Organic Pesticide from Atis (Anona squamosa) Leaves Extract

as an Alternative to Commercial Synthetic Pesticide

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 pests 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

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Abstract

1
2

Acknowledgement

Table of Contents

Chapter I Introduction
A. Background of the Study
B. Objectives
C. Hypothesis
D. Significance of the Study
E. Scope and Limitations
F. Conceptual Framework
G. Review of Literature

5
6
7
7
8
9
9

Chapter II Methodology
A. Materials and Instrumentation
B. Methods

14
15

Chapter III Results

20

Chapter IV Discussion

25

Chapter V Conclusions and Recommendation

26

References/ Bibliographies

27

Appendices

28
4

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
5

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 ecofriendly 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.
6

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 products 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