The Feasibility of Chili (Capsicuum frutescens) Seeds as Alternative Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap Pellets

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Today's brilliant minds are in pursuit of ways to stop the world's crises and different diseases from worsening, hopefully marking their total elimination. The DOST have come up with a solution to our country's problem on mosquitoes-Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap with black pepper-based pellets. But is has not reached other rural communities. Herewith, the researchers thought of alternative pellet from chilies since they came from related families, making the trap more accessible to many. With this perspective, the pH level, ability to attract mosquitoes and kill mosquito hatchlings formed the bases for the product's success.

METHODS

The chilies were cut open across the center, sun-dried and then seeds were removed from the skin. The cost of the product was based on the quantity used in one setup. The pH level of the solution of chili seeds and tap water was tested using a pH meter. Then, the trap's ability to attract mosquitoes was qualitatively defined through the presence of mosquito eggs and/or larvae in each trap. Also, the product's ability to kill mosquito hatchlings was tested through the exposure of mosquito hatchlings to the solution, determining their mortality rates. T-test was used to compare the mortality rates of mosquito hatchlings and pH level of the product and the commercial one.

RESULTS

The chili seeds pellets were said to be less economical than existing pellets. After actual teststhe pH level of the solution was found to be slightly acidic while the existing one was slightly basic. The presence of mosquito hatchlings yielded positivity of the trap. Lastly, the ability to kill mosquito eggs and larvae were determined through their mortality rates yielding equal egg mortality rate of 100% for both treatments, whereas resulting to a higher larval mortality rate of the product than the commercial one.

DISCUSSIONS

While they have same mortality rate for eggs, they differ in larval mortality rates, thus proving the product's lethalness to mosquito hatchlings. Also, the product being slightly acidicwas concluded to be more fatal to mosquito hatchlings. Even so, the results of t-tests still suggested that there are no significant differences between the two. Still, these proved the ability of chili seeds to be a substitute OL Trap pellet since its properties are comparable to that of commercial ones. Furthermore, the researchers recommend using the ethanolic extract of the chili seeds to increase its lethalness.