Chapter I

Background of the Study

Organic farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of

synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc.)

and to the maximum extent feasible rely upon crop rotations, crop residues,

animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and

biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection”. Currently, organic

agriculture is commercially practiced in 120 countries, representing 31 million ha

of certified croplands and pastures (0.7 percent of global agricultural lands and

an average of 4% in the European Union) and 62 million ha of certified wild lands

for organic collection of bamboo shoots, wild berries, mushrooms and nuts.

Although difficult to quantify, non-certified organic systems (e.g. indigenous

models that follow organic principles by intent or by default) of several million

small farmers may represent at least an equivalent share in subsistence

agriculture of developing countries. (Meena, H. 2014).

The markets share for organic products are highest in North America

(30%) and Europe (40%). As of 2007 Austral-Asia (Australia, New Zealand, and

neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean) has 39% of the total organic farmland,

including Australia's 1,180,000 hectares. US sales are 20 times as much. Europe

farms 23 % of global organic farmland (6,900,000 ha), followed by Latin America

with 19% (5.8 million hectares). Asia has 9.5% while North America has 7.2%.

1
Africa has 3%. African nations are among the countries with the fewest organic

farms (World Atlas, 2018).

However in recent years, farmers commonly use pesticides to kill various

pests without knowing its effects to the environment. Pesticides are chemical

compounds that are used to kill pests, including insects, rodents, fungi and

unwanted plants (weeds). Pesticides are mainly used for benefits like crops

protection, preservation of food materials and prevention of vector borne

diseases. Gross use of pesticides cause damage to public health and

ecosystem. Incidence of poisoning, as reported, is 13-fold higher in developing

countries than in highly industrialised nations, which consumes 85% of world’s

pesticide production. Most pesticide related poisoning in developing nations can

be attributed to lack of training in their use, poor legislative control and

carelessness in providing protection to the body during their application (Akashe

M. et. al., 2018).

The trend for food safety and pest control in today’s era is changing from

conventional pesticide use to use of bio pesticides, also known as green

pesticides, to save the environment from pesticide pollution and human kind from

possible health hazards due to harmful chemicals in conventional pesticides. The

main aspects to develop the bio pesticide are to identify, isolate, evaluate and

use as bio pesticide of the active ingredient of any biological organism or plant.

Different methods are adopted to use these eco-friendly and safe compounds in

agricultural system. These safe compounds of biological origin are the need of

2
our system to save deteriorated environment and human health and also for

organic agriculture (Kaur A. & Kaur P. 2017).

The municipality of Tupi, South Cotabato is known to be the flower and

fruit basket of South Cotabato in which it devotes 19% of its total land area for

agricultural production. The abundance of fruits more specifically the (Guava) is

found in the locality. Guava trees produce sweet smelling with an edible rind, with

creamy white, yellow or pink flesh. When ripe, guavas release a sharp, musky

odour that draws fruit flies. Fruit flies are among the world's most serious pests of

different horticultural crop due to their direct impact on the economy. They are

among the most destructive pest they cause an enormous threat to the

production of fruits and vegetables throughout the tropical and subtropical areas

and causes both quantitative and qualitative losses. Fruit flies lay their eggs

inside the fruit and the maggots feed on the flesh. As a result fruits rot and

infestation often spread quickly (Batool A. 2018). With an eager desire to help

solve the problem and aid the farmers who lack financial stability, improve

orchard farming, our quality of life, invest with profitable income, maintain the

balance of nature and improve the quality of life as a whole.

Statement of the problem

This study aimed to determine the effect of Cymbopogon (Lemongrass)

and Azadirachta indica (Neem) as organic-based pest control (OBPC) solution

against Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit flies) on Psidium Guajava (Guava).

3
Furthermore, this study produced and tested with 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 ratio of

Cymbopogon (Lemongrass) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) concentrations.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

1. Is Cymbopogon (Lemongrass) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) effective

against Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit flies) on Psidium Guajava (Guava)?

2. Is there any significant difference between Cymbopogon (Lemongrass) and

Azadirachta indica (Neem) solution at different ratios?

a. 1:1

b. 1:2

c. 2:1

3. Is there any significant difference among the effect of Cymbopogon

(Lemongrass) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) compared with Commercial

Pesticide?

Hypotheses

Hₒ: There is no significant difference between the means of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 of

concentration of Cymbopogon (Lemongrass) and Azadirachta indica (Neem).

Hi: There is a significant difference between the means of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 of

concentration of Cymbopogon (Lemongrass) and Azadirachta indica (Neem).

Hₒ: There is no significant difference between Cymbopogon (Lemon Grass) and

Azadirachta indica (Neem leaves) compared with Commercial Pesticide.

4
Hi: There is a significant difference between Cymbopogon (Lemongrass) and

Azadirachta indica (Neem leaves) compared with Commercial Pesticide.

Significance of the Study

This study was conducted for the beneficial effects to the society in light of

the fact that it can raise knowledge for people to develop and make use of plants

found in nature that will help to address issues regarding pests in crops. The

researchers want to contribute knowledge in maintaining good health in crops by

producing pesticides out of lemongrass and neem leaves. To lessen the

problems of pests in crops, the researcher have made this organic pesticide.

Understanding the aftereffect of this study could be profoundly important and

advantageous explicitly to the following:

Student researchers. It serves as a foundation to discover and further

produce solutions out of organic materials to prevent and control pests that

damage plants.

Farmer and Agriculturist. It serves as a way to encourage farmers to

produce organic based pest solutions for their cropland.

Community. It serves as an inspiration to the community to utilize cost-

effective, healthy and eco-friendly organic based solutions to control pests in

farming. And to share knowledge of the importance of organic pesticides in

crops.

5
 Agricultural Industry. It serves as a way to develop and produce modern

technology that can help control crop pests.

Scope and Delimitation

The study is only limited to the production and application of Cymbopogon

(Lemongrass), and Azadirachta indica (Neem). Its application is also limited to

Psidium guajava (Guava) plant infested by Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit flies)

selected by the researchers in Tupi, South Cotabato.

Definition of Terms

For a better understanding of this study, the following important terms

used in the study are operationally and conceptually defined as follows:

Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) Fruit fly, is any two-winged

insect of either the family Trypetidae or the family

Drosophilidae (order Diptera) whose larvae feed on

fruit or other vegetative matter (Rafferty, J. 2017).

Operationally, it is the pest that commonly attack

guava plants.

Guava (Psidium guajava) Guava is a tropical fruit native to

Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South

America. Its skin is typically yellow or light green,

while its flesh is usually deep red or a vibrant shade of

6
 pink (Williams, C. 2020). Operationally, it is used to

test how effective is the organic-based pesticide.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) Lemongrass is a tall, perennial grass

in a class of about 45 species of grasses native to the

tropical and sub-tropical climates of Asia, Australia

and Africa (Durand , F. 2013). Operationally, it is used

as one of the ingredient in producing organic-based

pest control solution which is an active ingredient in

making homemade pesticide.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) Neem, also called nim or

margosa, fast-growing tree of the mahogany family

(Meliaceae), valued as a medicinal plant, as a source

of organic pesticides, and for its timber (Petruzzello,

M. 2019). Operationally, it is used as an ingredient for

producing organic-based pest control solution which

is a source of organic pesticides.

Organic Farming Organic farming is a production system which avoids,

or largely excludes, the use of synthetic fertilizers,

pesticides, growth regulators, and livestock feed

additives (Yadav et. al., 2013). Operationally, serves

as a way to encourage agriculturist to practice organic

farming.

7
Conceptual Framework

This study about determining the efficiency of Cymbopogon (Lemongrass)

and Azadirachta indica (Neem) as organic pesticides as it process utilize the

collected materials, specifically the leaves of Cymbopogon (Lemongrass) and

Azadirachta indica (Neem). The variables in this study are Cymbopogon

(Lemongrass) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) and the efficiency of Cymbopogon

(Lemongrass) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) as organic pesticides

The independent variable in this study is the Cymbopogon (Lemongrass)

and Azadirachta indica (Neem).

The dependent variable is the efficiency of Cymbopogon (Lemongrass)

and Azadirachta indica (Neem) as organic pesticides.

As an initiative, the researchers aim to utilize the lemongrass and neem

leaves to produce an organic pesticide. The raw materials to be used are present

and abundant on the locality. The conceptualization of this study is focused on

the possibilities in generating ways and ideas to somehow help resolve the

existing environmental problems and create something beneficial for the locality’s

use.

8
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE

 The efficiency of
 Cymbopogon
Cymbopogon
(Lemongrass) and
(Lemongrass) and
Azadirachta indica
Azadirachta indica
(Neem).
(Neem) as organic
pesticides.

FIGURE.1 Conceptual Framework

9
 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

An investigation on the literature and related studies relevant to the study

was read by the researchers. The reviews of the different studies which have

bearings to this problem are presented as follows:

Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Lemon grass, or Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae family), is a perennial

tropical grass with small, long leaves that is one of Algeria’s most important

medicinal and aromatic plants. It is deliberately introduced in tropical and

subtropical regions of Asia, South America, and Africa for its essential oil.

(Boukhatem, et. al., 2014). Sigma-Aldrich Profiler cited that the oil from lemon

grass is a viable insecticide against ticks, termites and in any event, for dust

termites. Geranoil, a constituent of lemon grass oil had the option to get rid of

helminths, which referred to as intestinal worms. Lemon grass essential oil

contains a variety of chemical constituents that are beneficial in a variety of

applications. Cruz (2014) claims that the essential oil of lemon grass can destroy

mosquito larvae that cause dengue fever. Lemon grass and oil were most

certainly not related to a portion of the insecticides’ toxic effects.

Lemongrass is widely used for medicinal and culinary purposes, especially

in Asian cuisine and insect repellent products, according to a New Tech Bio post.

It can be found primarily in tropical Asian countries including India, the

Philippines, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Lemongrass, also known as “tanglad,” can

10
be grown almost anywhere and, unlike other plants, needs little maintenance.

People can be encouraged to plant their own, at their backyards because of its

characteristics and this can inspire them to be environmentally friendly, for the

benefit of both Mother Nature and themselves. It is to be sold at an affordable

and reasonable price, which can be bought by the populace.

Lemongrass has a high concentration of citral, a pesticide-like chemical

compound. In general, the presence of citral ensures the toxicity of lemongrass,

destroying the intended pests while sparing the surrounding vegetation.

Cymbopogon citrates, it has a research noticed that Lemongrass and its active

component, citral, showed high antibacterial activity against Haemophilus

influenza, penicillin-susceptible and resistant Streptococcus pneumonia,

Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus by vaporous contact. The

antimicrobial activity of essential oils is found to be most effective when they are

exposed to high vapor concentrations for a short period of time (Inouye, et. Al.,

2011). There have been studies that show Cymbopogon essential oil and its key

components (citral and 1.8 cineole) are effective anti-agents and bug sprays

against houseflies, but these studies focus on the immediate effectiveness after

application rather than the long-term effects (Kumar, et. Al., 2013).

Neem Leaves

The antifeedant, insect growth regulator, and reproductive effects of the

neem tree (Azadirachta indica) are now well understood and documented.

Antifeedancy varies greatly between species, with azadirachtin being especially

11
toxic to mosquitos. The complexity of the molecular structure of azadirachtin has

precluded its synthesis for pesticide use although novel synthesis of the parent

molecule is now almost complete and research into simpler mimetic substances

is ongoing. Applied research has concentrated on a variety of natural

formulations from neem seed kernels which contain azadirachtin together with

several structurally related molecules. Insecticides made from natural botanical

sources, such as neem leaves, are less harmful than those made from synthetic

materials, so it is better to use insecticides made from natural raw materials

because they have few to no negative effects on human health (Opoku K. et. Al.,

2011).

According to Sopialena et al., (2018), the treatment of neem leaf extract

provides the best result in controlling pest attacks on large chili plants based on

the production. In this regard, it was discovered that azadirachtin, which can be

found in neem leaves, is the best source of biopesticides. The use of botanical

pesticides offers eco-friendly pest control strategy to aid the agricultural

practices. Among the various herbs, neem plant based insecticides has been the

most accepted bio-pesticides, due to the presence of multiple limonoids in neem

plant extracts and oil that not only provides a sustainable pest control mechanism

but also prevents plant disease resistance, from various synthetic insecticides.

Furthermore, the efficacy of these pesticidal ingredients of neem can be

increased by encapsulating them in nanocarriers, which allows for controlled and

sustained release of phytochemicals as well as site-specific delivery, thereby

increasing crop productivity and yield (Chaudhary, S. et. Al., 2017).

12
 The main component of neem oil, leaves, flowers, and fruits with

insecticidal properties is Azadirachtin. It is a complex tetranortriterpenoid

limonoid with repellent and pesticidal properties. Biosynthesis of triterpenoids

from indica initiates with azadirone and a C-ring opening, which culminates in

Azadirachtin formation. Azadirachtin, along with other related triterpenoids such

as Azadirachtin B, salannin and nimbin, are the active ingredients in neem plant

based bioinsecticides and they act by disrupting the growth and development of

insects and by deterring their feeding. It is considered as a botanical pesticide

with exceptional growth regulating and biocidal efficacy along with deterrent

effects on the ovipositing and feeding of insects (Morgan, 2009).

Pesticide-like substances can be present in all sections of the neem tree.

Azadirachtin, for example, is a feeding deterrent for a variety of insect pests,

including beetles. It disrupts the insect's molting process, lowering the amount of

the insect hormone Ecdysome, preventing immature larvae from developing into

adults. Insects with crippled, distorted wings can appear after treatment with

neem-based pesticides. Alternatively, immature larvae and nymphs may remain

immature and die. Direct contact with the spray can kill some soft-skinned insect

larvae. Adults are not killed by the growth regulating properties of azadirachtin

but mating and sexual communication may be disrupted which results in reduced

fecundity (Concklin, M., 2011).

13
Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster)

Rafferty (2017) states that a fruit fly is any two-winged insect belonging to

the Trypetidae or Drosophilidae families whose larvae feed on fruit or other

vegetative matter. Trypetidae insects are known as big fruit flies, whereas

Drosophilidae insects are known as tiny fruit flies or vinegar flies. The fruit fly has

wings that are grouped with brown. Numerous species attack cultivated fruits,

causing damage that may lead to significant economic losses. Also, Sarwar

(2014) states that several species of fruit fly are invasive pests that damage

quality fruits in horticultural crops and cause significant value losses due to their

adaptation to various regions, high polyphagia and rapid reproduction.

Depending on the location, variety, and season, these pests cause direct

damage to important export crops, resulting in losses of 40% to 80%. (Kibira, et.

al., 2010).

Pesticides

In the study of Mahmood, I. et., al (2015), Pesticides are described as a

toxic chemical substance or a mixture of toxic chemical substances or biological

agents that are deliberately released into the environment to avert, discourage,

monitor, and/or kill and destroy populations of insects, weeds, rodents, fungi, or

other harmful pests. Pesticides work by attracting, seducing and then destroying

or mitigating the pests. Different kinds of pesticides have been used for crop

protection for centuries. Pesticides benefit the crops; however, they also impose

a serious negative impact on the environment. Excessive use of pesticides may

14
lead to the destruction of biodiversity. Many birds, aquatic organisms and

animals are under the threat of harmful pesticides for their survival. Pesticides

are a concern for sustainability of environment and global stability. Nowadays,

chemical pesticides and insecticides are also the most widely used methods of

pest control. When these chemical pesticides are combined with an efficient

natural enemy, they provide improved integrated pest control and serve as a

systematic prophylactic and remedial treatment (Gentz, et. Al., 2010).

Worldwide pesticides are divided into different categories depending upon

their target. Some of these categories include herbicides, insecticides,

fungicides, rodenticides, molluscicides, nematicides and plant growth regulators.

Non-regulated use of pesticides has led the environment into disastrous

consequences. Serious concerns about human health and biodiversity are

raising due to overuse of pesticides (Agrawal, et. al., 2010). Pesticides are more

water soluble, heat stable, and polar than other chemicals, making it difficult to

minimize their lethality. Pesticides are harmful not only to people who work in

agriculture, but also to people who work in industries and public health.

Pesticides can be harmful to natural flora, fauna, and marine life, depending on

the target species (Rashid, et, al., 2010).

The majority of farmers are unaware of pesticides' possible toxicity. They

have no knowledge of the different types of pesticides, their poisoning levels,

risks, or precautions to take when using such pesticides. Toxic and

environmentally persistent chemicals are used to destroy pests for this purpose,

which may result in deliberate, unintentional, or occupational exposure. These

15
compounds have long term effects on human health. Awareness should be

arranged for these farmers to reduce the uses of toxic pesticides (Sharma, et. al.,

2012).

Organic Farming

Organic farming is a form of farming that uses environmentally friendly

pesticides and organic manures made primarily from animal and plant wastes, as

well as nitrogen-fixing cover crops. Chemical wastes are used in this scheme,

and crops are grown in such a way that the soil remains healthy and alive.

Modern organic farming was developed as a response to the environmental

damage brought by the use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in

conventional agriculture, and it has numerous ecological benefits. Compared with

conventional agriculture, organic farming utilizes less pesticides, reduces soil

erosion, decreases nitrate filtering into groundwater and surface water, and

recycles animal wastes back into the farm. These advantages are

counterbalanced by higher food costs for consumers and generally lower yields.

Organic agriculture's potential challenge would be to sustain its environmental

advantages, raise yields, and lower prices when dealing with climate change and

a growing global population (Adamchak, 2020).

According to Sangatanan et.al. (2013), the widespread usage of chemical

pesticides in agriculture has contaminated the environment in which people live.

If pesticides are used indefinitely, pests develop resistance, causing farmers to

gradually raise the dosage of pesticides used. Shifting from the use of chemical

16
to organic is a significant contribution for a balanced and self-regulating

agricultural system. Application of organic pesticides has less unfavorable impact

on the nature compared to chemicals. It is also asserted that the plants produced

by the surroundings can be used as organic pesticides for its high insecticidal

element.

In the study of Lairon, (2010) which was based on the French Agency for

food safety (AFSSA) report, organic products contain more dry matter, minerals,

and antioxidants such as polyphenols and salicylic acid. Organic foods (94%–

100%) contain no pesticide residues in comparison to conventionally grown

foods. Fruits and vegetables contain a wide variety of phytochemicals such as

polyphenols, resveratrol, and pro-vitamin C and carotenoids which are generally

secondary metabolites of plants. Organic fruits and vegetables contain 27% more

vitamin C than conventional fruits and vegetables. These secondary metabolites

have substantial regulatory effects at cellular levels and hence found to be

protective against certain diseases such as cancers, chronic inflammations, and

other diseases.

Organic Pesticides

Organic pesticides are nontoxic compounds derived from living organisms

(natural enemies), their products (microbial products, phytochemicals), or by-

products (semiochemicals) that can manage pests. Organic pesticides are safe,

biodegradable, and leave no environmental residue. Due to the adverse effects

17
of chemicals, organic pesticides development is increasing and that their

efficiency against pests is significant (Salma and Jogen, 2011).

Organic pesticides are a safe, low-cost, and environmentally friendly way

to control pests. Farmers are gradually becoming aware of this approach, and

this pest management system is becoming increasingly popular as a result of its

numerous advantages. Bio-pesticides are a set of tools and applications that will

help our farmer’s transition away from highly toxic conventional chemical

pesticides into an era of truly sustainable agriculture. Bio-pesticides are, of

course, just one part of a larger solution; sustainable agriculture is a vast and

complex topic. However, assisting farmers in transitioning from chemical

dependence to organic agriculture and beyond necessitates transitional tools as

well as tools for a new age (Islam, 2013).

As mentioned in the study of Rara, F. and Mfarrej, M. (2019), natural

organic pesticides can be used as an alternative to synthetic pesticides in order

to mitigate the harmful effects of synthetic pesticides on the ecosystem and

public health. Natural materials are used as killers or repellents to minimize,

destroy, and kill pests that damage human health and the environment. In the

said study, the effectiveness of natural organic pesticides has been tested by

doing preliminary experiments as a first methodology composed of 11 ingredients

of natural materials with different concentrations to choose the most effective

components and mix them in one treatment (pesticide). The results were very

positive for some of them and showed how these organic pesticides are effective

in term of killing and repelling pests. Neem oil, Lavender oil, and Cottonseed

18
oil were the most effective with high degradation time. On the other hand,

Chrysanthemum liquid was the least effective as it is a liquid, not oil (oil is more

concentrated). Moreover, Garlic oil and Mint oil were effective as repellants with

high degradation time. For the second methodology where the most five effective

materials based on the preliminary experiments have been mixed together to

form one pesticide. The final pesticide showed effective results on stick insect

and ants.

19
 Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research flow, the research design, the research

locale, the materials used and the procedure of the study.

Research Design

This study is experimental and descriptive in nature. It involved data

gathering procedure before and after the treatment of Cymbopogon

(Lemongrass) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) together with other treatments

intended to the selected Psidium Guajava (Guava) tree and is infested by

Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit flies). The Mean number of repelled fruit flies was

understood using the five-point scale of Robert Ebel. The Analysis of Variance

(ANOVA) was used to determine the significant difference between means.

Research Flow

Phase 1- Collection of substances lemongrass and neem leaves.

Phase 2- Wash all the substances and cut it into smaller pieces then let it dry.

Phase 3- Prepare the materials for the boiling process.

20

Phase 4- Put the substances in the pot for the process.

 Phase 6- Formulate three concentrations

Research Locale

This study will be conducted at Tupi, South Cotabato.

It has a moderate climate, and situated 24.97 km away from

Phase 8- Gathering of data

Koronadal City and 34.84 km from General Santos City. The raw materials used

are also available within the locality.

Research Materials and Instruments

The materials and equipment used in this study are as follows:

 lemongrass leaves

 neem leaves

 Water

 Bottle spray container- used in storing organic-based pesticide

 Funnel- used to place the solution in the container without spilling

 Stainless steel pot- used to boil the substances needed for the treatment

Research Procedure

21
Phase 1- Collection of substances lemongrass and neem leaves

At the beginning of the process, the researchers collected the needed

substances: lemongrass and neem leaves.

Phase 2- Wash all the substances and cut it into smaller pieces then let it dry.

After collecting all the needed substances, wash the organic substances

to remove dirt. Slice them and then let it dry.

Phase 3- Prepare the equipments for the boiling process

This process will need stainless steel pot. Consumables are water and

plant material to be extracted.

Phase 4- Boiling process of the organic materials.

In this phase, put the neem leaves in the pot and add water. Boil the

mixture until the leaves have lost their green color. While waiting for the neem

leaves to boil, do the same thing in the lemongrass. After boiling, allow the

mixture to cool completely overnight and remove the leaves the next day.

Phase 5- Transfer the mixture into the spray container

After the process, pour the extracted compound of the organic material in

the spray container.

Phase 6- Formulate three concentrations

22
 Three formulations of the extracted compound were made. The distilled

water and commercial pesticides were put in the spraying containers to complete

the five treatments.

First treatment (T1) was administered with 100 mL Distilled water. Second

treatment (T2) was done using of 1:1 ratio of lemongrass and neem solutions.

Third treatment (T3) was 1:2 ratio of concentration of lemongrass and neem

solution. Fourth treatment (T4) was done using 2:1 ratio of concentration of

lemongrass and neem solution. Fifth treatment (T5) was commercial pesticide.

Phase 7- Application of treatments

The five treatments were applied to their designated test subjects to

determine which of those five treatments is highly effective.

Phase 8- Gathering of data

After 24 hours of treatment, the progress of treatment was checked. The

same method was done forty-eight (48) hours after treatment and 72 hours after

as well.

Statistical Treatment

To determine the number of repelled Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies),

the mean of this investigation was calculated through using the formula:

x
𝑥= x 100
N

23
 Also, Robert Ebel’s five-point scale was used by the researchers to

describe and evaluate the results.

FIVE-POINT SCALE

81-100 Highly Effective

61-80 Effective
41-60 Moderately Effective
21-40 Slightly Effective
1-20 Not Effective

Similarly, the effect of treatments was analyzed using the analysis of

Variance (ANOVA) and t-Test.

Chapter IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This part of the study includes presentation, analysis and interpretation of

data on the effectiveness of Neem leaves and Lemongrass solution against

Drosophilia melanogaster (Fruit Flies) on Psidium guajava (Guava). Also,

attached here are the statistics and graphs.

Table 1. Data on the Number of Fruit Flies

TREATMENT PLANT NO. NO. OF FRUIT FLIES x̅

T1 – Distilled water 1 4
2 6
3 3

24
 Total 3 13 4.33
T2 – 1:1 1 0

100g neem leaves : 100g 2 0

3 0
lemongrass
Total 3 0 0
T3 – 1:2 1 0
2 0
100g neem leaves : 200g 3 0
lemongrass
Total 3 0 0
T4 – 2:1 1 0
2 0
200g neem leaves : 100g 3 0
lemongrass
Total 3 0 0
T5– Commercial pesticides 1 0
2 0
3 0
Total 3 0 0
Grand Total 15 13
Grand Mean 0.86

This table shows the data on the number of fruit flies on various

treatments prior to treatment data.

Table 2. Number of alighted fruit flies, twenty-four (24) hours after the application
of treatment.

Treatment R1 R2 R3
Distilled water 1 2 1
Trial 1 (1:1) neem leaves 0 0 0
and lemongrass solution
Trial 2 (1:2) neem leaves 0 0 0
and lemongrass solution
Trial 3 (2:1) neem leaves 0 0 0
and lemongrass solution
Commercial pesticides 0 0 0

25
 The table shows that Treatment 1 (distilled water) has no progress in

repelling the pest. It is seen that all the concentration has repelled fruit flies like

the commercial pesticide.

Table 3. Number of alighted fruit flies, forty-eight (48) hours after the application
of treatment.

Treatment R1 R2 R3
Distilled water 2 2 1
Trial 1 (1:1) neem leaves 0 0 0
and lemongrass solution
Trial 2 (1:2) neem leaves 0 0 0
and lemongrass solution
Trial 3 (2:1) neem leaves 0 0 0
and lemongrass solution
Commercial pesticides 0 0 0

The result shows that the three concentrations including the commercial

pesticide has effectively repelled fruit flies on guava plant.

Table 4. Number of alighted fruit flies, seventy-two (72) hours after the
application of treatment.

Treatment R1 R2 R3
Distilled water 1 2 1
Trial 1 (1:1) neem leaves 0 0 0
and lemongrass solution
Trial 2 (1:2) neem leaves 0 0 0
and lemongrass solution
Trial 3 (2:1) neem leaves 0 0 0
and lemongrass solution
Commercial pesticides 0 0 0

This table shows that the three concentration has still repelled fruit flies

after seventy-two (72) hours of treatment application.

26
Table 5. Number of alighted fruit flies in guava treated by neem leaves and
lemongrass solution at different concentrations

No. of alighted fruit flies

Treatment x̅
24 48 72
hours hours hours
(1:1) neem leaves and lemongrass solution 0 0 .0 0
(1:2) neem leaves and lemongrass solution 0 0 0 0
(2:1) neem leaves and lemongrass solution 0 0 0 0

This table shows that after twenty- four (24), forty-eight (48), and seventy-

two (72) hours of application, all the neem and lemongrass concentration has

effectively repelled fruit flies.

Table 6. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for the different concentration of neem

and lemongrass solution.

ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS Df MS F P-value F crit
Between Groups 0 2 0 65535 0 5.143253
Within Groups 0 6 0

Total 0 8        

The data shows that the F value is higher than the critical value of F.

Hence, there is a sufficient evidence to conclude that there is a significant

difference in the mean scores of different ratios of neem and lemongrass

concentration.

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Table 7. Number of alighted fruit flies treated by (1:1) neem leaves and

lemongrass concentration vs. Commercial Pesticide

No. of alighted fruit flies

per day
Treatment x̅
24 48 72
hours hours hours
(1:1) neem leaves and lemongrass solution 0 0 0 0
Commercial pesticides 0 0 0 0

The table shows that commercial pesticide has a mean score of 0 while

(1:1) ratio of neem and lemongrass concentration has a mean score of 0. This

tells us that both the neem leaves and lemongrass solution and the commercial

pesticides are able to repel the fruitflies in guava.

Chapter V

DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Discussion

28
 The findings shows that the Neem leaves and Lemongrass solution was

able to repel the Drosophilia melanogaster (Fruit Flies) on Psidium guajava

(Guava). This signify that the newly formulated plant pest control solution is

effective in repelling Drosophilia melanogaster (Fruit Flies) on Psidium guajava

(Guava).

This supports the study of Brotodjojo and Arbiwati (2016), where the

antifeedant and repellent efficacy of neem leaves was validated and was

observed to significantly improve resistance of plants against infestation of pest.

And the study of Kimutai, A. et. al., (2017), which conclude that lemongrass have

strong repellency against various pest.

The Neem leaves and Lemongrass solution was still able to repel the

fruitflies on guava in the three different concentration.The 1:1,1:2 and 2:1

concentrations where applied in three replication and was observed for 72 hours,

all concentration was able to repel the fruitflies in guava in three full days.

Signifying that the level of concentration does not affect the efficiency of the

Neem leaves and Lemongrass solution in repelling the fruitflies in guava and the

efficiency of the solution can last for more than 3 days.

The Neem leaves and Lemongrass solution and the Commercial pesticide

we're both highly effective in repelling fruitflies in guava. Both solution have

strong repellency against the fruitflies in guava, but the commercial pesticide

contains various chemicals which can be harmful to the environment.On the

29
other hand, the Neem leaves and Lemongrass solution we're created using plant-

based materials which ensures it's environmentally-friendly benefits.

Conclusion

After the result was gathered in this study, the researchers therefore impose

the following conclusions:

1. The Neem leaves and Lemongrass solution is highly effective in repelling

the Drosophilia melanogaster (Fruit Flies) on Psidium guajava (Guava).

2. The Neem leaves and Lemongrass solution has a strong repellency in all

three concentrations (1:1,1:2 and 2:1 concentrations) against the

Drosophilia melanogaster (Fruit Flies) on Psidium guajava (Guava).

3. Neem leaves and lemongrass solution is as effective as commercial

pesticide. This means that neem and lemongrass can be an alternative

pesticide for future purposes. Hence, there is a sufficient evidence to

conclude that there is no significant difference in the mean scores 1:1 ratio

of neem and lemongrass concentration and commercial pesticide. Both

are effective in repelling fruit flies on guava.

Recommendation

This study recommends that further test should be conducted by future

researchers to determine whether the production of neem and lemongrass

30
 are effective in other plants infested with different kinds of pets. Furthermore,

this study suggests that 1:1 concentration of neem and lemongrass solution is

sufficient to be used for the best result for pest repellent.

Each of the variables: neem leaves, lemongrass and combination of all

are effective more or less in the commercial pesticides for guava. Moreover, it

is also recommended in the society in order to appreciate organic farming and

give value to the things which are considered useless and often taken-for-

granted just like neem and lemongrass. It is also important to nurture and

utilize the plants found in nature in the most efficient and effective manner

possible.

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