PESTICIDAL BIOACTIVITY OF

MAHOGANY (Swietenia macrophylla

King)LEAVES AGAINST THE 3RD INSTAR
LARVAE OF HOUSEFLIES (Musca
domestica)

                                                     
  A RESEARCH PAPER
               
     Presented to
               The Faculty of
                Iligan Computer Institute
           Iligan City
        

    In Partial Fulfillment

                   of the Requirements for the Subject
            PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

                    

       AREVALO, JHANDEL C.

              BAGARES, STEFFANIE ANA E.
                                   BADRODEN, SUMMAYA B.
                    CABABAT, MERICAR A.
                                   CAMPUGAN, THREKXIA G.
                                    PEREZ, DIVINE GRACE G.
                                    TORRES, ELLA KEZIAH L

                                          OCTOBER 2022

                            

   CHAPTER 1

                        THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Background of the Study

In the past, researchers have attempted to create various techniques to eliminate pests

that caused infectious diseases to people. One of the successful attempts are the

production of pesticides which later on became an essential tool in managing pests

(Ahmedani et al., 2007). Botanical pesticides were considered to have the properties

appropriate in the elimination of pests during the ancient times. This is due to their

capability in altering the behavior of pests as well as their favorable target-specific

profile which is appropriate in reducing pest populations (Whitehead & Bowers,

1983; Dubey et al., 2008). However, their usage was displaced from the market after

the introduction of synthetic pesticides which later on became an important tool for

pest management for many years (El-Wakeil, 2013). 

The effectiveness of these pesticides were very helpful in preventing potential

diseases in human health (Prakash & Rao, 1996). Despite its ability in controlling

pests, researchers have discovered the unforeseen disadvantages and risks brought by

these products to human health (Buss & Park-Brown, 2002). It was discovered that

synthetic pesticides have affected non-target organisms and caused acute and chronic

poisoning of consumers. Some synthetic pesticides even leave undesirable remains or

residues in food and in water which poses more threat to users . The disturbances

caused by the unceasing use of these chemicals to the environment led to a renewed

interest in the use of botanicals for public health protection. With this, it can be

observed that the potential pesticidal activities of plants against menacing pests are

most often studied for agricultural and environmental purposes. 

Statement of the Problem

     This study aims to investigate the mortality effects of mahogany (Swietenia

macrophylla King) leaves to the population of housefly (Musca domestica). With the

following questions:

1. How much time will the procedures require?

2. Which concentrations act as pesticides more effectively? 20% alcohol solution,

40% alcohol solution, or 60% alcohol solution? 

3.Which concentration level has the highest mortality towards the 3rd instar larvae?

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the resulting pesticides?

5. Can a housefly be killed by the toxins found in mahogany leaves?

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

Revealing the extracted mahogany (S. macrophylla) leaves exhibit mortality effects

where, in the 20%, 40%, and 60% concentration levels , to show if there  were signs

of mortality towards the 3rd instar larvae of house flies (M. domestica). 

This study is limited to the making of the mahogany’s pesticidal properties that make

it relevant to the effectiveness of pesticides and mortality rates of pests and the

repellency effect of the treated control . 

Significance of the Study

              The significance of this study is that it can give the researchers and future

researchers proper knowledge and understanding of the context of the study in

controlling adult houseflies. This study is to create a pesticide against the 3rd instar

larvae of houseflies and to control their population without causing infectious diseases

to people. Researchers also aim to help every household to discover a new pesticide

that can be made at home without spending huge amounts of money to buy expensive

pesticides to eliminate pests that will affect their family's health. House flies are

strongly suspected of transmitting at least 65 diseases to humans, including typhoid

fever, dysentery, cholera, poliomyelitis, yaws, anthrax, tularemia, leprosy and

tuberculosis. Flies regurgitate and excrete wherever they come at rest and thereby

mechanically transmit disease organisms. Therefore, this study is also important in

reducing people's health risk caused by houseflies.

CHAPTER 2
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

    Nollet and Rathore (2009) stated some alternatives for pesticides such as botanicals

which contain a harmless nontoxic substance, more on organic materials. The

potentiality of mahogany urged this study to widen the range of possibilities and

capabilities for it to be an effective pesticide. 

Related Literature

As stated by Arzadon and Yap (1991), only a minority of study is found that seeks 

in discovering plants and testing their pesticidal potential in the Philippines. In a

similar study, the said potential has been determined through its effectiveness in

dealing with common pests in most tropical countries: mosquitoes. The distinguishing

proof of the utilization of indigenous plants in controlling mosquito larvae by certain

countries in Southeast Asia showed the immense functionality of botanical pesticides.

According to Monzon et al. (1994), the Philippines has a variety of plant species that

contains medicinal and precisely pesticidal properties that has been supported in the

literature, in an investigative study it is reported that particularly five Philippine plants

are considered relevant on the pesticidal potential. 

 Other properties of S. macrophylla include pharmacological activities that exhibit

antimutagenic, antidiabetic, antioxidant effects, antitumor, anticancer, antimicrobial,

and antiinflammatory activities. Various other activities such as anti-infective,

antimalarial, antidiarrhoeal, anti-nociceptive, acaricidal, heavy metal

phytoremediation, antiviral, antifeedant and hypolipidemic activity have also been

reported (Moghadamtousi et al., 2013). Not only do these further emphasize the
plant’s medicinal value, but it also forms and establishes the undeniable pesticidal

potential of Meliaceae. According to the study of Moreira et al. (2007), hexane

solvent can also be used as an extraction as it also helps in determining the pesticidal

activity of plants. This is supported by Dhawan and Gupta (2017) that Datura metel

plant leaves have phytochemical compounds present in it namely flavonoids and

phenols. From the study of Mostafa et al. (2012), extracts of tamarind (Tamarindus

indica), neem (Azadirachta indica), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), mahogany (S.

mahogany), and common guava (Psidium guajava) leaves using hexane, methanol and

water as solvents depicted high to moderate toxicity level with various concentrations

against Tribolium castaneum, a red flour beetle. In this study, it is presented that the

hexane as a solvent depicted a higher toxicity level than the rest of the solvents.

Chifelle et al. (2011) also emphasized the use of water solvents in extracting the

phytochemical compounds of plant materials with antimicrobial andantifeeding

activity. 

Related Studies 

  A study made by MV Durai, G Balamuniappan, R Anandalakshmi, S Geetha and N

Senthil Kumar indicates that a simple Big- leaf Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla

King) could benefit not only for the surroundings but also to humans whether it is for

medicine or other purposes. In ancient times, people relied on plants for the treatment

of various ailments. Even today, plant materials remain an important resource for

combating illnesses, including infectious diseases and many of these plants have been

investigated for novel drugs or used as templates for the development of new

therapeutic agents, food additives, agrochemicals and industrial chemicals. The

photochemical is a natural bioactive compound(s) found in plants which act as a

defense system against diseases. Thus, systematic screening of plant species for new

bioactive compounds can aid in the treatment of many fungal and bacterial diseases

affecting economically important crops and animals, including humans. Alkaloids,

tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds are the most important plant bioactive

constituents. These outperform synthetic pesticides in several ways, including low

mammalian toxicity, target specificity, and biodegradability. 

     Misaab Mohammed Hanai Tamim (2015) designed a study of group of crude

extracts (aqueous, methanol and hexane) of some local plants (neem; Azadirachta

indica and Aweer; Ipomoea hildebrandtii) on different house fly larval stages. Where

he investigated the study during three consecutive seasons (2013, 2014, and 2015) at

the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Hanai Tamin wanted to see what are the

effects of Acacia nilotica and Ipomea helderbranditti leaves aqueous, methanol and

hexane extracts on housefly Musca domestica vicina for three seasons. Hanai Tamim

wanted to try a new method in controlling Musca domestica vicina in their larval

stages using the said different plant extracts. The first season(2013) of larvicidal

activity of Neem leaves extract on M. d vicina results that the neem aqueous extract

exerted a high toxic effect against housefly larvae (score 100% mortality) more than

methanol extract (score between 60%-90% mortality) and hexane extract (score

between 35%-95% mortality). Second season (2014) resulted in the aqueous extract of

neem leaves exerting the maximum toxic effect against housefly larvae (100%

mortality), whereas methanol extract produced 95% mortality, while the hexane

extract produced from 50% to 75% mortality. In the third season(2015), neem

aqueous extract scored a maximum of 80% mortality on housefly larvae, whereas the

methanol extract scored a maximum of 92% mortality and the hexane extract scored a

maximum of 96% mortality. While on the first season(2013) of Aweer leaves extract
on M. d vicina results that the aqueous extract exerted a toxic effect against housefly

larvae (between 50%-100% mortality), the methanol extract (between 85%-100%

mortality) and the hexane extract (between 0%-65% mortality). Second season

(2014), the aqueous extract exerted between 85%-95%) mortality in housefly larvae,

whereas, the methanol extract (caused 100% mortality), while the hexane extract

(between 65%-90% mortality). At the third season (2015), the aqueous extract exerted

a maximum of 95% mortality in housefly larvae, whereas, the methanol extract

caused 100% mortality, while and the hexane extract showed a maximum of 90%

mortality (the aqueous and the methanol extracts exerted relatively higher toxic effect

against housefly larvae than the hexane extract at both the S1 and the S2 seasons). It

was clear that, the polar extracts (aqueous and methanol) exerted more toxicity than

the apolar (hexane-extract) towards housefly larvae, during the three seasons

irrespective of the special habitat of the plants or the housefly larvae during the

periods of 2013 to 2015. The reason for the larval death may be due to the poisoning

of the larvae or of hunger as a result of not feeding (antifeedant effect).

      MR Amin, SMA Shafiullah, E Mondal, T Ahmed. (2017) conducted a study to

evaluate the toxicity and physiological effects of Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)

on fruit fly Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae). In which, Amin, Mondal and

Ahmed investigations were done with 1%, 2% and 4% extracts. The results clearly

found that during the 24 hours of exposing the Mahogany leaves extract  on the larvae

of Bactrocera cucurbitae a slope of 0.13 ± 0.03 were stated as its  toxicity effect in

killing the B. cucurbitae. During the 48 hours of its exposure a slope of 0.10 ± 0.03

was obtained. 
      This study relates to the present paper as it analyzes and clarifies how and why

mere flies will affect the extraction of plants. This study added exact information to

the researchers as to achieve a new concept to find accessible, clear and

straightforward methods in controlling the population of housefly Musca domestica. 

    

        With the above-mentioned studies, reducing the population variable of flies

whether or not its housefly Musca domestica vicina and fruit fly Bactrocera

cucurbitae can be obtained by using different plant extracts. Both of the studies'

objectives were to determine which exact concentration of extracts plants could slay

or execute a fly. Differentiation strategy of its own research leads a successful

experiment to each researcher. 

Theoretical Framework

        This part will serve as a structure that can hold or support the theory of our

research study. This will show different theories related to our study. This theory

states that an alternative eco-friendly strategy for the management of noxious insect

pests has been searched to reduce harmful effects of chemical insecticides. The

appropriate use of botanical pesticides can play a significant role in sustainable crop

protection by providing a stable pest management program. Natural products are well

known to have a range of useful biological properties against insect pests (Arthur

1996). The effectiveness of many botanical oils against stored grain insects has

already been demonstrated (Dunkel & Sears 1998). Many types of spices and herbs

are known to possess anti-insect activities especially in the form of essential oils

(Tripathi et al. 1999). Also, it may be possible to use botanical extracts, edible oil
and/or develop environmental manipulation strategies for effective insect control

(Zewar 1993; Xie et al. 1995). Different types of plant preparations such as powders,

solvent extracts, essential oils and whole plants are being investigated for their

insecticidal activity including their action as fumigants, repellents, antifeedants,

antiovipositions and insect growth regulators (Isman 2000; Negahban &

Moharramipour 2007). Higher plants are a rich source of novel natural substances that

can be used to develop environmentally safe methods for insect control (Jbilou et al.

2006).

Conceptual Framework 

Figure 2. Swietenia macrophylla leaves extract 

     The chosen subject which will be evaluated for its pesticidal bioactivity in our 
research paper is the Mahogany (S. macrophylla). There will only be one solvent

involved which is ethanol. It will be split into three different concentrations mainly

20% concentration , 40%concentration, and 60% concentrations. The bioactivity will

then be evaluated according to the mortality rate of the test subjects in the said

concentrations.l

Definition of Terms

         In order to fully understand the contents of this research, the following terms are

defined accordingly: 

20%, 40%, and 60% : concentration levels

Bioactivity: having an effect on a living organism 

Botanical: a substance obtained or derived from a plant 

Fumigants: a substance used in fumigating 

3rd instar Larvae: the active immature form of an insect, especially one that differs

greatly from the adult and forms the stage between egg and pupa, e.g. a caterpillar or

grub. 

Mortality rate: the number of deaths in a population (3rd instar lavae) during a given

time or place.

Ovipositions: To oviposit means to lay eggs. This is an activity of all the adult female

insects mentioned in this database, except females of Ormia because they lay larvae,

not eggs. 

Noxious: Harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.

 
      CHAPTER 3

 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

         This research study aims to investigate the mortality effects of mahogany leaves

(Swietenia macrophylla ) on the uncontrollable population of housefly ( Musca

domestica ) larvae. In order to study this research, Quantitative data is being used to

achieve this aim.

RESEARCH DESIGN

          Quantitative Experimental Research was used in this study because this method

systematically examines whether there is a cause-and-effect relationship between two

variables. The influence of experimental methods powered up this research because

they control or manipulate the independent variable to measure its effect on a

dependent variable (Bhandari, 2022). The quantitative experimental research helped

the researchers to determine whether the product was effective or not to the variables

that are examined. Also, experimental research provides the best method to test your

theory because researchers have firm control over variables to obtain results.

Experimental research makes an ideal starting point. The collected data could be used

as a foundation to build new research ideas for further studies (Sirisilla, 2022). 

DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUE

              Samples of housefly (Musca domestica) larval stage were collected from the

process of fish bait (throughout the study: 7 days/ 1 week). The fish were kept in a

plastic bottle container which was made as an improvised bait to earn and catch

houseflies, also has one designed opening through which house flies and larvae were
passed. The improvised fish bait was kept hanging on the branch of a plant under a

normal temperature. Other Musca species were discarded (whenever found), larvae of

the third generation (to ensure homogeneity) were used for the study tests (according

to Patton 1932 and 1937). The time waited to catch for the third instar larvae are

being estimated accordingly as the third instar larva of a housefly is a second moult to

pre-pupa and it will take 2 days (The Australian Museum, n.d.). All house flies larvae

were later on picked from the fattest and longest up to the thinner and smallest larvae.

               The mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla ) leaves were collected from the

Tambo-Gerona, Hinaplanon area. Clean and freshly collected leaves samples of these

plants were dried under a cool temperature away from the direct sunlight. The dried

samples were kept in a clean big container. Dried samples were ground to fine powder

by using a clean blender. The powdered mahogany leaves are then soaked for 24

hours together with an isopropyl alcohol which is used as a solvent. The soaked

mahogany leaves were strained using a clean cotton cloth. After straining the

mahogany extract was ready to perform the separation by distillation method, a

vaporizing science project from Science Buddies (Science Buddies, 2016).

The strained solution was boiled to medium heat using a deep cooking pot with

sloped lid and divided into three (3) in order to obtain the 20%, 40%, and 60%

concentration. After extracting and boiling of the mahogany extract (which takes 5-6

minutes), the pure extract was added to the water by the ratio depending on the

concentration. 20% concentration had a ratio of 26 mL extract: 6 mL of water water

while 40% concentration had a ratio of 26 mL extract: 3 mL of water, and 60%

concentration had a ratio of 26 mL extract: 1 mL of water. After dividing the extracts,

the finished plant extract was kept in small and clean spray bottles then placed inside

the fridge until used. 

DATA ANALYSIS

               Microsoft Office, Excel 2007, was used to analyze the data obtained. The

collected data was recorded by the use of line graphs to attain the means and specific

analysis. The use of Analysis of Variance mainly known as ANOVA analysis was

also used as a statistical test to describe the observed variations in the toxicities

exerted by the mahogany extract used.

CHAPTER 4

                          PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA   

        According to Gojo Cruz et al. (2018) phytochemical analysis detects what causes

the mortality effects of mahogany. Furthermore, Paritala et al. (2015) revealed that the

family of Mahogany which is called Meliaceae contain phytochemical compounds

such as saponin, tetranortriterpenoids, alkaloids and a modified triterpenes synthesis

called limonoids which seemed to be the uniting factor among the different species of

mahogany. Majumdar et al. (2013) even showed in their study that they found two

components in the mahogany seed oil that caused pest mortality and repellency which

were alkaloids and tannin. In their study, chemical composition of selected mahogany

seed oil was 0.61% of alkaloid and 2.91% to 3.00% of tannin.

         Almost all parts of S. macrophylla have been used traditionally to treat various

types of diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant effects and anti-diabetic,

anti-tumor and anti-mutagenic activities (Goh, Chan, Kamarudin, & Abdul Kadir,
 2014; Moghadamtousi, Goh, Chan, Shabab, & Kadir, 2013). S. macrophylla has been

considered as nutraceutical in functional food since it has been commercialized as

health food and healthcare products including treatment for skin condition and

improvement of blood circulation (Chen et al., 2010; Tan, Osman, Wong, & Boey,

2009).

Table (4.1). Collection of raw Data

Number of Trials                                     Concentration Levels

                                        20%                   40%                        60%

1st trial                        0/25 dead             5/25 dead                  8/25 dead
2nd trial                       0/25 dead             3/25 dead                11/25 dead

Total                                0                         8                                19

    The results obtained from the mortality screening of mahogany pure extract were

presented in table (4.1). A sample population of twenty five (25) third instar larvae of

houseflies (M. domestica) were collected for each trial and concentration levels. In

20% concentration of mahogany pure extract set-ups in both 1st and 2nd trials, it was

found that there were no signs of mortality. While in 40% concentration of mahogany

pure extract set-ups in both trials, the sign of mortality increases with a total of eight

(8) deaths of instar larvae. Moreover, in the 60% concentration of mahogany pure

extract set-ups in both trials, the result of mortality sign is much higher with a total of

nineteen (19) deaths of instar larvae. 

        To a greater extent, the mortality effects of mahogany (S. macrophylla) in their

different concentration levels of this study together with the average number of deaths

of third instar larvae of houseflies (M. domestica) was analyzed.

 Figure (4.1). Average mortality rate of houseflies' 3rd instar larvae

The data presented above with the label of figure 4.1, it shows how the number of

larvae's death totally increases as the amount of pure extracts increases. With the

above data, it was determined that there were no signs of mortality action found in the

20% concentration level while on the other hand, both 40% and 80% of concentration

level with an average mean of 3.00 up to 5.00 disclose a significant amount of

mortality on third instar houseflies' larvae.

ANOVA

Source of Variation               SS                    df       MS                F                    P-value              F crit

Between Groups               92.3333333          2      46.1666667   15.3888889     15.3888889       9.5520945
Within Groups                          9                  3            3

Total                                 101.333333           5

 One-way analysis of variance was used to determine whether there were any

statistical differences between the means of these three (3) concentration levels. 
             The null hypothesis of this study was to determine whether all the three

concentrations are equal and have no significant differences from each other while the

alternative hypothesis represents that not all concentrations are equal and not have

statistically significant differences. The alpha 0.05 was used to determine the

significance level.
 CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

SUMMARIZATION

        The housefly (M. domestica) is a subspecies of dipteral flies that become

vectors to many serious diseases. The control of housefly depended mainly on

environmental control and chemical insecticides against adult and larvae (H. Tamim,

2015). In the present study, the bioactivity and larvicidal activity of mahogany crude

extracts on houseflies' third instar larvae was investigated in the house residence of

the researchers. The plant leaves used in this study were cut off early in the afternoon

at the residence of the researcher. Collect the leaves, cleaned, and dried at the cool

temperature away from the sunlight. Houseflies were collected at the house of the

researcher using the improvised fish bait.

  Since mahogany has limonoid and antifeedant properties, this study aims to

create and prove the effectiveness of mahogany in killing the 3rd instar larvae of

houseflies, and to control their population without causing infectious diseases to

people. How the mahogany's pesticidal properties make it relevant to pesticide

effectiveness and mortality rates of pests, as well as repellency effect of the treated

control. Researchers aim to make pesticides that can be made without spending a lot

of money on expensive pesticide purchases to eliminate pests that will affect every

household. The researchers sought to find out the mahogany's pesticidal properties in

terms of how effective it is.

 The following are the finding of the study :

In 20% concentration of mahogany pure extract set-ups in both 1st and 2nd trials,

it was found that there were no signs of mortality.

In 40% concentration of mahogany pure extract set-ups in both trials, the sign of

mortality increases with a total of eight (8) deaths of instar larvae.

In the 60% concentration of mahogany pure extract set-ups in both trials, the

result of mortality sign is much higher with a total of nineteen (19) deaths of instar

larvae. 

The number of larvae's death totally increases as the amount of pure extracts

increases.

CONCLUSION

  The  procedure  requires  2  weeks  to  be  accomplished.  60%  alcohol solution 

is  more  effective  as   a  pesticide.  The  60%  alcohol  solution  has  the  highest 

mortality  towards  the3rd  instar  larvae.  Yes,  but  the  mahogany  leaves  needs  to 

undergo  some  procedures  to  make  it  apesticide  so  that  the  toxins  found  in 

mahogany  leaves  can  kill  houseflies.

RECOMMENDATIONS     

          Knowing the materials and procedures clearly and accessible to avoid wasting

of the products and also to refrain from redoing the experiment. Using other plants

that have a potential to be used as pesticide against 3rd instar larvae. After blending 

the mahogany leaves it should be tested in a laboratory with complete equipment to

produce the desired result. Suggesting future researchers to look up into the

phytochemical compounds of mahogany (S. macrophylla) to determine which

components caused the mortality actions since it was not covered in this study.
 APPENDICES

Appendix-A. Documentation

Sample Preparation and Plant Extraction

Washing and drying of leaves

Grinding of the mahogany leaves

Soaking of powder with isoprophyl alcohol as the organic solvent

Straining of the solution and extraction

Preparation of Botanical Treatments

Culturation of House Flies

Experimental Set-ups

1st TRIAL Applying of extract to the medium through spraying

Checking of mortality rates after 12 hours

SET-UP A
SET-UP B
SET-UP C

2ND TRIAL
Applying of extract to the medium through spraying
Checking of mortality rates after 12 hours

SET-UP A SET-UP B SET-UP C