Chapter I

The Problem and Its Setting

This chapter shows the content of the study. It introduces the background of the

study, statement of the problem, significance of the study, and the scope and limitations.

This will also inform the reader/s with the terms used in the study.

Introduction

Mosquitoes are one of the most life-threating insects. It seems to be small that

you can't even notice, but it can result a big effect if you got bitten by them. They are

insects that belong to the order of Diptera and approximately 3500 species of their kind.

They live in a wide range of environment around the world are usually found on dark

areas stagnant waters, and dirty places. Mosquitoes are carriers of deadly diseases

that we should be aware of, such as Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue, and Zika virus are

the most well-known diseases.

These mosquitoes are omnivores depend on their type. Mosquitoes are usually

carnivore but when they are adult they are fed on the nectar of the flower such as bee

and butterfly. Their victims are usually human beings that are why we need to be aware

of it. Mosquitoes are being controlled by the human through insecticides. Insecticides

are considerable or it is not necessary to eliminate mosquitoes. People have been

fighting mosquitoes since then with insecticides- one of the most effective mosquito
1
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control agents ever developed provided that it is use correctly. But unfortunately, most

of the people are using it incorrectly, and in the process waste their money and effort.

On the other hand, Chrysanthemum is a flowering plant that contains

pyrethrum. Chrysanthemum is used to be a decoration in a certain place. It needs a

special care for it to grow. Chrysanthemum is a natural toxic plant that can manipulate

to eliminate insects. The main toxic of this plant is the Pyrethrum which is used to be a

natural insecticide for centuries. Due to this toxic plant to insects, it is safe to use than

the commercial one which contains chemicals. Therefore if Chrysanthemum extract will

be injected, then there is a high possibility that the insects will be poisoned and causes

them to die.

I. Background of the Study

Mosquitoes, as we all know, are the common and popular insects here in the

Philippines. These insects are known to cause and carry diseases such as Dengue,

Zika virus, Malaria, etc. About 138, 444 of dengue cases were reported since 2018 and

still increasing as time flies by.

People have used various instruments and ways to control such problems. The

most known or the most popular is the commonly use insecticide sprays. Most of these

can destroy mosquitoes but they also harm humans as well. According to the experts,

these common insecticides have ingredients like tethramethrin, and distillates can

cause chest pains when inhaled. (www.bayer.co.th)

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All these set aside, the question stuck on everyone’s mind is: “What can be an

effective and natural insecticide?”

Chrysanthemums (Dendranthema grandiflora) are one of the best natural

insecticide existing. According to La Jolla, these plants contain chemicals known as

Pyrethrum that is a natural neurotoxin that attacks the nervous system of all insects and

specifically mosquitoes.

II. Statement of the Problem

This study will be conducted to determine the capability of Chrysanthemum

extract in eliminating mosquitoes. Specifically, this will answer the following questions:

a. Was the Chrysanthemum extract effective in eliminating the mosquitoes?

b. Which Treatment would be more effective in eliminating mosquitoes?

T1 - commercial insecticide (control)

T2 - 75% water, 25% CE

T3 - 50% water, 50% CE

T4 - 25% water, 75% CE

T5 - 100% CE

Is there a significance difference between the Chrysanthemum extract to the mortality of

mosquitoes?
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III. Hypotheses

There is no significant difference between the Chrysanthemum extract to the

mortality of mosquitoes.

There is a significant difference between the Chrysanthemum extract to the

mortality of mosquitoes.

IV. Significance of the Study

This study will be conducted to lessen the mosquito population. Commercial

insecticides are being used by the people to eliminate various insects; Mosquitoes are

known to carry diseases like Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue, and Zika Virus. This study

would be a great help to people having these insects as their housemate because it

would terminate those insects in a less expensive way and natural way.

Furthermore, it would serve as a basis for other researchers in improving further

studies on how to get rid of these insects.

V. Scope and Limitations

This study was limited in determining the effectiveness of the Chrysanthemum

extract on mosquitoes. The insects will be then treated with the following various levels

of insecticides:
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T1 - commercial insecticide

T2 - 75% water, 25% CE

T3 - 50% water, 50% CE

T4 - 25% water, 75% CE

T5 - 100% CE

(Chrysanthemum Extract = CE)

The mortality rate in each treatment was determined by counting dead

mosquitoes.

The Chrysanthemum Flowers to be extracted will be gathered from the supplier

of Arpee’s Flower Shop, Roxas East Avenue, G.S.C; This study is expected to be

conducted on August S.Y. 2019-2020 at General Santos City National High School

DOST Laboratory.
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Chapter II

Review of Related Literature

This chapter discusses the applicable data about the matters being studied

Mosquito

More than just annoying insects, some mosquitoes, specifically females, are

responsible for transmitting diseases that can result to serious illness or even death.

Mosquitoes were once viewed merely as a nuisance because of the itching and irritation

that resulted from their bites. Mosquitoes aren't just annoying; they spread killer

diseases, as well. They are usually called one of the most dangerous animals on the

planet. That's right: The most dangerous animals on the planet that can be killed with a

single slap — but if they've had time to bite, they may have already transmitted a fatal

disease that may even cause death. Half of the world population is considered at-risk

for diseases because of blood-sucking insects like ticks, sandflies and mosquitoes. The

World Health Organization even made a smart slogan: "small bite, big threat”.

(Junior World Encyclopaedia: Mosquito, 2011)

Mosquitoes (Culicidae), as we all know, are insects that are considered as pests

in our life. They are small, two-winged flies and the adult female mosquitoes are the

ones that suck blood and inject a deadly disease. Mosquitoes bring diseases such as

Malaria, Zika virus, Dengue, Yellow Fever and many more. Female mosquitoes are

blood-feeders while the male ones are fed on flower nectar although male and female

are fed on nectar; females are require a blood meal to produce its eggs. (Encyclopaedia

of Knowledge, p.97-98)
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Zika Virus

Zika virus came from aedes mosquitoes. It has a large effect and it has several

symptoms that usually last for a week. Zika virus during pregnancy can affect the baby

inside the womb and it can also develop such complications. Zika virus has also

growing risk for children and adults. (World Health Organization: Zika Virus, 2018)

Dengue

Dengue fever hurts so much that it's commonly referred to as “broken bones”

fever. It's the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne disease in the world, with 40% of

the world currently at risk. Between 50 and 100 million people get dengue fever every

year, and even though it's not usually fatal, it still is a leading cause of death for children

in certain Latin American and Asian countries. This disease/fever is one of the most

common communicable diseases in our country, Philippines.

Dengue is a major public health problem in the Philippines and is endemic in all

regions of the country. The country's outbreaks are largely seasonal, with most

episodes occurring during the wet season (June–February). The Philippines has

made dengue a notifiable disease since 1958. On average, 170,503 symptomatic

DENV infections and 750 deaths were officially reported to the Philippines

Department of Health (DoH) annually from 2010 to 2014. (Kevin Loria, 2014)

Dengue is a viral infection that is very known especially in Philippines, and it came

from the four types of viruses. It can be passed through the bites of female

mosquitoes during daytime. It can also be found mostly in areas with stagnant water
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and can also be the result of lack of garbage collection. Dengue occurs in urban

areas with higher transmission due to the season, dengue don't really have antiviral

treatment right now so we really need to take care of ourselves. (Iamat, 2019)

Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever is another illness spread by mosquitoes; the WHO also calls it as "the

original viral haemorrhagic fever”. This disease spread approximately 200,000

individuals per year – and kills an average of 30,000. It’s a viral haemorrhagic fever

that has no treatment just like in dengue. Most patients with this fever recover, but

about 15% of the infected enters the toxic phase, where they start to bleed internally

and organs starting to fail, then they eventually die. Yellow fever cases have been

increasing since 1980’s and still increasing as time passes by. The reason behind

this is due to declining human immunity, deforestation, climate change, higher

infection rates in cities due to a particular breed of mosquito called the Aedes

aegypti. (Kevin Loria, 2014)

Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It’s typically transmitted through the bite of an

infected mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this

mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream. When it reaches

your body, the red blood cells will be infected that cause it to burst open. Malaria is

typically found in tropical and subtropical climates where the parasites can live.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that, in 2016, there were an

estimated 216 million cases of malaria in 91 countries. In the United States, the
 9

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report 1,700 cases of malaria

annually. Most cases of malaria develop in people who travel to countries where

malaria is more common. The symptoms usually last for 10 days following the

infection. Having malaria can affect your liver and kidney. For treatment, visit a

hospital. (Luo, K. E., 2017)

Insecticide

Insecticides are basically a chemical formulated to control various types of insects.

Insecticides are made to repel, kill, harm or reduce insects that are disturbing our

lives. There are different ways how an insecticide manages to disrupt insects.

Some insecticides directly attack the control tower or the nervous system of an

insect, while others may damage their exoskeleton or the support of an animal’s

body. Insecticides are packaged in different means including sprays, dusts, gels,

and baits. (National Pesticide Information Center, 2018)

Insecticides have saved millions of individuals including animals in the whole world

since the date of their existence and use. Insecticides have played an important role

and helped farmers in their crops and families in their homes. It helped the farmers

in controlling insect pests invading their crops and controlling the spreading of

diseases, while in homes, it helped them kill and control home insects and pests.

But insecticides still have negative effects and impact to the environment and to the

people, like toxic residues in food, water, air, and soil. About 650 species of insects

gets adopted and developed resistance and immunity to insecticides. (Springer

Science, Business Media Dordrecht, 2014)

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Insecticides help control insects in the home garden or landscape. But, insecticides

contain dangerous chemicals that are dangerous when misapplied, spilled or

disposed improperly and may lead to various effects on human health. One of the

effects is an acute allergic reaction, these effects can occur within 24 hours of

exposure, according to the University of Missouri Extension’s website. Another

effect is Chronic Poisoning; this causes physical and neurological effects such as

nervousness, slow movement, and a decline in good health. Chronic Poisoning

may don’t have a treatment especially if the source of poisoning is not known. (Van

Cecil, C. Bad Effects of Insecticide)

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) is a plant. It gets its name from the Greek

words for “gold” and “flower.” People use the flowers to make medicine.

Chrysanthemum is used to treat chest pain (angina), high blood pressure, type

2 diabetes, fever, cold, headache, dizziness, and swelling.

In combination with other herbs, chrysanthemum is also used to treat prostate

cancer.

As a beverage, chrysanthemum is very popular as a summertime tea in southern

China. (WebMD, 2005)

Chrysanthemum has been appreciated and cultivated for its beauty, pleasant

flavour, and medicinal properties for over 3,000 years beginning in China.

Awareness of its virtues spread across East Asia, and eventually to the West. Its

ability to bloom through the autumn and early winter contributes to its reputation as
 11

a longevity elixir. You may have seen richly colored "Mums" brightening a garden

long after other flowers have faded.

Chrysanthemum has traditionally been valued as a longevity tonic for general well-

being, with an affinity for the eyes and enhancing visual acuity. It has been used to

support cardiovascular health, pairing beautifully with Hawthorne. Additionally,

Chrysanthemum has been used for many acute conditions, such as irritated or

infected eyes, boils and carbuncles, headaches, colds and influenza, and other

acute viral infections. It is considered to be effective for soothing an inflamed throat,

clearing the lungs, and reducing a fever, as well as for digestive bloating and

cramping. Currently some healthcare practitioners are exploring its applications for

Lyme disease with positive results. Despite its delicate flavour, Chrysanthemum is a

powerful herb. There is something very gentle in a cup of Chrysanthemum tea, and

yet it feels deeply supportive and healing. And it is a genuine pleasure to drink.

(Stauber, 2004).

Natural Insecticide

Many plant species produce substances that protect them by killing or repelling

the insects that feed on them. For example, the Douglas fir has a special sap that

wards off beetles if it is attacked. Neem trees produce oil that alters the hormones

of bugs so that they cannot fly, breed or eat (National Academy of Sciences 1992).

It is possible to create effective, natural insecticides from these substances to

protect crops that, unlike wild plants, may have lost their capability through

cultivation to cope with pests. Natural pesticides have many advantages over
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synthetic ones and may be more cost-effective as a whole, considering the

environmental cost of chemical alternatives. Natural pesticides are biodegradable,

barely leave residues in the soil and are less likely to harm humans or animals. In

addition, they are cheaper and more accessible in less developed countries.

Agricultural crops are under constant assault by insect pests, making insecticides

essential to reduce losses. Synthetic insecticides such as organophosphates are

important, effective tools in modern crop management. However, they pose

serious threats to the environment and to people. Humans come in contact with

dangerous pesticides on food, in water and in the air near farms. This "pesticide

drift" occurs when pesticide dust and spray travel by wind to places unexposed to

pesticides. Almost 98% of sprayed pesticides do not reach their targets. They

penetrate to groundwater, pollute streams and harm wildlife, including natural

predators of the targeted pests. Older pesticides such as DDT killed bald eagles,

birds, fish and even people (Carson, 2011).

Reservoir

Mosquitoes can live, breed and reproduce in mostly every place that they can live

on, where they can tend to lay eggs.

Mosquitoes can rest in tall grass, weeds, and brush near inhabited locations

such as homes and other buildings. Mosquitoes can breed in stagnant, standing fresh

water oftentimes found around the home. In tin cans, buckets, discarded tires and other

artificial containers that has stagnant water in it. In untended pools, birdbaths, clogged

rain gutters, and plastic wading pools that hold stagnant water. In storm drains and
 13

catch basins in urban areas. In septic tanks, sewages and other foul water sources,

above or below the ground level and in agricultural irrigation. Whenever water stands for

four to seven days, mosquitoes can multiply. Eliminating even small amounts of standing

water eliminates mosquitoes. Dispose of empty cans, buckets, flowerpots, old tires,

trash cans, etc. Clear clogged roof gutters. Change water in bird baths and fountains at

least once a week. Flush sump pump pits weekly. Empty plastic swimming pools when

it is not in use. Drain swimming pool covers. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools,

outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are

kept outdoors. Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on your

property. Clip tall grass or weeds standing near the house or where people use the

yard. Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.

Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum is used widely throughout the world to control many human and

household pests such as mosquitoes and houseflies because it is cheaper and

more effective synthetic products have mostly replaced it for farm use. Other than

home and garden uses, pyrethrums are used on a variety of agricultural crops and

for structural and public health pest control. Pyrethrum has been greatly studied for

its effects on people and the environment. Like all insecticides, pyrethrum is used to

have a toxic effect on insects. Thus it is not correct to say that pyrethrum is "safe."

But still, pyrethrum has a good toxicity effect for insects such as mosquitoes. For

mammals, doses that elicit toxic reactions are significantly larger than the

exposures people typically experience in using pyrethrum based products.

Pyrethrum still has bad effects on humans like us. Some of these effects are; Acute
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Toxicity, Organ Toxicity, Fate in Humans and Animals, Effects on the

Circulatory System, Disruption of Hormone Systems, Chronic Toxicity,

Reproductive Effects and Carcinogenic Effects. This means that pyrethrum is not

completely safe to humans even though it is good at killing insects specifically

mosquitoes. (Use of Pyrethrin/ Pyrethrum and its Effect on Environment and

Human, 2014)
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Chapter III

Methodology

This chapter displays the procedure of the study. It aims to explain and discuss

the solution of the problem about mosquitoes. This includes the research design,

research materials, procedures and methods use in conducting the study.

Research Location and Duration

This study will be conducted at the DOST Laboratory of General Santos City

National High School, General Santos City. The Chrysanthemum flowers will be

gathered from the supplier of Arpee’s Flower Shop, Roxas East Avenue, General

Santos City. It will last for six (6) days including the collection and the extraction of

Chrysanthemum flowers. The laboratory test will be conducted for at least (2) two

weeks to know the capability of the Chrysanthemum extract in eliminate mosquitoes.

Research Design

This study utilizes a simple research design which contains the preparation of the

materials and treatment extraction, the gathering of Chrysanthemum preparation of the

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specimens (about 75 mosquitoes) and the application treatments. There will be 5

treatments, labeled T1- Commercial Insecticide (control), T 2- 25% CE / 75% Water, T3-

50% CE / 50% Water, T 4- 75% CE / 25% Water and T 5- 100% CE. Each treatment will

be placed inside a DIY test aquarium for the mosquitoes to be experimented. The

experiment will be laid out in Complete.

Research Design

R1
R2
R3

R1
R2
R3

R1
R2
R3

R1
R2
R3

R1
R2
R3
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Figure 1

Procedure Flow Chart

Gathering of Preparation of Preparation of

Materials Materials Mosquitoes

Conducting of Extraction of
mosquito Soxhlet Chrysanthemum
extermination Extraction Flowers
experimentation

Thin-Layer
Chromatography Gathering of Measurement
Process Data and Tabulation

Data Analysis
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Figure 2

Materials and Instruments

The instruments and materials needed in conducting this study.

List of materials and instruments to be used in performing this study, the

gathering and preparation of the Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) are

shown below.

Flower Extraction Preparation of Application of the

I.
Treatments Treatments

Raw Materials Raw Materials Raw Materials

Chrysanthemum Mosquito net Water

Flower Spray Bottles Commercial Insecticide
Artificial Shelter Chrysanthemum Extract
Test Containers Test Containers
Laboratory Equipment Laboratory Equipment Laboratory Equipment

Beakers Safety Gloves Spray Bottles

Cheese Cloth (filter) Beakers
Mortar and Pestle Extractor Setup
Pipette

Materials to be used
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The materials to be used are 12 free space containers with uniform average

sizes, (grams) of Chrysanthemum flowers, mortar and pestle, 5 100mL beaker, about 75

mosquitoes, 5 spray bottles/containers, 6 pair of gloves, 6 full face masks, and 6 cheese

cloths. Mosquitoes will be gathered in their possible reservoir and the Chrysanthemum

flowers will be gathered from the supplier of Arpee’s Flower Shop. The materials need

in conducting this study will be provided by the researchers.

II. Preparation of Treatments and Treatment Containers

(Grams) of Chrysanthemum flowers will be pounded with mortar and pestle to

produce the extract and will then strained using cheese clothes. The treatments and

percentage will be then converted into milliliters. After pounding, the Chrysanthemum

flower extract will then be prepared according to the treatments, labeled T 1- Commercial

Insecticide (control), T2- 25% CE / 75% Water, T3- 50% CE / 50% Water, T4- 75% CE /

25% Water and T5- 100% CE. The 5 treatments will be placed inside the 5 different

spray bottles. The spray bottles should have the same spray capacity/power.

III. Preparation of the Test Insects

About 75 mosquitoes are needed as a specimen for this research study. The

researchers decide to look for a possible reservoir of mosquito eggs for them to hatch

and to be equally aged mosquito. After gathering the hatched egg, the researchers

placed it into a free space container with tiny holes for ventilation. 15 containers will be

then prepared with 5 mosquitoes in each container which will serve as test insects.

IV. Preparation of Test Containers

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In making/preparing the test containers for the mosquitoes, the researchers need

to have 5 large containers that will serve as an artificial shelter for the mosquitoes. The

5 test containers will have two (2) holes each and will be covered with rubber/safety

gloves for the application and handling of the treatments.

(visual representation for the expected test containers)

V. Application of the Treatments

The different treatments will be only sprayed within the 90 minute-plan of the

application in just a day. Spraying containers will be used to prevent inconvenience and

bias.

VI. Data Analysis

The researchers will be using Chi—Square to determine the significance of the

result.

Experimentation General Procedures

Preparation and Safety Precautions

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Before conducting the study, the researchers must avoid direct contact with the

mosquitoes and follow the safety precautions to avoid and prevent any harmful

circumstances that may cause diseases like dengue etc.

Gathering and Preparation of the Materials to be used

Materials needed to complete this study will be prepared. Chrysanthemum

flowers will be gathered and prepared. Equally aged mosquitoes will be collected and

prepared for a non-bias analysis.

Extraction of Chrysanthemum Flowers

In extraction of chrysanthemum flowers, soxhlet extraction will be applied. The

collected extract will be then mixed with different ratios of water that will be represented

as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 that will be applied to the mosquitoes.

Preparation and Applying of Treatments

In preparing the extract needed, the researchers will distribute the extract in

different ratios to each treatment. The researchers will apply the treatments to the 3

replicas, and then they will observe the effects of the mixture to the mosquitoes.

Measuring and Tabulating Results

The effects of the treatments will be measured after being observed 3 times.

The researchers will count the number of terminated mosquitoes out of varying number

of it. Tabulation of results will be done at the end of the experimentation. The
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researchers will compare the effect of different ratio of treatments by counting the

number of dead bodies to find what mixture is more effective.

Data Analysis

The data to be collected will be used in comparing the effect of different ratio of

treatments using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). This will be used to

determine the significant difference among and between the trials.

Bibliography

Book

Priest, W. (1983). A Child’s First Library of Learning. Hong Kong: Gakken Co., Ltd.

Newfield Publications Inc. (1996). Insects. Columbus.

Time Inc. (1975). The Insects. Netherland.

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URL 1. Mosquito. Available from the internet. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosquito.

Accessed last February 2019.

URL 2. Zika Virus. Available from the internet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-

sheets/detail/zika-virus. Accessed last February 2019.

URL 3. Pesticides. Available from the internet. http://npic.orst.edu. Accessed last

February 2019.

URL 4. Insecticide. Available from the internet.

https://www.britannica.com/technology/insecticide. Accessed last February 2019

 23

URL 5. Chrysanthemum. Available from the internet.

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-904/chrysanthemum.

Accessed last February 2019.

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A Scott Fetzer Company. (2015). The World Book Encyclopedia. Chicago.

Van Cecil, C. (2011). Bad Effects of Insecticide.