UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF KAMIAS ( AVERRHOA

BILIMBI ) LEAVES EXTRACT COMBINED WITH BAKING SODA (

SODIUM BICARBONATE ) AS AN INNOVATIVE APHID
( APHIDOIDEA ) CONTROL SOLUTION

Davao City National High School

F. Torres St., Davao City

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Research II

Proponent:
Andrei Tolentino
Rhea Mae Martinez
Hann Amir Magtabog
Precious Tamagos
Euan Ymana

James Ryan E. Edma

Research II Adviser

January 2024
 UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF KAMIAS ( AVERRHOA BILIMBI ) LEAVES
EXTRACT COMBINED WITH BAKING SODA ( SODIUM BICARBONATE ) AS AN
INNOVATIVE APHID ( APHIDOIDEA ) CONTROL SOLUTION

Introduction
By using the natural properties of Kamias leaves extract
In the world of pest control, finding innovative and and baking soda, we aim to develop a sustainable and
sustainable solutions is of greatest importance. Aphids, environmentally friendly approach to aphid
commonly known as plant lice, are a significant threat management.A mixture of kamias leaves extract and
to agricultural and horticultural crops, causing baking soda solution will be mixed and put into a spray
extensive damage and economic losses. The tomato bottle and sprayed on 2 different tomato plants one
planting industry is one of the industries that are greatly being the controlled and one being the experimental
affected by aphids as they feed on the sap of tomato group it will then be monitored for 2 weeks. This study
plants, causing damage by depleting the plant’s will explore the underlying mechanisms of action and
nutrients. Aphids can transmit plant viruses, leading to potential modes of interaction between the two
diseases that can reduce tomato yields and quality. components. The outcomes of this research hold
Additionally, their feeding may distort leaves and affect significant potential for the agricultural and
overall plant health. Traditional methods of aphid horticultural industries. If successful, the combination
control often involve the use of chemical pesticides that of Kamias leaves extract and baking soda can provide a
consist of harmful substances, which can have viable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for
detrimental effects on the environment and human aphid control. Furthermore, it can pave the way for
health. However, a promising alternative lies in exploring the untapped potential of natural substances
exploring the potential of natural substances. This in pest management, fostering sustainable practices and
research delves into the potential effect of combining reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Through this
Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi) leaf extract with baking investigation, we aim to unlock the potential of Kamias
soda (Sodium bicarbonate) as a potential aphid control leaves extract combined with baking soda as an
solution. Kamias, a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to innovative aphid control solution, revolutionizing how
Southeast Asia, has been recognized for its medicinal we approach pest management in a more sustainable
and pesticidal properties. Baking soda, a common and environmentally conscious manner.
household ingredient, has also shown promise in pest
control due to its alkaline content and ability to fight Statement of the problem

insects. This study aims to investigate this innovative This study seeks to evaluate and compare the
effectiveness of Kamias leaves extract combined with
combination's effectiveness in controlling aphids while
baking soda as an aphid control solution focusing on its
minimizing the negative impacts associated with impact on the possible outcomes like the Aphid
mortality rate and the plant heath. Aphids are common
conventional chemical pesticides.
pests that cause significant damage to plants and spread
plant diseases like the mosaic virus that destroys plants
and crops. Therefore, finding effective methods to We will be using purposive sampling to identify our
control aphids is essential. samples which are aphid infested tomato plants. The
tomato plants will be inspected for aphid infection, and
Null Hypothesis (H0) parts such as the undersides of leaves will be checked to
see if it is infested, once we identify 15 tomato plants
There is no significant difference in the aphid mortality that are confirmed we will now separate them into 3
rate and plant health between the use of Kamias leaves groups that will receive different treatments.
extract combined with baking soda in the control group.

Alternative Hypothesis (HA) Treatment Of Tomato Plants

There is a significant difference in the aphid mortality 1 treatment (concentration of leaf extract of kamias and
rate and plant health between the use of Kamias leaves baking soda solution), 2 treatment ( commercial
extract combined with baking soda in the control group. pesticide ), treatment 3 ( no solution nor pesticides
added).This experiment will last for 2 weeks and will
be checked regularly on a daily basis. the difference in
MATERIALS AND METHODS each variable's treatment of the death of mosquitoes
will be analyzed using One Way Annova test
Research Design (Muhammad et. al.,2018).

Our research design will be Complete Randomized

Design. We will randomly group 15 aphid infested Review of Related Literature
tomato plant, into 3 different groups; Kamias solution +
[ The risks of using chemical pesticides]
baking soda, commercial pesticide and no treatment,
each group will be containing 5 aphid infested tomato
plants. Risk Assessment of Pesticide Usage by Smallholder
Farmers in the Cagayan Valley (Philippines).
Collection and Preparation of Kamias leaves
Extract
According to the UN Food and Agricultural
20 grams of kamias leaves extract will be made using
Organization, about 55 percent of the world's potential
the method of Grinding and Extraction. The initial step
is take the Kamias leaves, and then clean it with water human food is lost due to pests before (35 percent) or
after it is cleaned the kamias leaves will be dried
after (20 percent) harvest. In developed countries, crop
without being exposed by the rays of the Sun directly.
Once dried, the leaves are cut into small pieces and losses are estimated to be in the range of 10–30%,
grind using a blender and then the kamias leaves
while in developing nations they are estimated to be as
powder will be dissolved in water (Muhammad et.
al.,2018). high as 75% (Ohayo-Mitoko, 1997). Pesticide

Preparation of Baking Soda Solution application has been promoted among farmers in
developing countries to increase their productivity,
20 grams of baking soda will be bought from the store.
The baking soda will be mixed in 40 ml of distilled translating into improved incomes and food provision
water until it is completely dissolved. for farm households. It is argued that without pesticides
Mixing of the Baking Soda Solution and the Kamias there would be greater crop loss and shortfalls in food
Solution supplies and that food prices would increase, affecting
The Kamias Leaves Extract and Baking Soda Solution the poor in particular. In most countries, governments
will be combined thoroughly until completely mixed are endeavoring to regulate pesticide usage and increase
and put in a spary bottle.
farmers’ awareness of hazards, while at the same time
trying to promote the use of environmentally friendly
Collection of Samples
alternatives such as integrated pest management. This
paper examines pesticide usage, application methods, because, through intentional, accidental, and
risk awareness, pesticide drift to the environment, and occupational exposures, they lead to about five million
health effects among farmers with different levels of deaths annually (Singh, 2009). The Fertilizer and
income and market access. Additional data were Pesticide Authority (FPA) is responsible for the policies
acquired from secondary sources, interviews, and spray concerning pesticide use in the Philippines, but its
simulation experiments. The Cagayan Valley, Luzon policies are not well disseminated thereby limiting and
Island is in the northern part of the Philippines. It lies in banning pesticides in foods. Pesticide handling is not
the seasonally humid rainforest climate zone, with a 7– properly understood by farmers and there are not
8 months growing season and a short dry season from enough trained rural health workers. Pesticide
December to April. The valley is an important rice- poisoning cases were analyzed in the Philippines using
producing area, often called the Granary of the data from literature, journals, and records from several
Philippines. It is clear from the results of this study that agencies and hospitals. Pesticide poisoning ranked 6th
the list of pesticides approved for use in the Philippines in 2004-2009, and mixed pesticides were the main
needs review, to ensure proper distinction among cause of poisoning. Research has shown that mortality
banned, restricted, and general-use pesticides. In rates are increased by pesticide overuse and without
addition, a sound mechanism is needed to control the proper equipment and precautionary measures. In order
use and sale of restricted and banned pesticides. Even to solve this problem, the government should bring in a
pesticides classified as slightly hazardous or relatively ban on pesticide use by farmers and put in place
non-hazardous can still cause damage to farmers’ health training for farmers on proper application. Pesticide
and the environment. poisoning should be documented properly and database
should be kept for medical and health personnel
This study relates with our study by making a
working in community health units and public and
comparison with the crops specifically the tomato plant
private hospitals who should also be trained on proper
by the different kinds of pesticide and our study's
management of pesticide poisoning. Hospitals should
extract. This study has a few question unanswered like,
also document acute and chronic pesticide poisoning,
The specific health and environmental impacts of the
socio-demographics, and types of poisoning, to have a
most commonly used pesticides in the Philippines,
wider range of data.
particularly in the Cagayan Valley, are not thoroughly
addressed and the research does not provide a detailed Pesticides are used everywhere in developing countries
analysis of the effectiveness and potential risks of such as the Philippines, however they cause health
different pesticide application methods, such as spray problems that kill millions of people. We should
simulation experiments. observe proper use of pesticides. The study promotes
safety in the use of said pesticides, we also in our study
Trends of Pesticide Exposure and Related cases in the
will observe safety in using our pesticides to reduce
Philippines
damages to ourselves and the environment. The

The use of pesticides in developing countries such as question of this study that we will answer is to create a

the Philippines for agricultural purposes is widespread, pesticide that is more efficient in exterminating pests

but they pose a health problem at a global level but with the same amount of safety.
[ Pesticide utilization] intracellular and enzymatic activities in bacteria and
causing toxicity in mammals. Overall, pesticide
Pesticide Utilization and Insecticide residue levels in
pollution poses significant risks to the environment and
rice from Banaybanay, Davao Oriental
organisms within it. ( Singh, 2000 ).

Humanity is currently facing several interactive Humanity is facing problems. These problems include

international problems. Widespread hunger, loss of food and deteriorating land which leads to the

malnutrition and deteriorating environmental quality country's loss of food. The government in the past has

are just some of the most pressing issues of greatest overlooked agriculture, resulting in many problems.

concern. The problem of feeding a growing population governments that focus on agriculture use many

in a land-constrained world is receiving significant dangerous pesticides that are very toxic and cause

international attention. This situation exacerbates the damage to us and our environment. It relates to our

problem. In the past, agriculture has been overlooked study because our study also uses pesticides that we

by political leaders, resulting in elusive food security will be using against our target pest. The question that

and persistent poverty among small farmers. However, we will be answering that this study has not is to find a

by prioritizing agriculture and poverty reduction, the more efficient but has an equivalence if the safety of

national government opens up significant opportunities their study.

to enhance the country’s food security. In recent times,

Pesticide Utilization of Vegetable Industry in
the harmful impacts of chemical pesticides have
Maragusan, Compostela Valley province
become Apparent. These include the contamination of
groundwater, destruction of crops due to pesticides, and Pesticides have become popular across the globe
a rise of skin and lung diseases caused by human because of its distinct features that help in saving
exposure to pesticide chemicals (Domingo, 1997). The people’s lives, reducing insect epidemics, protecting
use of synthetic pesticides poses risks to both humans millions from sudden death, and increasing food intake.
and the environment. While they can enhance crop They also lower the prices of food, boost farmers’
production, their indiscriminate use can lead to various efficiency, and hasten the process. In the Philippines,
human diseases such as respiratory discomfort, the most expensive pesticides are pesticides, followed
gastrointestinal issues, nausea, bone marrow damage, by herbicides and fungicides (Rejesus, 1983). The
and liver and kidney toxicity. Additionally, there is a persistence of the pesticides makes them effective
potential association with reproductive complications control agents since they are stable and long
and certain types of cancer. (Singh, 2000). Pesticides lasting(Enger and Smith, 1995). In Maragusan, the
have detrimental effects on ecosystems by disrupting Philippines, about 451 hectares of land are allocated for
their structure and function. When pesticide-mixed vegetable farming where 608 farmers are involved in
effluent is released into water bodies, it can harm the process of work. The most popular vegetables
aquatic vegetation while being non-toxic to fish. include sayote (19%), tomatoes (13%), cabbage (11%),
Pesticides also contaminate groundwater through baguio beans (9%), eggplant (7%), paprika (6%),
leaching from plants and soil, leading to interference in pechay (6%), ampalaya (6%), carrot (5%), radish (5%),
spring onion (45%), All farmers who engage in effectiveness of plant extracts in reducing aphid
vegetable production are young, most being elementary population on okra crops. This study tested five
and high school students. They purchase the pesticides different plant extracts, namely: Carica papaya L.,
from agrochemical shops in Maragusan and Tagum Tagetes minuta L., Nicotiana tabacum L., Lantana
towns. The farmers have used chemical pesticides for a camara L. and Capsicum annuum L. The field
long time to control pests, but the continuously experiment was conducted at Bale area, which is
increasing costs have kept small farmers away from situated in Musina local municipality, Vhembe District
vegetable production. municipality, Limpopo Province in South Africa. The
field experiment was laid in a Randomized Complete
This research relates to our study by comparing the
Block Design, with seven treatments replicated three
pesticide to our organic Kamias extract solution. The
times. An absolute control where no pesticides or plant
following questions that hasn't been answeres is The
materials solution were applied, and a treatment treated
specific types of pesticides used in Maragusan,
with a synthetic chemical were used as control to
Philippines, are not mentioned. The reasons for the
compare the efficacy with five plant material extracts.
increasing costs of pesticides are not discussed. The
The soil sample was taken before planting and analyzed
potential health risks associated with the use of
at Madzivhandila College of Agriculture laboratory. A
pesticides are not addressed. The environmental impact
rainfall gauge was installed onsite to measure the
of pesticide use is not explored. The article does not
amount of rain during the period of the experiment.
mention any efforts to reduce the use of pesticides or
Scouting of aphids was done once a week before
promote safer alternatives.
spraying plant material extracts. To ensure uniformity,

[Efficacy of Plant materials in controlling aphids] the same measurement of 300 g/20 L or 15 g/L was
used across the plant material extracts. All plant
Efficacy of Plant materials in controlling aphids on material extracts tested were effective in controlling
okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Moench) in Limpopo aphids compared to mercaptothion insecticide. Carica
Province of South Africa. papaya L. and Tagetes minuta L. leaf extracts were the
most effective. This study also concluded that all plant
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of
extracts used, especially Carica papaya L. and Tagetes
five plant material extracts in reducing aphid
minuta L., were effective in reducing leaf damage
abundance, leaf damage, and increasing okra yield in
resulting from aphid infestations, thus increasing crop
the Vhembe District. The ultimate goal is to provide
yield. Therefore, it is recommended that smallholder
smallholder farmers with a safer and more affordable
farmers should use Carica papaya L. and Tagetes
means of pest management, thereby reducing residue
minuta L.
accumulation and improving production. By
incorporating locally available plant materials like
This study uses plants species as a pesticide against
Carica papaya L., Tagetes minuta L., Capsicum
aphids similarly to our Research. The plants used were
annuum L., and Lantana camara L., integrated pest
turned into extracts that were used to reduce the
management can be enhanced for smallholder farmers
damage done on a plant. The question that we will be
in the Limpopo Province. This study assessed the
hopefully answering is that our Pesticide made from endosulfan as it gave 69.35% reduction after 24 hours
Kamias (Avverhoa bilmbi) extract a useable pesticide though it showed better results after 72 hours with
or does it just have no effect on the aphids. 74.20% reduction but again it was found less effective
after 168 hours of first it it was found less effective
[Comparative Management of Aphid Through Bio-
after 168 hours of first spray with only 70.89%
and Synthetic - insecticides ]
reduction. The performance of neem oil as seed

Comparative Management of Cabbage Aphid (Myzus treatment in comparison with imidacloprid against

Persicae Sulzer) (Aphididae:Hemiptera) Through Bio- aphid and jassid on okra crop and found excellent

and Synthetic - insecticides protection by neem oil from both the sucking pests up
to 45 days after treatment and provided better yield
Cabbage, Brassica oleracea L., an important crop of the compared to control variable (Ahmed et al 2007).
Family Cruciferae is a good source of fibers, vitamins
and minerals, low in calories and has high content Cabbages useful for medicinal use has been eaten and

levels of calcium, iron, iodine, potassium, sulfur, and destroyed by many pests. This study researches an

phosphorus. Cabbage possesses healing properties in effective placement of crops for the most effective and

the battle against cancer, making it an impressive food effective way of spreading the pesticides. The study is

with potential therapeutic effects against cancer similar due to the fact that they are using pesticides

(USDA, 2009). Cabbage crops are attacked by a against pests. The question we will be answering is how

number of insect pests such as the green peach aphid. to be efficient with our resources of using the

Farmers use pesticides and insectisides to drive these pesticides.

pests away, But extensive and regular use of

[Effectiveness of Wuluh Starfruit (Averrhoa
insecticides on cabbage aphid led to various issues.
Bilimbi) leaf extract in killing larvae ]
Alternative methods have not proven to be as effective
in reducing the population and infestation of aphids. Effectiveness of Leaf extract Wuluh Starfruit (Averrhoa
The experiment starts with Cabbage plants being Bilimbi) in killing larvae Aedes Aegypti.
transplanted in (RCBD) with three replicates, each
The existence of climate change in Indonesia at this
replicate consisting of 6 treatment plots, with a row-to-
time cannot be estimated so that the environmental
row distance. A distance of 3 m was maintained
effect of the existence of a number of developing
between each treatment as a buffer to avoid spray drift
disease or population. As well as an increase in
of other insecticides. For insect count ,10 plants were
infectious diseases such as Dengue fever Dengue
randomly selected and tagged from each treatment.
(DBD) and Malaria so that the need for the prevention
Insecticides at the recommended rates were sprayed in
and eradication of the disease. Dengue fever is a
the morning before 10 a.m. Pre-treatment counts were
tropical disease and still is a problem in tropical
made 24 hours before each spray and post-treatment
countries. Dengue virus infections are caused by Aedes
data were recorded after 24, 72, and 168 hours of each
aegypti mosquitoes as vector Aedes albopictus as
spray. Insecticides used are Imidacloprid, Endosulfan,
primary and secondary vector. The essential oils of
Profenofos, Spinosad and Neem Formulation.
plants in general have been known as a natural source
Profenofos was less effective than imidacloprid and
of insecticide because some of them are selective, tomatoes due to insect damage, underscores the need
biodegradable, not toxic. Star fruit wuluh leaf extract for early diagnosis before visible symptoms appear
contains flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The study is (Tolman et. al., 2004). Detecting infestations during
a randomized design laboratory experimental complete asymptomatic stages, when characteristics are not
posttest only with control group design. Leaf extract apparent, is challenging. Timely and cost-effective
wuluh star fruit extracts are made using the method of detection is crucial, highlighting the importance of
Maceration. Sample it takes 700 larvaes according to effective pest management strategies and control
the formula of Federer and 25 larvaes each cup measures. (Park et. al., 2016). Many methods and
according to standards of the WHO. The number of procedures have been developed to address these
larvae mortality after exposure leaf extract wuluhstar challenges, and new technologies are continuously
fruit fully listed in. It looks that at the controls, not emerging. The most widely used technologies for the
found the death of Aedes aegypti larvae, whereas the diagnosis of plant pests are laboratory-based methods,
number the highest mortality was obtained at such as polymerase chain reaction (Kumar et. al.,2016).
concentrations of 2%, 2%, 3% . The larval mortality However, these methods are time-consuming,
experienced an increase in concentrations of 1% and expensive, and destructive. A more recent technology is
2% in accordance with the increase in the concentration the detection of Volatile organic compounds released
of leaf extract of star fruit wuluh (Averrhoa bilimbi l.). from plants, which has received extensive attention due
As for knowing its homogeneity test done larvae to its noninvasive and rapid features (Raza et. al.,
mortality Levene, the obtained larval mortality data are 2016). The research aimed to create an E-nose system
not homogeneous. Based on the results of this research for early detection of aphid-infested tomato plants,
can be known that leaf extract wuluh star fruit focusing on plant VOCs. It involved developing and
(Averrhoa bilimbi l.) have A fairly high Effectiveness optimizing the system, cultivating plants with induced
and apparent potential as a larvasida against the larvae aphid infestation, and analyzing VOCs using E-nose
of Aedes aegypti. and GC-MS tests. The experiments sealed treated plants
in Teflon bags for 3 hours, and the E-nose system
This research's similarity is the wuluh starfruit and
detected gases after 5 minutes, effectively diagnosing
kamias are almost the same, In terms of phytochemicals
aphid-stressed plants. GC-MS results revealed changes
they have the same such as flavonoids, tannins and etc.
in volatile compounds as a defense against aphids. The
The questions not answered in this study are what is the
study identified biomarkers, explained sensor
difference between the pesticide and the extract of this
responses, and outlined future plans for system
study, show the comparison.
improvement, acknowledging limitations and the need

[ Aphid stressed tomato plants] for validation.

Development of Fast E-nose System for Early-Stage

Diagnosis of Aphid-Stressed Tomato Plants. The economy of crops has been affected by plant
diseases and pest infestations. When detecting
The economic impact of plant diseases and pest infestations takes time and is challenging, yet, cost-
infestations in agriculture, such as a 30% yield loss in effective detection is crucial. Many methods are being
discovered to lessen the impact of infestations. Our 6. Snelder, D.J., M.D Masipiqueña and G.R. de
Snoo. 2008. Risk assessment of pesticide
study is related because this study is related to
usage by smallholder farmers in the Cagayan
information about tomatoes and aphids. The question Valley (Philippines). Cagayan Valley,
Philippines: ScienceDirect
we will answering that this study does not is the
damages that may be caused by pesticides, this study 7. Sumile, Edito B., and Nonie A. Mapa. 2003.
Pesticide Utilization of Vegetable Industry in
only states the method of finding the pests but not the Maragusan Compostela Valley Province.
way to exterminate them. Compostella Valley, Philippines: National
Peer Reviewed Journal

8. Sumile, Edito B., and Lourdes C. Generalao.

2006. Pesticide Utilization and Insecticide
Residue Levels in Rice from Banaybanay,
Davao Oriental. Banaybanay, Davao Oriental;
7(1) National Peer Reviewed Journal
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