Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) Leaf Extract as Pesticide Against Asian Corn Borer (Ostrinia furnicalis)

Abstract

The common livelihood here in the Philippines are farming and agriculture. Most of the farmers consider agriculture as their primary source of income. Corn is one of the major crops produced in the Philippines. The production rate of corn decreases mainly because of pest infestations. It causes severe damage and leads to yield decline and more frequent application of pesticides. Since mahogany has limonoid and antifeedant property, this study aims to prove the effectiveness of mahogany in killing Asian corn borers and to produce more good quality corn crops. The plant sample was first brought in the Bureau of plant Industry (BPI) for authentication. Then leaves were extracted and were brought to UPLB to be mixed with the artificial food diet. The artificial food diet with different experimental concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) was brought home from UPLB-IPB and was set-up. After, data were gathered and were recorded for seven days. Results showed that different concentration of mahogany leaves extract affect the mortality rate of Asian corn borers. 50%ofmahogany leaves extract is the most effective in killing Asian corn borer. Therefore, the different concentrations of mahogany leaves extract affect the mortality rate of Asian corn borer and it can help people to have an easier and cheaper way of killing Asian corn borers. The use of Mahogany leaf extracts can help the people and the environment because it is not expensive, the process is easy to do, mahogany leaves are commonly found in many areas and it is 100% organic which means it is eco-friendly. It would be of great help especially to farmers to eliminate this kind of pest in their crops.