TITLE: The Effectiveness of Home-Made Insecticides Derived from Three

Tropical Plant leaf extract name: Neem and Chili pepper

STUDENT NAME:

SCHOOL NAME: Bishop Anstey High School East

LOCATION: Bishop Anstey High School East,

#1 College Avenue,

Trinidad and Tobago

SCHOOL NUMBER: 160195

STUDENT REGISTRATION NUMBER:

YEAR OF EXAMINATION:

TEACHER: Mr. Williams

START DATE: 8th February, 2023

END DATE: 18th March, 2023

 Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction...........................................................................................................................................3
1.1Literature Review...............................................................................................................................3
1.2 Aim....................................................................................................................................................4
1.3 Objective...........................................................................................................................................4
1.4 Problem Statement.............................................................................................................................4
1.4 Hypothesis.........................................................................................................................................4
2.0 Methodology.........................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Experimental Design.........................................................................................................................5
2.2 Treatments.........................................................................................................................................5
2.3 List of materials and equipment.........................................................................................................7
2.4 Data Collection..................................................................................................................................8
2.5 Data Analysis....................................................................................................................................8
3.0 Schedule of activities and description of activities................................................................................9
4.0 Results.................................................................................................................................................13
5.0 Discussion...........................................................................................................................................18
5.1 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................19
6.0 Cost Analysis.......................................................................................................................................20
6.1 List of Activities..............................................................................................................................20
6.2 Projected Budget.............................................................................................................................20
6.3 Actual Budget..................................................................................................................................22
6.4 Results.................................................................................................................................................23
7.0 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................24
7.1 Recommendation.................................................................................................................................25
8.0 References...........................................................................................................................................26
 INTRODUCTION

Field corn, Zea mays (L.), is one of the most commonly grown field crops in the America’s.
Corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), larvae infest numerous cultivated and wild hosts. This
insect is considered to be one of the most damaging insect pests across all crops in North
America. . Infestations in field corn occur annually during both the vegetative and reproductive
stages (Fitt 1989). With larval feeding generally restricted to the upper part of the ear near the tip
(Dicke and Guthrie 1988), with estimated yield losses ranging from 1.5 to 2.5% (B. M. Olivi, et
al. 2019).
To obtain maximum crop production, management of insect pest is of critical importance. The
pesticide used should not contain harmful chemicals that could potentially damage organisms
other than the specific pest targeted. Growing crops in our school garden often result in severe
damage to the crop, making them unattractive for marketing. It is therefore important to find a
solution to chemical pest control that would result in quantity produce and limited damage.

Organic pesticides are made from naturally occurring ingredients compared to non-organic
pesticides which are made synthetically, they are often used in vegetable gardening and even
flowering gardens. Organic pesticides are available in various forms such as insecticidal soap,
minerals, powdered bacteria like Bacillus thuringiensis, they contain chemicals derived from the
plants. These items can be bought in a local agricultural shop or it can be made at home which is
what would be done for treating our Pak Choi crops for the purpose of this SBA.

Synthetic pesticides are one of the most commonly used methods of controlling insects and
is heavily depended on by farmers to control insects on crops. Even though the use of synthetic
pesticides assists farmers in protecting their crops from insects it creates issues such as
environmental contamination, residues in food and plants (damaging the health of human and
animals) and pest resistance due to repeated use of the same class of pesticides. With all these
issues, organic insecticides are considered a better alternative.

During evolution plants have created a defense system against most insects, making them
the best source for insect pest control. Extracts from certain plant families, particularly
Asteraceae, Annonacae and Maliaceae are viewed as exceptionally promising sources of plant-
based insecticides. For the purpose of this SBA plant extracts from neem, hyssop and cayenne
will be used to examine its effectiveness as an organic pesticide on the Pak Choi crop. These leaf
extracts will be used to control pests typically known to attack pakchoi, like Leafminers
Liriomyzasp, Budworm Hellulaphidealis and Diamond back moth Plutellaxylostella known to
create many tiny ‘windows’ and shot holes all over the leaves.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a tree native to Burna of India. The tree was introduced to
parts of South Africa and the Caribbean. The fast-growing tree is used in medicine, cosmetics
and in organic farming. Oil is extracted from the seed’s kernels (which contains 50% of the oil),
leaves and stems of the Neem tree to obtain the insecticide to control insects on crops. The main
component responsible for the toxic effects on insects is known as Azadirachtin which is a
chemical compound in Limoiod group found in the neem seed. The neem oil helps in controlling
insects that gather on leaves and stems like aphids and whiteflies.

Cayenne pepper is used in pesticide sprays to control insects from attacking crops. The type
of chili peppers was originally grown in French Guiana, but spread and is largely grown in
Mexico, East Africa, India and in most tropical regions. It is used mostly to flavor dishes but is
also used as an ingredient in insecticides. Cayenne pepper is used as a method of controlling
pests because of the capsaicin compound which it contains and gives it its hot taste is considered
distasteful to insects (Guides, Heidi 2018). Insects affected by the repellant include aphid, lace
bugs, cabbage maggots and spider mites. For flying insects, the cayenne pepper spray is best
recommended, however the powder is recommended for crawling pests.

1.2 Aim
To investigate the effectiveness of homemade pesticides from chili pepper.

1.3 Objective
To determine the effect of organic pesticides from cayenne pepper leaf extract on insect’s
mortality.

1.4 Problem Statement

The effect of chilli pepper in controlling insect pest at Bishop Anstey High School East is unknown

1.5 Hypothesis
The pesticide spray would be the most effective on the insect’s mortality.

2.0 Methodology

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Materials Preoperational Operational Post Operational

Tools

Corn seeds Shovel Cutlass Knife

Biopesticide Wheelbarrow Hand spade Scale

3 garlic bulbs Garden hose (with Watering can Plastic bags

3 medium onions flower head) 1.5 l high volume, Rubber bands

Neem leaves Hoe low pressure Styrofoam trays

Cayenne pepper Fork sprayer

Hyssop leaves Rake

Dishwashing liquid Garden line

Water Blender

Nutrex (20.20.20)

Grow box

Concrete blocks

(6x8x16)

Topsoil

gravel

rotting wood &cow

 manure

Calcium carbonate

Picture showing Nutrex (20.20.20) Pic showing ingredients used in biopesticide

calcium carbonate (lime), spray bottle

2.1 Experimental Design

Study site; The trial was carried out at the Bishop Anstey Trinity College East garden, College
Avenue Trinity, Trinidad and Tobago, on February 8th, 2023. The experiment was conducted in a
completely randomize block design replicated 3 times using neem, chili pepper leaf extract
insecticide as the experimental group and no application of insecticide as control group.
Spraying was done every two days using a high volume, low pressure 3-liter sprayer. Plants were
observed for insect damage or death of insect before every spraying cycle. Injury was classified
by severity: “clean ears” had no injury, “tip damage” indicates injury limited to the area above
the “shoulder” of the ear; “major damage” indicates injury that progressed below the shoulder
and beyond. Injury was expressed as the percent of total ears that were clean, or had tip or major
injury. The number of kernels produced and the percentage of corn earworm and damage on the kernels
under natural infestation were recorded.

2.2 Treatments
Two treatments comprising the organic pesticide sprays neem, or cayenne pepper leaf extract and
a control was no spraying.

Preparation of the neem spray treatment

The ingredients used for the preparation of the neem spray were:

1 garlic bulb

1 medium onion

1-pound neem leaves

1000ml water

1 tablespoon dish washing liquid.

The spray was prepared by the Neem leaves being stripped from stem and finely chopped. Onion
and garlic were sliced and diced to a mince. All chopped ingredients were added together in a
blender. Water was added to the blender and blended until all ingredients became pureed. This
mixture was strained and allowed to stand for one hour before adding soap, then the spray was
ready to use.

Preparation of cayenne pepper spray treatment

The ingredients used to prepare the cayenne pepper spray were:

1 garlic bulb

1 medium onion

1-pound cayenne pepper leaves

1000ml water
1 tablespoon dish washing liquid

The spray was prepared by the cayenne pepper leaves being stripped from stem and finely
chopped. Onion and garlic were sliced and diced to a mince. All chopped ingredients were added
together in a blender. Water was added to the blender and blended until all ingredients became
pureed. This mixture was strained and allowed to stand for one hour before adding soap, then
the spray was ready to use.

COST ANALYSIS

PROJECTED BUDGET

Projected Income: This is a financial projection of how much money the farmer
anticipates he/she will get from the sale of produce.

Crop No. of Plants Ears Unit Cost Total Cost

Corn 380 190 4 ears/$12.00 $570

Variable Expenses: These are the materials that are used to perform the task, but their
prices can always also change as requirements for the task can change as well.

ITEM QUANTITY PRICE ($) (FOR PRICE

1 OBJECT) (QUANTIFIED)

Magic Bullet 1 150 450.00

 Mini Blender

Hamilton Beach 1 600 1200.00

Multi-Function

Blender

Onion 7 2.50 17.50

Garlic 7 0.50 3.50

Styrofoam Cups 12 8 8.00

Plants Spoons 12 6 6.00

Strainer 2 20 40.00

Spraying Can 2 95 190.00

Neem Leaves 1 LBS 25 25.00

Hyssop Leaves 1 LBS 25 25.00

Chili Pepper ¼ LBS 30 30.00

Water 3 CUPS - -

Measuring 2 70 140.00

Cylinder

Knife 2 25 50.00

Cutlass 15 80 1200.00
 Hoe 12 175 2100.00

Garden Fork 7 150 1050.00

Liquid Soap 2 15 30.00

Fertilizer Bottles 3 10 30.00

Fertilizer 1 LBS 35 35.00

Seedlings 4 trays*2 40 160.00

Ceramic Mortar & 5 60 300.00

Pestle Set

TOTAL = 7,090.00

Fixed Expenses: These are the items that are required to perform the task, but their
prices and their requirement would not change as well.

ITEMS QUANTITY PRICE ($)

Land ½ acre 0

Property Tax 100

Depreciation 100

Transportation 0

Total = 200
 Profit/loss Gross income – total

expenses

6.3 Actual Budget

Income

Crop No. of ears Unit Cost Total Cost

Corn 170/4 =43 $10.00 $425

variable expenditure

ITEM QUANTITY PRICE ($) TOTAL PRICE ($)

Seeds ½ lb 4 4

Fertilizer 25lbs 60 60

Soil Treatment:

Rizolex 1 pack 45 45

Banort 1 pack 45 45

Food Grade Bags 3 pack 11.50 34.50

Spray Can

Magic Bullet Mini

Blender

Irrigation Hose 1 rolls 150 150

TOTAL VARIABLE EXPENSE=

Actual fixed expenses

Items Quantity Price ($)

Land 0.00

Property Tax - 0.00

Depreciation - 0.00

Transportation - 0.00

Total = 0.00

Total expenditure – Fixed expense + variable expense

Profit/loss = gross income-total expenses

ANALYSIS OF BUDGETS

Complete/projected Actual
Income
Variable expenses
Fixed expense
Net income/profit/loss

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
2. Addor RW (1995) Insecticides. In: Godfrey CRA (Ed) Agrochemicals from Natural

Products Marcel Dekker, Inc. pp 1 – 62.

3. Isman MB, Koul O, Luczynski A, Kaminski J (1990) Insecticidal and antifeedant

bioactivities of neem oils and their relationship to azadirachtin content. Journal of

Agriculture and Food Chemistry 38, 1406-1411.

4. Ramharacksingh, R. (2018). Agricultural Science for CSEC Examinations. Macmillan

Publishers Limited.

5. Ramsingh, R. (2011). How to Grow Pakchoi. Home Gardening Series, HG/TT:Ag Ext 98

:169.https//agriculture.gov.tt/publications/grow-pak-choi.

6. Homemade Organic Pesticide Every Gardener Must Know - Retrieved February 15, 2021,

from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_IdEayJg7E.

7. How to : Make Homemade Insecticide ( Complete Step by Step Guide to Killing Garden

Pests & Insects) - Retrieved February 7, 2021, from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11K7TmGbK2s

8. Insecticide activity of Mediterranean essential oils Pages 17 – 23 published online : 04

Apr 2008.
9. Impact of Simulated Corn Earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Kernel Feeding on Field Corn Yield
B. M. Olivi,1 J. Gore,2 F. M. Musser,3, A. L. Catchot,3 and D. R. Cook2,4. Journal of Economic
Entomology, 112(5), 2019.

10. Timely application of four insecticides to control corn earworm and fall armyworm larvae in
sweet corn. Diego M. Viteri and Angela M. Linares-Ramirez, 2022.