Efficiency of Lemongrass Cymbopogon Winterianus Jowitt (Poales:Poaceae) as a Common Household Fly Repellant

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Commercial products against pest are rampant in the market. However, environmental threat due to usage of synthetic materials are being raised. As a result of these, organic methods in controlling insect population gain worldwide recognition.

As a tropical country, the Philippines is always visited by different types of weather ranging from very dry to very wet seasons. The threat of tropical diseases caused by different organisms such as bacteria and viruses is very evident in our country. These threats uses insects, particularly flies as vectors to enter the human body.

METHODS

Extracting the lemongrass -Lemongrass of about half a kilo were allowed to boil until the water turned yellowish. The temperature was then lowered into 20OC after 20 minutes. The plants werethen removed, and the solution was subjected to exposed evaporation. Extract was then placed into a small container. Set-ups -To assess the efficiency of pure lemongrass extract versus the use of candle as an aid to the extract, three different set-ups were made. The baits used includes 1.) Common children candy, 2.) Processed meat, and 3.) Artificial bait. Two ways of using lemongrass were arranged, these includes 1.) Direct application of lemongrass extract and 2.) Using candle over the extract. Extracting the lemongrass -Lemongrass of about half a kilo were allowed to boil until the water turned yellowish.

RESULTS

Essential oil is one of the important components of lemon grass extracts and its applications include co-ingredients for perfumes and cosmetics. Its high citral composition has made it important for several chemical syntheses.Lit candles serve as a medium for the essential oils to be more scattered compared to that of pure application. However, it can be assessed that the depending on the usage that the consumer want, either direct or with the use of candles, the essential oil of lemongrass can still be useful.

DISCUSSIONS

It has been illustrated that the use of essential oils of lemongrass is an effective insecticide. However, depending on the usage, whether direct or with the aid of candle flame, its efficiency can be maximized. It is therefore suggested that there must be further researches involving the efficiency of extracting the essential oils. More advanced methods on extracting the oils to yield better amount from the plant is necessary. Innovations in making the insecticidal property of the oils must be further studied.