Larvicidal Activity of Cadena de Amor (Antigonon leptopus) Leaves Extract Against Mosquito Larvae

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This research aims to determine the larvicidal activity of Cadena de Amor's leaf extract against mosquito larvae and to present the significant difference in mortality rate of mosquito larvae in different concentrations. Mosquito related diseases is one of the major issues nowadays and insecticides and larvicides is pricey that the lower sector of society can't afford the other hand, Cadena de Amor is considered destructive for its uncontrollable propagation, this research aims to maximize the use of Cadena de Amor as an alternative larvicide that is more affordable than commercialized one.

METHODS

This study used a quantitative method aimed to test the larvicidity of Cadena de Amor's leaf extract against mosquito larvae wherein the Cadena de Amor leaf extract is the variable that will be manipulated. The study involved three replications executed at the science laboratory of Trece Martires City Senior High School where each treatment, differing in concentrations of extract, was applied to samples composed of 30 mosquito larvae each. After that, the number of mortality rate of mosquito larvae was recorded. The data was then tabulated and interpreted.

RESULTS

In assessing the mortality rate of mosquito larvae exposed to different concentrations of extract to test the larvicidal activity of Cadena de Amor's leaves extract, T1 which contained 35% extract and 65% H2O was rated very effective with a mean score of 18.7. T2 which contained 75% extract and 25% H2O were rated most effective with a mean score of 26. Lastly, T3 which contained 100% extract and 0% H2O was rated most effective with a mean score of 29. Results shows that T3 which had the highest number of mortality rate recorded is the most effective. Therefore, it is concluded that as the concentration increases the mortality rate of mosquito larvae per given time also increases. Testing for the difference of the larvicidity of different concentrations of Cadena de Amor leaf extract in terms in mortality rate of mosquito larvae using one-way ANOVA test, a P-value of 0.1359 was obtained which meant that there is a significant difference on the different concentrations of Cadena de Amor extract.

DISCUSSIONS

Hence, this study found that Cadena de Amor's leaf extract has a larvicidal activity needed to promote the mortality rate against mosquito larvae wherein the more concentrated the extract, the more effective it is for the given sample. Thus, this study proves that Cadena de Amor's leaf extract is effective as a larvicidal agent.