Republic of the Philippines
Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
Effectiveness of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), Coconut Water (Cocos nucifera L.),
Hibuscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinesis), with Boiled Water (Dihydrogen monoxide) as Pest Control
RESEACHERS
Timi Kayla S. Adarlo
Beryl Anne A. Ong
Myeisha D. Perez
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Republic of the Philippines
Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
Background of the Study
Pest control is critical for the public or the environmental health to prevent diseases from
spreading by insects such as mosquitoes. Among the various mosquito species, Aedes aegypti is
of particular concern due to its role in transmitting serious diseases like dengue fever, Zika virus,
chikungunya, and yellow fever. These diseases are relevant in many tropical and subtropical
regions such as the Philippines, particularly in Occidental Mindoro were populations are difficult
to control using conventional methods alone.
Commercial pest control has relied heavily on synthetic chemical insecticides, which
while effective have led to significant challenges in which humans or non-targeted organisms are
at risk and mosquito populations develop insecticide resistance, and also contaminate the
environment, These issues have driven the search for safer and more stable pest control
alternatives.
Natural plant-based insecticides and repellents have emerged as promising alternatives to
synthetic chemicals. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) known for its high citronella content, is
widely used as a natural mosquito repellent. Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), traditionally
used in various medicinal practices, is also explored for its potential insecticidal properties,
though scientific studies in this area are limited.
In this study, coconut water and boiled water are investigated as solvents or carriers for
the active compounds in lemongrass and gumamela. Coconut water is a natural, non-toxic liquid
that may enhance the extraction and application of these plant-based insecticides. Boiled water is
used to extract and concentrate the active components from these plants, potentially increasing
their effectiveness as pest control agents. The focus of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness
of a combination of lemongrass, coconut water, boiled water, and gumamela as a natural pest
control solution, particularly against mosquitoes. This approach aims to provide a sustainable,
environmentally friendly alternative to conventional insecticides, which could be especially
beneficial in areas with limited access to chemical control methods.
The systematic review published in the Malaria Journal on December 21, 2019, evaluates
the effectiveness of plant-based repellents against various species of Anopheles mosquitoes,
which are the primary vectors for malaria. The review highlights the traditional use of plant-
based repellents for personal protection and underscores their potential as safer alternatives to
chemical repellents. The study analyzed 62 trials that met the inclusion criteria, focusing on the
repellency effects and protection times provided by different plant extracts and essential oils.
Among the findings, Ligusticum sinense extract demonstrated the highest repellency, followed
by citronella, pine, Dalbergia sissoo, peppermint, and Rhizophora mucronata oils, with complete
protection times ranging from 9.1 to 11.5 hours. Other effective essential oils included lavender,
camphor, catnip, geranium, jasmine, eucalyptus species, and lemongrass, offering up to 8 hours
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Republic of the Philippines
Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
of protection. The review emphasizes the potential of
plant-based repellents as eco-friendly and safe
alternatives to synthetic chemicals like DEET, which are associated with adverse health effects
and environmental concerns. Ultimately, the study concludes that plant-based repellents hold
promise for developing natural mosquito repellents that could reduce reliance on synthetic
chemicals while minimizing the negative impacts on health and the environment.
Source:
Effectiveness of plant-based repellents against different Anopheles species: a systematic
review
The researchers are Amin Asadollahi, et al.
Malaria Journal volume 18,
Article number: 436 (2019)
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Republic of the Philippines
Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
CHAPTER I - The Problem and Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Lemongrass, coconut water, hibiscus,
with boiled water as Pest Control. The researchers attempt to answer the following questions:
1.What is the significant difference between commercial insecticide and homemade insecticide?
2.What is the percentage of efficiency and effectiveness of the products to insects?
3.What is the percentage of availability of the variables in making the product?
Hypothesis of the Study
1.There is no significant difference between commercial insecticide and the all-purpose
insecticide.
2.The percentage of efficiency and effectivity of the products to insects is zero.
3.The percentage of availability of the variables in making the product is zero.
Theoretical Framework
According to a study published in IOSR Journals (iosrjournal.org,2014), “smallholder
farms should practice intercropping with crops that reduce pest infestation, such as garlic and
onion”. The study found that garlic and onion can repel insect pests on leaf crops and are
therefore good companion crops in vegetable gardens.
According to a study in New York Times (nytimes.com<garden,1981), a garlic and onion spray,
for example is one of the most versatile pesticides for use both indoors and out, on edibles and
ornamentals. The study proved that several homemade sprays are proved to be just effective
against plant pests as the commercial brands but are less harmful to other forms of life.
The utilization of onion peel as a natural pesticide is an effort to reduce organic waste for
farming activities(agribisnis.fpp.undip.ac.id,2021). Therefore, this review attempts to emphasize
the conventional and merging valorization techniques for onion peel waste to generate value-
added products.
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Republic of the Philippines
Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
Significance of the Study
The generalization of this study would help to contribute to support agricultural activities and
environmental conservation, it is also beneficial because materials are frequent.
Here are some of the significances of this study:
1.The use of lemongrass (Cymbopogon) based pest control can help contribute to support the
citizens of Mamburao.
2.The use of lemongrass (Cymbopogon) based pest control in Occidental Mindoro would help to
contribute to minimizing escalation of insects or pests.
3.The adaptation of the method would help to contribute on preventing the diseases in the
Philippines as it was made with lemongrass, coconut water, and hibiscus.
Scope and limitations of the Study
The focus of this study is the use of organic ingredients such as lemongrass
(Cymbopogon), coconut water (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium sativum) as pest control. This study
is conducted from July 2024 to April 2025 in Occidental Mindoro National High School. The
respondents are farmers. This study is limited to examining pest control effectiveness alone, not
pest extermination. The effectiveness is affected using organic materials and respondent's
response. The main sources of the study are reading materials and internet.
Definition of Terms
Pest Control is used in preventing insects, pests and other animals from damaging crops.
Sulfur components in onions keep bugs at a distance by producing an odor that bugs hate.
Excretion of plants will discourage and repel insects.
Intercropping can promote climate resilience through higher plant resource efficiency (space,
nutrients, and water) and natural suppression of insect pests, pathogens, and weeds.
Infestation is the presence of a commodity of a living pest of the plant or plant product
concerned.
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Republic of the Philippines
Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
Research Paradigm
Table 1.1
The Efficacy of Using Vinegar, Onion and Garlic as Pest control.
PROCESS
INPUT First, gather the variables. Then cut OUTPUT
or slice the hibiscus and lemongrass.
The materials needed in Third boil water and add the sliced Pest Control
the study are vinegar, hibiscus and lemongrass. After that,
onion, garlic, and a spray strain and extract the liquid
bottle. produced. Then, add the coconut
water to the extracted liquid. Next,
add the dry materials which are
minced hibiscus and lemongrass.
Lastly, store in a container for 12
hours.
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Republic of the Philippines
Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
Flowchart
Table 1.1
Effectiveness of Garlic (Allium sativum), Onion (Allium cepa), and Vinegar (Acetic acid) as
Pest Control
Lemongrass as Pest control
Lemongrass
Consumers
Coconut Water
Hibiscus
Boiled Water
Pot
Testing
Effectiveness of the
product
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Republic of the Philippines
Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
CHAPTER II - Review of Related Conceptual and Research Literature
Related Legal Bases
Republic Act No. 10068
Signed on April 6, 2010
[REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10068]
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF ORGANIC
AGRICULTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Organic Agriculture Act of 2010”.
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote,
propagate, develop further and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines
that will cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil, increase farm productivity,
reduce pollution and destruction of the environment, prevent the depletion of natural resources,
further protect the health of farmers, consumers and the general public, and save on imported
farm inputs. Towards this end, a comprehensive program for the promotion of community-based
organic agriculture systems which include, among others, farmer-produced purely organic
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Republic of the Philippines
Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
fertilizers such as compost, pesticides and other farm
inputs, together with a nationwide educational and
promotional campaign for their use and processing, as well as the adoption of organic
agricultural system as a viable alternative shall be undertaken.
President: Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Related Literature
Natural pesticides are safer and eco-friendly. They reduce artificial
interference and cut down on the use of synthetic pesticides. In addition,
they reduce the cost of health management on farms because they reduce
inhalation of toxic fumes of synthetic chemicals.
Canny (2019) in his article "Myth Busting: will natural cockroach
repellent works?" stated that the aroma of garlic has long been known to
have repellent effects on many insects, including cockroaches. Garlic has a
pungent smell that cockroaches don't like. Crush a clove of clove garlic and
place it around infested areas as a deterrent. Some people believe this
natural repellent is immensely effective in luring the cockroaches out of your
home.
Onion and garlic plants produce excretions from their roots as well as
aromas from their leaves. These excretions and aromas have beneficial
effects on surrounding plants. They will discourage insects and are therefore
regarded as insect-repellent plants. Garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium
cepa) are widely grown and are easy to cultivate in gardens. Garlic in
particular, is reportedly effective against a wide range of disease-causing
pathogens and insect pests at different stages in their life cycles. Allicin is a
compound obtained from garlic. The compound is a colorless liquid that has
a distinctively pungent smell which reveals anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
properties. Allicin in garlic imparts a defense mechanism against attacks by
insect pests.
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Republic of the Philippines
Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
In 2021, Lifestyle Desk published an article about DIY Ways to Rid Your
Home of Cockroaches. It is stated there that cockroaches pose a problem in
almost every home. No matter how much you clean your kitchen, bathroom,
or even the entire house, cockroaches will surely lurk in the corners. Apart
from causing a disturbance, they are also a serious health hazard. We often
see cockroaches swarming out of bathrooms, kitchen sinks, and the
waterways leading out of houses. They can cause serious health problems to
people. You are at risk of food poisoning and infections. There are many
ways of getting rid of cockroaches, and one of them is white vinegar. White
vinegar is a known cockroach repellent. To use it, mix equal amounts of
water and vinegar and sprinkle on the area where the cockroaches come out.
This works just as well as boric acid.
Related Study
Foreign
Onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum) as pest control intercrops in cabbage-based
intercrop systems in Zimbabwe
IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS)
e-ISSN: 2319-2380, p-ISSN: 2319-2372.Volume 7, Issue 2 Ver. II (Mar-Apr. 2014), PP 13-17
www.iosrjournals.org
Herbs such as onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum) have been used in the
intercropping systems because of their ability to repel insects. Cole crops grown next to garlic
and onion are less prone to insect pest attacks. Onion and garlic plants produce excretions from
their roots as well as aromas from their leaves. These excretions and aromas have beneficial
effects on surrounding plants. They will discourage insects and are therefore regarded as insect-
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Republic of the Philippines
Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
repellent plants. Garlic and onion are potentially
effective in controlling pests on cabbages. Onion and
garlic produced compounds such as allicin that had
repellent effects on insect pests on treatments 1, 2, 3, and 4. The allicin compounds repelled
insect pests [13] while in sole cabbage there was no allicin to repel the insect pests therefore
resulting in a higher pest incidence in the sole treatment. In another study in Kenya, it was also
observed that intercropped cabbage or kale
had significantly fewer numbers of Diamond Back Moth (DBM) larvae and pupae as compared
to the monocrops of either kale or cabbage plots [14].
The study has shown that garlic and onion when grown in intercrop repel insect pests in
cabbages. It was noted that onion intercropped with cabbage between rows has a higher repellent
effect than the intercrops where the garlic and the onion were planted within the cabbage rows.
The planting pattern was also noted to be of significance in controlling insect pests. It clearly
showed that garlic and onion are capable of repelling insect pests on leaf crops. Therefore, they
are good companion crops in vegetable gardens. From the results of this research, it is
recommended that smallholder farmers practice intercropping with crop components that reduce
pest infestation such as onion and garlic.
Local
Efficacy of Fermented Garlic and Vinegar-Based Biopesticide for the Management of
Sweet Potato Wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Batatas
Northern Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center, Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet
This study aimed to determine possible biopesticides against Fusarium wilt in sweet
potato using locally available materials. The fungicidal efficiency of fermented garlic and
vinegar combinations were tested against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. batatas through bioassay, as
a soil amendment, and as a spray on infected field plants. Three different local kinds of vinegar,
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Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
namely sweet potato vinegar, coconut water (sukang
puti), and cane vinegar produced comparable
inhibition zones in vitro. Garlic and wood vinegar
combination produced the least inhibition zone against the fungus but was the most effective soil
amendment.
When used as a spray, garlic extract combined with either wood vinegar, sweet potato,
coconut water, or cane vinegar was found effective in controlling Fusarium wilt, as verified in
two trials giving more than 50% disease control compared to untreated plants. Results showed
that fermented garlic, regardless of local vinegar formulation, is an effective biopesticide in
managing the Fusarium wilt of sweet potato.
The fungal growth inhibitory effect of garlic, as a crude extract or fermented with commercial
vinegars against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. batatas, the causal pathogen of sweet potato wilt,
was evident in bioassay. In the greenhouse as a soil amendment, the controlling effect of garlic
wood vinegar was remarkable, showing 68-78% disease control when these three garlic vinegar
formulations were sprayed alternately in infected field plants as biopesticides. Commercial
vinegar formulations used are common household condiments that, when fermented with garlic,
are easy to prepare and can considerably decrease wilt incidence; thus, they could be used to
manage the Fusarium wilt of sweet potatoes under organic farming.
The study recommends the use of either sweet potato or wood vinegar combined with
garlic in the management of sweet potato fusarium wilt. Further, a field study should be
conducted to validate the result of the greenhouse on different cropping seasons.
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Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
CHAPTER III-METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This research employs a quantitative, experimental design using a correlational
technique. A quantitative research design is a formal, objective, systematic process where
numerical data is used to obtain information about variables. It describes and examines
relationships between and among variables (Lamar, 2005). A quantitative method involves
measuring two or more quantitative variables from the same group of subjects to identify
relationships between them. This design is appropriate as the study's main objective is that plant-
based repellents hold promise for developing natural mosquito repellents that could reduce
reliance on synthetic chemicals while minimizing the negative impacts on health and the
environment. This study will use statistical tools such as chi-square and t-tests to analyze the data
and identify significant relationships
Subject of the Study
This study focuses on evaluating the pest control properties of a combination of natural
ingredients to assess their efficacy in managing mosquito populations, particularly Aedes
aegypti, which are known vectors of serious diseases. It aims to provide insights into sustainable
and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic insecticides.
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Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
Data Gathering Instrument
For this study, these materials will be used to assess
the effectiveness of lemongrass, coconut water, hibiscus, and
boiled water as natural pest control agents against mosquitoes, cockroaches, and flies. Fresh
lemongrass will be harvested to extract its essential oils known for repelling mosquitoes. Fresh
coconut water will serve as a natural carrier, enhancing the pest control solution's efficacy. Fresh
hibiscus leaves or flowers will also be gathered to explore their potential insecticidal properties.
Boiled water will act as a solvent to extract active compounds from the lemongrass and hibiscus.
A pot will be used for boiling the mixture, and a strainer will filter the liquid from solid
materials, ensuring a clear solution for testing. This approach will enable accurate data collection
and analysis of the natural pest control solution's effectiveness.
Data Gathering Procedure
1. Gather the variables
2. Cut or slice the hibiscus and lemongrass
3. Boil water and add the sliced hibiscus and lemongrass
4. Strain and extract the liquid produced
5. Add the coconut water to the extracted liquid
6. Add the dry materials which are minced hibiscus and lemongrass
7. Store in a container for 12 hours
Statistical Treatment of Data
The data was taken from the results of the study conducted by the researchers and field
thoroughly. Other data was from the internet.
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Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
CHAPTER IV - Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The presentation, analysis, and interpretation of data acquired for this study are all
included in this chapter.
The results of this study demonstrate the potential effectiveness of natural ingredients as
pest control agents. The mixture containing lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), coconut water
(Cocos nucifera L.), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), and boiled water showed promising
results in repelling household insects, particularly ants. The researchers were originally going to
test the effectiveness of the products on house pests, such as cockroaches, lizards, and
mosquitoes. However, this idea was changed since the researchers found that ants cause more
disturbance for people than lizards. Interestingly, the combination of all ingredients appeared to
have a synergistic effect, as pests began avoiding the mixture even before application.
Lemongrass emerged as the most potent component, significantly reducing pest populations by
an estimated value of 65%. This finding aligns with previous research on the insecticidal
properties of lemongrass essential oils. In contrast, hibiscus exhibited limited pest control
efficacy, with only a 25% reduction in pest populations compared to the control group. The study
also revealed an unexpected attraction of mosquitoes to individual components like lemongrass
and coconut water, highlighting the importance of testing both individual ingredients and their
combinations. These results suggest that natural, plant-based mixtures could offer an eco-
friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides for household use. However, further research is
needed to optimize the formulation, determine the long-term efficacy, and assess any potential
environmental impacts of this natural pest control solution.
While lemongrass demonstrated significant pest control efficacy, reducing pest
populations by 65%, hibiscus showed limited effectiveness, with only a 25% reduction in pest
populations compared to the control group.
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Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
Variables Estimated Potency
Lemongrass 65%
Hibiscus 25%
Boiled water unidentified
Coconut water unidentified
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Republic of the Philippines
Occidental Mindoro National High Schoool
Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
CHAPTER V- Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations
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https://typeset.io/papers/lemongrass-cymbopogon-a-review-on-its-structure-properties-
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4419e5vwze https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3718533/
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ade_up_of_Cymbopogon_citratus_Lemon_Grass_extract
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48oeznk7w9 https://www.oatext.com/review-on-insecticidal-and-repellent-activity-of-plant-
products-for-malaria-mosquito-control.php
https://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S11
https://rsdjournal.org/index.php/rsd/article/view/24142
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https://www.ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2203029.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/
S2405844023031511
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APPENDICES
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