The Effect of Insecticidal Chalk Made from Neem Leaf Extract and Calcium Carbonate in the Mortality and Survival Rate of Cockroaches

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Insecticides are used widely in the household to control flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. However, because of its harmful chemical contents, some people get discouraged in using it. On the other hand, the potential of neem leaf extract as an insecticide was long been established. But its potential as such when mixed with other material has not been investigated. For this reason, the researchers sought to find out the potential of oyster shell neem chalk.

METHODS

The crude extract of neem leaves was prepared. Oyster shells were collected, cleaned, dried and pulverized. Mixtures of plaster of Paris, oyster shell powder, neem leaf extract, and cornstarch were prepared based on the designed treatments. For Treatment 1, 100g plaster of Paris, 25g pulverized oyster shells, 25ml neem leaf extract, and 50g cornstarch was mixed. For Treatment 2, 100g plaster of Paris, 50g pulverized oyster shells, 50ml neem leaf extract, and 50g cornstarch. For Treatment 3, 100g plaster of Paris, 100g pulverized oyster shells, 100ml neem leaf extract, and 50g cornstarch. Each mixture was molded to the shape of insecticidal chalk.On the other hand, three containers were labeled T1R1, 1R2, 1 R1 and assigned for Treatment 1. Another three containers were labeled T2R1, T2R2, and T2R3 and assigned for Treatment 2. Also, three containers were labeled T3R1, T3R2, and T3R3 and assigned for Treatment 3. The nine containers were used to house 10 cockroaches each and three other containers with 10 cockroaches each served as the controlled set-up where commercial insecticidal chalk was used. The 4 different chalks were rubbed around the inside of the 12 containers. Then the cockroaches were observed for 3 days.

RESULTS

Results show that the observed number of cockroaches who died in containers To R1, To R2 and To R3 are 1, 2 and 1 respectively. On the other hand, the number of cockroaches that died in setups T1 R1, T1 R2, and T1 R3 are 5, 6 and 7 respectively. The number of cockroaches that died in set-ups T2 1, T2 2, and T2 R3 are 7, 8 and 8 respectively. Lastly on the T3 R1, T3 R2 and T3 R3 are 10, 9 and 9 respectively.

DISCUSSIONS

Results reveal that after exposed to T1, 5, 6, and 7 cockroaches died. When exposed to T2, 7,8 and 8 cockroaches died. When exposed to T3, 10, 9 and9 cockroaches died. This means that the chalk with neem leaf extract is an effective insect repellant. Moreover, chalks with a higher concentration of neem leaf extract are more effective than those with lower concentration.