Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa), Serpentina (Rauvolfia serpentina), and Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) Leaves Extracts as Bio-molluscicides against Golden Apple Snails

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

As an agricultural country, the Philippines greatly suffers from the damages inflicted by golden apple snails (Pomaceacanaliculata), a major pestilence to the farmers of the country. With this, calamansi (Citrusmicrocarpa), serpentina (Rauvolfiaserpentina), and sambong (Blumeabalsamifera)were utilized as an alternative bio-molluscicide for golden apple snails. These are some plants that possess molluscicidal properties and are locally available in the country specifically in Carmona, Cavite.

METHODS

Materials needed for conducting the study were gathered and prepared. Calamansi, serpentina, and sambong leaves underwent washing, pounding, and stocking processes. Five treatments (calamansi, serpentina, sambong, tri-herbal leaves extracts, and the controlled variable), with three replications each, were applied to the golden apple, snails and the resulting data were recorded.

RESULTS

After 24 hours, it was observed that all of the bio-molluscicides affected the mortality rates of the subjects. The data were statistically treated and analyzed using one-way ANOVA. It was revealed that the mortality rate of golden apple snails treated with calamansi, serpentina, sambong, and tri-herbal combination bio-molluscicides has significant difference when compared with the untreated control. It was also observed that there is a significant difference between the mortality rates of golden apple snails treated with the bio-molluscicides after 12 hours and 24 hours. Hence, it was proven that the bio-molluscicides are more effective when the golden apple snails are exposed to these bio-molluscicides for a longer duration of time.

DISCUSSIONS

We conclude that the calamansi, serpentina, sambong, and tri-herbal combination leaves extracts are all equally effective as bio-molluscicides against golden apple snails.