The Effectiveness of Using Selected Organic Spice and Pomelo Peel Extract as an Insecticide

Abstract

This research study investigates the effectiveness of organic spices, namely tomato leaves, garlic, ginger, chili, and pomelo peel, as insecticides for killing insects. This study aims to determine whether these natural extracts can serve as viable alternatives to synthetic insecticides, providing a safer and more environmentally friendly approach to insect control. The experiment involved conducting bioassays using common insect pests, including mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ants. Extracts from tomato leaves, garlic, ginger, chili, and pomelo peel were prepared through maceration and solvent extraction. These extracts were then tested against a control group using a series of concentrations to assess their insecticidal properties. Mortality rates, as well as behavioral changes in the insects, were recorded and analyzed. The trials' results showed promising outcomes on the effectiveness of using selected organic spices, including tomato leaves, garlic, ginger, chili, and pomelo peel extract as an insecticide. Although the organic spices did not achieve a 100% kill rate like synthetic insecticides, they exhibited significant effectiveness against the target insects, namely mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches. Across the three trials, the organic spices demonstrated a kill rate ranging from 70% to 90%. This indicates that the organic spices could control a substantial portion of the target insect population. These results suggest that the selected organic spices have the potential as natural alternatives for insect control. The findings of this study suggest that organic spice and pomelo extracts, particularly tomato leaves, chili, ginger, and garlic, possess significant insecticidal properties, making them potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides. These natural extracts offer a safer and more environmentally friendly approach to insect control, reducing the reliance on harmful chemical pesticides. However, further research is required to optimize the extraction processes, identify the active compounds responsible for the insecticidal effects, and evaluate the long-term effects on non-target organisms and the environment.