EFFICACY OF JACKFRUIT(ARTOCARPUS HETEROPHYLLUS) LEAVES EXTRACT AS AN INSECTICIDE FOR LARVAE IN EGGPLANT

Abstract

Chemical insecticides pose numerous negative effects on the environment and human health. Farmers, in particular, are at high risk of exposure to these chemicals, which may adversely affect their well-being. Due to these concerns, researchers have increasingly explored natural alternatives to synthetic insecticides, such as jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) leaves. Jackfruit leaves contain natural compounds that are effective against larvae in eggplant while minimizing the harmful effects associated with chemical insecticides. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of jackfruit leaf extract as an alternative insecticide for larvae in eggplant. The study employed a true-experimental research design to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. An alternative insecticide was developed using jackfruit leaf extract. Fresh jackfruit leaves were collected and processed into extracts using ethanolic solvents. The extraction process involved drying and grinding the leaves into a fine powder, heating them with solvents, and filtering the solution to obtain a clear extract. The insecticidal properties of the extract were then tested on larvae affecting eggplant. Statistical techniques were used to analyze the data and validate the effectiveness of the jackfruit leaf extract. Ethical and safety guidelines were followed throughout the experimentation, with each procedure carefully documented to ensure scientific rigor and reliability. The findings demonstrated that jackfruit leaf extract was effective as an insecticide for larvae in eggplant. Multiple experimental trials were conducted using varying solution measurements, each resulting in different larval mortality times. Despite these variations, all trials yielded successful outcomes, with the study reporting a 100% success rate in terminating larvae across the conducted experiments. Due to public health concerns associated with the use of chemical insecticides and their effects on humans, animals, and the environment, this study explored an eco-friendly organic insecticide derived from jackfruit leaf extract. The results indicated that jackfruit leaf extract effectively eliminated larvae that damage eggplant crops while significantly reducing potential harm to humans, animals, and the surrounding environment. These findings support the use of jackfruit leaf extract as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical insecticides.