For examination from 2022

9980 / 01 Cambridge International Project Qualification

Project Proposal Form
Centre number

Centre name

Candidate number

Candidate name Example A

Examination series (MM/YY)

Research question:

To what extent does caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) have the pesticidal efficacy against
Locusta migratoria manilensis?

Briefly explain why you have chosen this question and topic.

Nowadays, caffeine is widely found in commercial goods like coffee and tea due to its
neuroactive property, but it is also considered to have the potential of being used as a

natural insecticide.

Previous research shows that there is a significant reduction in the ability of Drosophila
melanogaster to associate a visual cue when they are exposed to caffeine in their food (Folkers
and Spatz, 1984). This provides evidence for the phosphodiesterase inhibition caused by
caffeine could affect Drosophila’s performance while looking for food. Likewise, the behaviour
of Locusta migratoria manilensis might also be influenced by caffeine since they both belong
to class Insecta, which they have certain similarities, hence this topic could be worthy to
study. Meanwhile, L. m. manilensis is well known as an agricultural pest that spread widely
across drought ridden regions in Africa and Southern Asia, which seriously affects the yield of
Triticum. At the moment, synthetic insecticides like DDVP are used, but this contains
harmful chemicals and the cost of production is high in comparison to using organic
pesticides. Therefore, it might be worthwhile to study whether caffeine can be a potential
substitute for such synthetic insecticides.
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Outline the research method(s) you will use and explain how this will help you to answer your
research question.

I will be using desk research based on secondary sources checked for their intellectual rigour
to explain, analyse and evaluate the issue as well as to help with the formulation of interim
conclusions in an effort to answer my research question.

To test the insecticidal efficacy of caffeine on the behaviour of L. m. manilensis, bioassay will
be used to collect primary data. L. m. manilensis larvae will be divided into several batches
containing 10 to 20 larvae respectively, and each batch will be exposed to different
concentrations of pure caffeine and caffeine extracts from Coffea canephora and Camellia
sinensis. Film method may be used for the bioassay. There will be a control group that is
exposed to the solvent only, and the laboratory experiment will be done under constant
temperature and humidity. After that, the percentage mortality of L. m. manilensis will be
calculated to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of caffeine. Detailed procedures and conclusions
will be provided in the report.

Outline the main sources of information you have identified for the project.
Folkers, E. and Spatz, H.-Ch. (1984). Visual learning performance of Drosophila melanogaster is altered by
neuropharmaca affecting phosphodiesterase activity and acetylcholine transmission. Journal of Insect
Physiology, [online] 30(12), pp.957–965. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1910(84)90074-X
[Accessed 8 Oct. 2020].

Lee, Y., Moon, S.J. and Montell, C. (2009). Multiple gustatory receptors required for the caffeine response
in Drosophila. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, [online] 106(11), pp.4495–4500. Available
at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2657413/ [Accessed 16 Oct. 2020].

Mustard, J.A. (2013). The buzz on caffeine in invertebrates: effects on behavior and molecular mechanisms.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, [online] 71(8), pp.1375–1382. Available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3961528/ [Accessed 12 Oct. 2020].

Nathanson, J.A. (1984). Caffeine and related methylxanthines: possible naturally occurring pesticides.
Science, [online] 226(4671), pp.184–187. Available at: http://doi.org/10.1126/science.6207592 [Accessed 2
Oct. 2020].

Paramasivam, M. and Selvi, C. (2017). Laboratory bioassay methods to assess the insecticide toxicity
against insect pests-A review. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, [online] 5(3), pp.1441–1445.
Available at: https://www.entomoljournal.com/archives/2017/vol5issue3/PartT/5-3-132-363.pdf [Accessed 6
Oct. 2020].

Copyright@UCLES 2020 2
 For examination from 2022

Teacher feedback

Teacher name

Date of comments

Comments
Your research question is clear and focused and your proposal clearly demonstrates your thinking as well
as what you hope to achieve. You also explain how you intend to work through your project in a thoughtful
way which suggests you have a good chance of achieving success.

Your proposal makes clear that you intend to review relevant secondary sources and then answer your
research question through an experiment. The research methods you have chosen seem to be an
appropriate way to answer your question.

The secondary sources in your outline appear to be taken from high quality academic journals and you have
identified a good range of sources.

Your proposed research explores an interesting area and your proposal makes it clear that you have a real
interest in this topic. I approve this proposal and look forward to seeing how your research develops.

Approved ☒
Approved (with proviso) ☐
Not approved (resubmission required) ☐

Copyright@UCLES 2020 3