ornamental plant.

Chapter 3

Research Methodology

Mosquitoes are insects belonging to order Diptera, suborder Nematocera, and family

Culicidae. Some species of which are important vectors of diseases. This type of insect that

comes with different species in classification can transmit serious human diseases, causing

millions of deaths every year and the development of resistance to chemical insecticides

resulting in rebounding vector capacity. Plants may be alternative sources of mosquito control

agents (Kamaraj, C. 2011).

Dieffenbachia (Dumb cane) is phytochemically investigated for toxicity, antimicrobial

and antioxidant activities (Oloyede, G. 2012). Some of sorts (alkaloids, saponins, phenol,

flavonoids, resins...) can be presumably found on its leaves through phytochemical analysis and

screening to which results a chloroform extract as a byproduct. The objective of this study was to
 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
evaluate the larvicidal activity of the dumb cane leaf extract in overall capacity to its effects

against the larvae of Aedes Aegypti and Culex pipiens in which are the most commonly found

mosquito species on a tropical country like the Philippines and a prevalent vector of dengue

fever.

The following are the research designs discussing about the proper approach on

conducting the study, in able to gather specific and relevant results in which would be significant

to the data analysis procedure and conclusions for testing.

Data Gathering Procedure

3.1 Mosquito Rearing

An outdoor culturing of mosquito larvae of Culex pipiens and Aedes Aegypti will be

maintained at controlled conditions of 28° - 32° C temperature at 65-80% relative humidity. The

larvae are gathered through the traditional mosquito rearing method. The eggs will be separated

into several cups containing cup water and placed in screened cages (20x20x20cm). These larvae

can be kept alive by putting dried yeast or fish food on the sample.

3.2 Larval Mortality and Bioassay

Several features and susceptibilities by the subjects can be measured wherein significant

for the study, such as the mosquito larvae’s mortality and bioassay. The approach would be sub-

divided into 5 groups (4 experimental/treated, 1 control), having the 4 treated group to be

 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
distributed with different concentrations of dieffenbachia extract (0.250; 0.500; 0.750; and

1mg/L). A minimum of 30 larvae per concentration will be present on each group and each

container must be capable of holding a minimum of 500 mL of tap water for the capability to

sustain the fourth larvae stage. Bioassay will be performed using these concentrations. For

mortality studies, the larvae will be introduced in plastic beaker containing various

concentrations.

The treatment would be repeated five times and will be reported by the graph for the

linear regression of data and for further analysis. Two formulas will be used on calculating the

percentage mortality, (1); and the correctional formula when necessary introduced by Abbot

(1925) (2).

where n= the number of larvae, T=treated, C=control

3.4 Extraction

Dieffenbachia seguine leaves will be set washed and air-dried for the traditional steam

distillation process. Further phytochemical screening can be done with the plant to determine the

active properties and characteristics of a plant for further studies. The collected oil extract from

the process will be calculated and used with equal amount needed for each group. An emulsifier
 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
agent may be necessarily needed for the mixture of oil and water, but will have no effects on the

concentration and mosquito larvae mortality.

3.5 Statistical Analysis

The analysis program Probit (Finney, 1971), the lethal concentrations (LC) (µg/ml) for

50%, and 90% of the mortality, LC50 and LC90, respectively, were at 24 hours after treatment.

The 95% confidence intervals, values, and degrees of freedom of the χ2 of fit tests, and regression

equations, will be recorded .Whenever the goodness of χ2 was found to be significant ( p <0.05),

correctional factor was used in the calculation of confidence limits. Data from previous recorded

ones were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Table 1. Larvicidal activity of Dieffenbachia seguine at various concentration applied for 24h to

newly ecdysed fourth instars of Culex pipiens and Aedes Aegypti.

 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City

BIBLIOGRAPHY

(2016, April 16). Mosquitoes: why do some children get bitten more than others? . Retrieved

from https://www.youngparents.com.sg/development/mosquitoes-why-do-some-children-get-

bitten-more-others/

(2018, March 22). The Benefits of Using Natural Organic Repellents . Retrieved from https://da-

aromatherapy.com/blogs/news/the-benefits-of-using-natural-organic-repellents

MACALINAO, S., REYES, L. E., MEMITA, A. Y., Damian Jr., E., & Dulay, R. M. (2018).

TOXICITY AND TERATOGENICITY OF Dieffenbachia amoena LEAF EXTRACT.

International Journal Of Biology, Pharmacy and Allied Sciences, 7 (8).

 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
(2019). Vector Disease Control International. Retrieved from http://www.vdci.net/mosquito-

biology-101-life-cycle

Entomology and Plant Pathology. Retrieved from http://www.vdci.net/mosquito-biology-101-

life-cycle

Gripp, S. (2016, February 22). PennState Extension. Retrieved from

https://extension.psu.edu/mosquito-biology-and-control

Knight, T. (n.d.) Our House Planted. Retrieved from

https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/dieffenbachia

Ajuru, M. G., Nmom, F., & Eunice, I. (2018). Toxicological Evaluation of Dieffenbachia Seguin

(Jacq.) Schott (Dumb Cane) on Wister Albino Rats. Research Journal Of Food And Nutrition, 2

(1), 38-43.

Chen, J., Henny, R., Norman, D., & Devanand, P. (2004). Analysis of genetic relatedness of

Dieffenbachia cultivars using AFLP markers . Journal of the American Society for Horticultural

Science, 129 (1), 81-87.

Sittie, G., Jay Ann, D. C., Del Mar, V. A., Mercader, M., Sukontasawat, T., & Fernandez, V.

(2017). A study on the larvicidal effects of Dieffenbachia (dumbcane) leaf extract

on Aedes mosquito larvae mortality.

 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
Ayodele, O., Ewulo, B., & Adenawoola, A. (2011). Effects of number of nodes per cutting and

goat dung on the growth of Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia seguine JACQ) under screen-house

conditions in Nigeria. International Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Soil Science,

1 (11), 497-502.

Hatem, A. E., Laila, E. S., & Hassan, A. T. (2015). Effects of Host Plants as Larval Feeding on

the Biology Spodoptera littoralis(Boisd.)(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) . Egyptian Journal of Applied

Sciences, 30 (3), 81-95.

Pialago, H. B., Ramirez, A., & Francisco, R. D. (2017, August 13). DUMB CANE as

Insecticide . Retrieved from https://ravendave.blogspot.com/2017/08/dumb-canedieffenbachia-

sap-90-and.html?m=1

Faye, D. L. (n.d.) Dieffenbachia Pesticide . Retrieved from Pialago, H. B., Ramirez, A., &

Francisco, R. D. (2017, August 13). DUMB CANE as Insecticide . Retrieved from Pialago, H.

B., sRamirez, A., & Francisco, R. D. (2017, August 13). DUMB CANE as Insecticide .

Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/34761155/Dieffenbachia_Pesticide

Alma, D., Delsan, G., Cheryl, M., & Nikol, T. (2011, December 7). Dumbcane Stem Extract as

Rodenticide or Black Rats . Retrieved from Pialago, H. B., Ramirez, A., & Francisco, R. D.

(2017, August 13). DUMB CANE as Insecticide . Retrieved from Pialago, H. B., Ramirez, A., &

Francisco, R. D. (2017, August 13). DUMB CANE as Insecticide . Retrieved from

https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Dumbcane-Stem-Extract-as-Rodenticide-or-Black-

P3KHMJ4KRYYS
 Saint Francis of Assisi College
045 Admiral Rd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
Oloyede, G., Abimbade, S., & Onocha, P. (2012). Phytochemical, toxicity, antimicrobial and

antioxidant screening of extracts obtained from Dieffenbachia picta (Araceae) Leaves and Stem.

Journal of Science Research, 11 (1), 31-43.

Jabilles, A., Olita, A., Telesforo, M. I., Herradura, J. E., & Gamboa, M. J. (2016). PESTICIDAL

PROPERTY OF BAKYA (DIEFFENBACHIA AMOENA) LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST

YELLOW RICE STEM BORER (SCIRPOPHAGA INCERTULAS) . Asia Pacific Higher

Education Research Journal, 3 (1).