Lakatan (Musa Acuminata) Banana Peel Extract as an Alternative

for Chemical Pesticide

Aira A. Ueda
Grade VIII Banaba

Kate H. Cano
Grade VIII Banaba

Kidapawan City National High School

Science, Technology, and Engineering Program
Roxas St., Kidapawan City

October 2025
Introduction

Banana, or scientifically known as Musa paradisiaca, is one of the

most consumed and exported around the world. This fruit stands out for
its rich flavor, nutritional value, good adaptation, subtropical regions, etc.
Cavendish is the most popular type of banana, occupying around 47% of
the world's yearly production, with Colombia being the fifth biggest
exporter. In 2021, the banana exportations in Colombia increased by
1.83% with 111 million of box of 20 kilos (Staff, 2022). The consumption of
this fruit provides vitamins and nutrients, especially potassium, vitamins
C, B6, and B1, as well as being a source of minerals such as magnesium
and phosphorus, carbohydrates, and proteins (Gomes et al., 2020). Even
banana peel has been recovered in the elaboration of green banana flour,
in the preparation of meat products, in the production of biofuel, bio-
sorbents, pulp and paper, organic fertilizer, and food for animals. The
ripening stages of bananas were determined by analyzing the color
properties of luminosity, chromaticity, and color angle. The stages were
classified as the colors green, yellow, and yellow with brown flocks. This
chimeric fruit stands out for transforming a rich amount of starch into
sugars on ripening until reaching the eating quality potential.
One of the most important banana varieties in the Philippines, a
tropical nation, is Lakatan (Musa acuminata AAA Group). In order to
ascertain which post-harvest treatments could extend the shelf life of
bananas, the current study examined the effects of (GA3) gibberellic acid
at varying concentration rates on the quality and shelf life of bananas,
including physiological weight, peel color, and pulp-to-peel ratio; and to
assess the highest rates of GA3 that are most effective against the
"Lakatan" banana variety's rapid ripening activity. Additionally, banana
samples are soaked in various treatment concentrations for five minutes,
allowed to air dry for ten minutes, placed in polyethylene plastic
cellophane that has been opened with cardboard boxes in each
replication, and then left at room temperature (Zamora, B., Peñora, R., &
Seprado, J., 2023). While Pesticides are natural or synthetic compounds
that are applied to prevent, control, and eliminate insects, weeds, and
pests that affect the growth of plants. These compounds are classified
according to their mode of action, chemical structure, hazards, and
application [1,2]. Since the mid-1940s, global pesticide demand has risen
sharply and steadily, owing primarily to commercial farming [[3], [4], [5],
[6]]. Excessive and uncontrolled pesticide use resulted in food
contamination as well as environmental, agricultural, and aquatic pollution
[7]. Fruits, vegetables, processed foods, water, air, and soil can all contain
pesticide residues. Acute and chronic health effects from agricultural
pesticides and dietary exposure are serious public health concerns,
especially in developing countries. For human health, chemical pesticides
can be carcinogenic, cytotoxic, and mutagenic [8]. Because pesticides'
mode of action is not specific to a single species, they frequently
eradicate or harm organisms other than pests, including humans.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to investigate the potential of Lakatan (Musa
acuminata) banana peel extract as a natural pesticide. Specifically, this
study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the possible benefits of using banana peel extract as an

alternative to chemical pesticides to the environment?

2. How effective is the banana peel extract compared to a chemical

pesticide?

3. What amount of banana peel extract works best to control pests?

Based on the scientific principles the study relies on, the

researchers assume the effectiveness of Lakatan (Musa acuminata)
banana peel extract as an alternative for chemical pesticide. The
researcher predicts the following hypothesis in line with its scientific basis:

Ha1: Lakatan (Musa acuminata) banana peel extract has a

significant effect in killing pests compared to chemical pesticides.
Ha2: The quality or state of the banana peels affects the
effectiveness of the natural pesticide against pests.
Ha3: The amount of banana peels added to the pesticide has a
significant effect on the pesticide.

Ho1: Lakatan (Musa acuminata) banana peel extract has no

significant effect in killing pests compared to chemical pests.
Ho2: The quality or state of the banana peels does not affect the
effectiveness of the natural pesticide against pests.
Ho3: The amount of banana peels added to the pesticide has no
significant effect to the pesticide.
Objectives of the Study
This study aims to develop an alternative to chemical pesticides by
using Lakatan (Musa acuminata) banana peel extract as the main
ingredient. Pesticides are essential in agriculture and household use,
helping ensure an abundant harvest by protecting crops. However, they
also have several disadvantages, including harming non-target species,
disrupting the balance of the ecosystem, and causing tenacious health
issues. Human health risks include damage to the nervous system, skin
and eye irritation, loss of hormones, and loss of biodiversity. Moreover,
chemical pesticides often kill not only targeted pests but also beneficial
insects, pollinators, and other organisms that play a crucial role.
Natural pesticides are made from natural resources such as
minerals, plants, or microorganisms. They should also be eco-friendly,
effective against pests, and safer than synthetic chemicals. People these
days prefer natural pesticides over chemical pesticides for various
reasons. Firstly, it is environmentally friendly as without crop protection,
over half of the world’s crops would be lost to insects, diseases, and
weeds. Pesticides are essential for preventing the harmful effects of non-
biodegradable waste and can reduce the carbon footprint associated with
traditional chemical methods. The benefits of going from chemical to
organic include reducing pollution, avoiding the introduction of new
substances into soil, plants, and food, and improving health. Natural
pesticides help farmers grow more food on less land by protecting crops
from pests, diseases, and weeds, while also increasing productivity. They
promote healthy plant growth and can control pests below damaging
thresholds, such as predators, parasitoids, or pathogens. Also gives
benefits to the community by reducing the amount of biodegradable
waste in markets, houses, and fruit and vegetable stands. Natural pest
control solutions are safer and can be used around people and pets
without causing any harm. Additionally, natural pesticides offer a reduced
risk of respiratory problems. Overall, natural pesticides often offer a
promising and responsible alternative to traditional chemical approaches,
aligning with sustainable agriculture and environmental sustainability.
To successfully achieve this goal, firstly, we have to study and
research more facts about the Lakatan (Musa acuminata) banana peel
extract. As well as its effects on plants and even insects. Studying the
facts about them can help us be aware of the possible side effects and
benefits of using them as an alternative to chemical pesticides. As a
result, we will have a very helpful and efficient natural pesticide made of
Lakatan (Musa acuminata) banana peel extract.
Significance of the Study
This study is important because it explores a natural and eco-
friendly alternative for controlling pests in plants. By using Lakatan (Musa
acuminata) banana peel extract, the research promotes safer pest
management that does not harm humans, plants, or the environment. The
results of this study will benefit:
Students – by giving them new knowledge and ideas in making
natural pesticides for future research.
Teachers/Future Researchers– by providing a reference for studies
about organic and sustainable farming.
Farmers/Home Gardeners – by offering a cheaper and safer method
to protect crops from pests.
Community – by encouraging the use of natural products that
reduce chemical waste and protect the environment.

Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on creating and testing a natural pesticide made
from Lakatan (Musa acuminata) banana peel extract. The experiment will
be limited to observing its effects on selected pests such as aphids,
mealybugs, and leaf miners. The study will only use Lakatan banana peels
as the main ingredient, and the pesticide will be tested on plants grown in
a controlled environment.
This research does not include testing on other pests, using other
banana varieties, or comparing the extract with commercial chemical
pesticides. The duration of observation will also be limited to the set
period of the experiment.