Capsicum frutescens (Siling Labuyo) Ethanolic Extract as an Organic Alternative to Chemical Termiticides

Abstract

As highlighted by Evans et al. (2013), termites pose a significant threat to plants and infrastructure. The economic costs incurred due to termite damage and prevention measures reach billions of dollars annually globally. Chemical control has been effective in preventing termites. However, it raises concerns due to its harmful effects on human health and the environment, as it is highly toxic and poses acute risks, as Rani et al. (2020) stated. To address these concerns, researchers conducted an experimental study using an organic alternative: fruit extract from Capsicum frutescens. An experimental research design was used in this study. The various concentrations of Siling labuyo (Capsicum Frutescens) ethanolic extract, ranging from 10–50%, were tested against dry wood termites. Three replicates were assessed, and Orsus Termite X was used as a positive control in all trials. Mortality was recorded at 2-minute and 4-minute time intervals. Live and dead dry wood termites were counted, and percent mortality was calculated using the Abbott equation. At 2 minutes of exposure, the various concentrations of Siling labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) ethanolic extract from 10-50% obtained 56.7%, 63.3%, 70%, 83.3%, and 83.3% mortality rates, respectively. At 4 minutes of time exposure, the resulting mortality rates are 56.7%, 66.7%, 76.7%, 83.3%, and 86.7%, respectively. Results showed that Termite X obtained a mortality rate of 93.3% at 2 and 4 minutes of time exposure compared to 83.3% and 86.7% mortality rates for the 50% concentration of the extract at 2 and 4 minutes of time exposure, respectively. Therefore, it is more effective than the organic termiticide produced from chili peppers. The results of the study revealed that the treated formed concentrations, from highest to lowest, had considerable effectiveness and produced a respectable mortality percentage as termiticides. This led researchers to conclude that termites can be killed by an ethanolic extract of the Siling labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) fruit. However, the study signifies that the chemical termiticide (Termite X) has demonstrated greater efficacy than the ethanolic extract of the organic termiticides made from the fruit of Siling labuyo (Capsicum frutescens).