Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS

Introduction

     Demand for food is rapidly increasing. There is no way to meet world food

demand by simply expanding the global farming area. Almost all the world's future

population growth is expected to occur in cities, which will force cities to expand to keep

up, potentially consuming nearby farmland (Foresight, 2011). Pests who harm arable

crops have become hard to manage in the field. (Denholm et al., 2012; Merotto Jr. et

al., 2019).

     Sweet potato is a native of Central America that the Spanish brought to the

Philippines. Sweet potatoes can be planted at any time of year, for one thing. When

compared to other crops, sweet potatoes needs a certain amount of fertilization as well

as other farm inputs. Second, sweet potato production in the Philippines has become

more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Sweet potatoes are an important food

and income crop in the Philippines, hence their economic importance is obvious (Henan

Jinrui Food Engineering Co., Ltd., 2019).

       Aphid inject toxins into plants, curl leaves and further distort growth. Some

species cause the formation of galls. Aphids can infect plants from certain vegetables

and ornamental plants. Pumpkins, cucumbers, pumpkins, melons, beans, potatoes,

lettuce, pumpkins, and Swiss chard are crops that are often associated with aphid-

borne viruses (UC IPM Online, 2019).

1
 Potatoes are high in solanine seeing as they are nightshade plants. Solanine is a

toxin which can alternatively be used as a pesticide. Solanine, a chemical contained in

potatoes, may reduce the effectiveness of bacteria that worms rely on in the trash.

Plants in the Solanaceae family have a lot of potential for delivering new crop protection

chemicals; increasingly, these compounds, or combinations of these compounds, are

being discovered as pest control agents, especially against insects, fungi, and mites

(Chowaski, Szymon, et al., 2016).

This project determines the bioefficacy of potato (Solanum tuberosum) peel on

aphids (Aphidoidea). The researchers aim to provide an efficient and effective organic

double purpose pesticide that does not only kill pests but also serves as a nutrient for

the plant. The study gives another purpose for the potato peel instead of throwing them

out in the garbage, which also contribute to the consumers as an alternative and

cheaper organic pesticide.

2
Statement of the Problem

This study will determine the biopesticide efficacy of potato (Solanum

tuberosum) peel extract on aphids (Aphidoidea). Specifically, this will answer the

following questions:

1. Which of the following treatments show high mortality rate in aphids

(Aphidoidea);

a. commercial pesticide;

b. distilled water; and

c. potato (Solanum tuberosum) peel extract?

2. Can the Solanum tuberosum peel extract be an effective biopesticide

product?

3. Is there a significant difference in the mortality rate of Aphidoidea using the

different treatments?

Hypothesis

This study will propose explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a

starting point for further investigation

1. Potato (Solanum tuberosum) peel as a Biopesticide against aphids

(Aphidoidea).

a. Properties: Solanine Toxin

b. Effects: Solanine is a glycoalkaloid poison found in nightshade family

members of the genus Solanum, including the potato, tomato, and

3
 eggplant. The chemical is a natural pesticide that is intended to protect

plants from insects and germs. Solanine has fungicidal and pesticidal

properties, and solanine hydrochloride has been used as a commercial

pesticide, but never on a large scale (NPCK, 2020).

2. Advantage and Disadvantages of using Potato (Solanum tuberosum) peel as

pesticide for aphids (Aphidoidea).

2.1 Advantage

2.1.1 Organic pesticide, less harmful toward plants

2.1.2 Reuse and recycling is practiced

2.2 Disadvantage

2.2.1 Time consuming

Scope and Delimitations

The scope of this research are Aphids (Aphidoidea) taken from gardens around

General Santos City and potato (Solanum tuberosum) peel wastes from cooking were

used as the subject for this experiment, which determined its biopesticide efficacy

against the said worms. This study was only limited in utilizing potato (Solanum

tuberosum) plant as primary subject used as pesticide, the only test subject that was

used is Aphids (Aphidoidea). Data collection was performed in Aphids rearing, Plant

Material Collection and Extract Preparation, Bioassay Method and Data Analysis

through statistics and experimentation. Further actions other than the problem are

prohibited.

4
Significance of the Study

This investigation is important especially on determining the Biopesticide Efficacy

of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) peel on aphids (Aphidoidea). This will also contribute to

the farmers and people with gardens. The results will give advantage to the following:

To the farmers. It will help them grow more food on less land by protecting crops

from pests without harming the crops since potato peels are organic also rich in

nutrients which also contribute to the growth of the plant. It is cheaper and it easy to

produce for the farmers.

To the gardeners. They are used to help control, destroy, and repel destructive

pests such as Aphids which are quiet a pest hard to control since they reproduce a lot

and fast especially when there is a collection of extravagant plants.

To the community. Having an infestation of Aphids on crops especially rice that is

extremely needed in the community as number source of food in the Philippines, might

affect the production and economy of rice productivity and might become a source of its

shortage and inflation of price. Also, as number one consumers, farmers using organic

pesticide might also lower the risk of poisoning consumers eating their crops.

To the local government of General Santos City. This is a great advantage for the

government to have the promote Potato peel as an organic biopesticide against Aphids.

To the Environment. Pesticides can harm non-target organisms either directly, by

impacting their gene expression, behavior, reproduction, life cycle, or indirectly, by

modifying interactions between individuals and populations. Using organic pesticide like

5
Potato peels being thrown in trash, utilize them and may also be one of the nutrient

sources for the plant itself and the soil.

To the future researchers. This study will help the researchers to develop skills

and further provide with knowledge which will be of use in line with the researchers’

profession.

6
Definition of Terms

Arranged alphabetically, the following terms are conceptually and operationally

defined to facilitate readers’ understanding about the research.

Aphids (Aphidoidea). Aphids are small sap-sucking insects and members of the

superfamily Aphidoidea. Common names include greenfly and blackfly, although

individuals within a species can vary widely in color. The group includes the fluffy white

woolly aphids.

Aphids will be sprayed on by the prepared potato peel biopesticide and it serves

as a variable in the experiment to determine the effectivity of the subject.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum). The potato is a starchy tuber of the plant Solanum

tuberosum and is a root vegetable native to the Philippines. The plant is a perennial in

the nightshade family Solanaceae.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) will serve as the subject of interest in the

investigatory project. Potato peel will be used, the extract will act as the biopesticide.

Biopesticides. These are certain types of pesticides derived from such natural

materials as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. Biopesticides can have one

or more positive impact on crop by inhibiting plant pathogenic growth and development.

It means that biopesticides have both indirect and direct effect on plant.

Biopesticide will be the product of the potato peel extract that will eliminate the

pest on the plants.

7
 Solanine. A glycoalkaloid poison found in species of the nightshade family within

the genus Solanum, such as the potato, the tomato, and the eggplant. The chemical is a

natural pesticide and is meant to protect the plants from insects and germs.

Solanine is the toxin that will be extracted in the potato peel to act as a

biopesticide against the Aphids.

Mortality Rate. The ratio between deaths and individuals in a specified

population and during a particular period.

Mortality rate will be measured as the researchers go onto the project and

observed as the investigation will be performed together with the result and discussion.

Biopesticide efficacy. The method of action of a biopesticide is important to

commercial success. It determines pest control efficacy, efficiency of use, consistency

of response, host target and nontarget susceptibility. The mode of action also influences

the process of manufacture and the final cost of production.

In this study, the potato peel extract biopesticide efficacy will be determined.

8
 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents all the possible literatures and studies as well as other

parts of studies conducted in the past that had significance on the study of the

researchers.

Related Literature

Potato

Sweet potato is a Central American native that the Spanish later carried to the

Philippines. It is one among the Philippines' most widely produced crops. Sweet

potatoes are widely farmed in the Philippines for two main reasons.Sweet potatoes can

be planted at anytime of the year, for one thing. Sweet potatoes require a bit of

fertilization and other agricultural implements if compared towards other crops. Second,

the Philippines has made sweet potato production more cost-effective and

environmentally friendly. The economic relevance of sweet potato in the Philippines is

self-evident as a significant food and income crop.

       In the Philippines, sweet potato is mostly consumed at home and utilized in

business, demonstrating its economic value. Sweet potatoes are mostly consumed at

home, however sweet potato sales assist households meet their financial needs. In

approximately 30percent in terms of cases, sweet potatoes are collected and distributed

9
to markets, farmers' associations, and starch manufacturing plants. The most common

use of sweet potatoes in the Philippines is to produce starch, which could ultimately be

used as a raw material to produce liquor, adhesive, or syrup for industrial uses,

including starch for the textiles or industrial applications.

       Sweet potato starch production demonstrates sweet potatoes' economic

relevance in the Philippines. Sweet potato starch processing improves the financial

value of sweet potatoes all while offering extra economic advantages to the Philippines

as well as boosting the starch industry's development. The manufacture of sweet potato

starch in the Philippines has increasingly moved away from human labor and toward

modern automation. Traditionally, sweet potato starch is made by shredding cassava

after it has been manually washed. The starch and pollutants are then segregated in a

tank, but because the starch was unveil to oxygen leading to additional contamination

can easily occur, reducing the starch's value.

To refine the starch slurry, contemporary equipment uses a closed full-cyclone

process to assure that the starch is pollution-free. A Simultaneously, a cross cyclone is

used to help eliminate contaminants, guaranteeing that the starch quality and purity

meet high criteria. Furthermore, unlike traditional air drying, which would be easily

influenced by the weather season, the contemporary airflow flash dryer could dry the

starch in seconds, with a huge manufacturing capacity and a small area. To assure the

quality of the starch, the material in touch with the equipment is constructed of food-

grade stainless steel. Modern technology not only increases the efficiency of sweet

potato starch production, but also ensures its quality, allowing sweet potato starch to be

10
used not only in less demanding feed, textile, and other industries, but also in the food

and medical industries (Henan Jinrui Food Engineering Co., Ltd, 2019).

Potato Peel

Potassium is abundant in potato peel. If you eat natural potato peel, your body is

able to execute chemical reactions that improve your body's metabolism your cells

generate useful energy. Iron is abundant in potato skins, which supports red blood cell

function.

Vitamin B3, which helps cells convert down nutrients into usable fuel, is also

abundant in the skin. Vitamin B3 also assists your cells in recovering from physiological

stress. A potato's skin contains a significant quantity of fiber. Fiber helps to regulate

digestion and protect against colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2

diabetes.

Potato peel is excellent for skin issues. They could be used to eliminate excess

oil, remove eye bags, brighten your skin, heal acne, pimples, and acne scars, and

remove dark spots. What you can do is use a cotton to apply potato juice to the area

affected. Allow 15-20 minutes before washing with lukewarm water.

Potato peels include nutrients that are necessary for maintaining bone form and

strength. Iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, copper, and zinc are

among these nutrients. The bones store approximately 50-60% of the magnesium within

the body. According to specialists at the National Institutes of Health, After menopause,

11
eating potato peel may help women maintain bone strength and decrease the risk of

osteoporosis.

Potato peels can help you add gloss and luster to your hair, as well as speed up

their growth. Massage your head gently and softly for 5 until 10 minutes with potato peel

juice. Allow another 15 minutes before rinsing it off with plain water.

With the help of this kitchen trash, you may also add nutritional value for your

inside and outside plants. Potato peels have a high nutritional content and can be used

to nourish the land as manure or compost. Scrubbing and cleaning silverware can also

be done with potato peels or garbage. Not only does potato juice remove stains, but it

can also eliminate corrosion or rust (Toppo, 2021).

Aphids

Aphids are little sap sucking insects with over 5,000 species documented. Four

hundred of these species feed on agricultural food and fiber crops and are thus

regarded a serious and damaging agricultural pest. They reproduce swiftly; instead of

laying eggs, they give birth to live nymphs, which are sometimes pregnant with the next

generation of aphid nymphs even without male impregnation. Aphids are a particularly

damaging agricultural pest due to the speed with which they reproduce, as they can

swiftly overwhelm plants with sheer hungry numbers.

Aphids appear in a variety of hues, most of which are green, brown, or black, but

they can also be pink, orange, or even covered in a cottony wax. Their bodies are pear-

shaped, with six delicate legs and two hornlike protrusions on their back called

12
cornicles. They are mainly inactive, their soft bodies clumping together in big feeding

packs with little activity.

A huge population of aphids feeding on plant sap weakens their plant host and

makes it more susceptible to other pests and illnesses. Aphids can also spread

illnesses like viruses by eating on a damaged plant and subsequently on a healthy one.

As a waste product, some aphids produce a sugary compound known as honeydew;

this substance encourages mold and bacterial growth, which can further harm the host

plant (Manila Bulletin Agriculture, 2022).

Potato Peel Toxins: Solanine

Potatoes are high in solanine since they belong to the nightshade family.

Solanine is a toxin that has pesticide properties. Compost worms are known to detest

potato peels, so it's no surprise that they shun them. Potatoes, like all organic materials,

will break down and be altered over time. (Thesquirmfirm.com, 2021).

Solanine is found naturally in all potatoes, particularly in the upper one-eighth of

the epidermis. It is colorless and has a bitter flavor. They may acquire solanine toxicity if

they consume a large amount of green potato. When solanine levels in a potato exceed

0.1 percent, the vegetable is dangerous to consume and may cause illness.

Potato solanine (Solanum tuberosum) is a saponin with steroidal properties. It

helps plants defend themselves against phytopathogenic fungi and parasites. Solanine

destroyed model membranes in vitro, most likely due to the aglycone molecule's entry

into the lipid bilayer. Solanine is a toxic plant defense that also has fungicidal and

13
pesticidal properties. It can grow in any part of the plant, including the leaves, fruits, and

tubers (Shin, et. al, 2014).

Related Studies

Solanum tuberosum and Lycopersicon esculentum Leaf Extracts and Single

Metabolites Affect Development and Reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster

Secondary metabolites found in Solanaceae plants are known as glycoalkaloids.

They are antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal. The effects of potato and tomato leaf

extracts and their primary components, the glycoalkaloids -solanine, -chaconine, and -

tomatine, on the development and reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster wild-type

flies at various stages are investigated in this work. The parents were exposed to five

different concentrations of the tested drugs. The impacts on the next, non-exposed

generation were also investigated. The addition of each extract reduced the number of

organisms reaching the pupal and imaginal stages in the first (exposed) generation.

Individually administered extracts and metabolites to parent insects resulted in quicker

development. However, the effect was weaker in the case of single metabolites than in

the case of extract exposure. The next, non-exposed generation likewise showed an

increase in developmental rate. Both generations of imagoes exposed to extracts and

pure metabolites displayed some body size and deformities, such as malformed wings

and abdomens and a smaller black abdominal zone. Our findings add to the growing

body of evidence that Solanaceae can be an impressive source of compounds that can

14
be employed effectively in crop protection, as natural extracts, or in the creation of

single pure metabolites in sustainable agriculture.

Potato leaf extract and its component, α-solanine

Secondary metabolites are secondary metabolites produced by plants that act as

natural defenses against plant diseases and herbivores. Glycoalkaloids, for example,

are produced by potato plants (GAs). The effects of dried extract of fresh potato leaves

(EPL) on the biological parameters of the lepidopteran Galleria mellonella (L.) were

explored, and its activity was compared to that of one of the primary EPL components,

GA-solanine. Wax moth larvae were fed a diet containing three different concentrations

of EPL or -solanine beginning with the first instar. EPL and -solanine had a similar effect

on G. mellonella survival, fecundity, and fertility. To see how EPL and -solanine altered

oxidative stress, we assessed the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein

carbonyl (PCO), two oxidative stress biomarkers, in the midgut and fat body. We

examined glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, which is a detoxifying enzyme that

aids in the prevention of oxidative damage. EPL and -solanine altered MDA and PCO

concentrations as well as GST activity in the fat body and midgut. When compared to -

solanine alone, the synergistic effects of the entirety of potato leaf components do not

augment EPL's action on G. mellonella (Marciniak, et. al., 2014).

15
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter covers the research design, study location, data collection

technique, and statistical data analysis. This chapter also describes the instrument that

the researchers used to collect data.

Research Design

An experimental research design was used in this project. This research design

strictly adheres to a scientific study. Thus, included a hypothesis, a variable that can be

manipulated by the researcher, and variables that can be measured, calculated, and

compared. Most importantly, experimental research is completed in a controlled

environment. The research involves three stages; first, it focuses on the experiment

sampling for the gathering of data. Second, it deals with the gathering of data in the

controlled environment prepared by the researchers. And the third stage is bases on the

analysis of the data gathered. See figure 1. Research Design

16
Figure 1. Research Design

17
Locale of the Study

The study was carried out in a controlled environment prepared at the

researcher's home in General Santos City, 9500 South Cotabato, Mindanao,

Philippines.

Materials

For the project to begin, these are the following materials that need to be

prepared by the researcher:

·       Six medium-sized plastic containers with small holes

·       At least 35 Aphids found at garden or farm
·       Potato peel wastage from restaurants or at home to cook viands
·       Spatula
·       Distilled Water
·       Hot pot
·       Clean empty spray bottle

General Procedure

A. Collection of Plant Samples and Preparation of Extracts

1. Prepare three plants from the garden to be used as the experimental

subject of the project.

2. Label each of the following as:

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                                                i. A: POTATO PEEL BIOPESTICIDE

                                               ii. B: COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE

                                            iii. C: NO PESTICIDE ADDED

B. Potato Peel Extract Preparation

1. A hot pot will be filled with Distilled water. Place the potato peel waste in

the boiling water and put a lid in the pot, boil for 5-10 mins.

2. After boiling, let the potato peel extract cool and place it in a clean spray

bottle.

C.   Collection of Aphids

1. In a vast farm or garden, ready your tools: container for the worms and

tweezers or gloves for picking up the worms.

2. Search the area and look for the worms.

D.   Application of Treatment

1. In three separate plants with designated labels, spray five times the

prepared potato peel biopesticide in A, commercial pesticide in B, and

none in C.

2. Observe all plants for every 30 minutes interval.

3. Note for the results.

19
Data Gathering Techniques

For this project, observation forms were employed as a research tool. A

systematic data collection strategy is observation. In natural settings or scenarios,

researchers employ all of their senses to investigate. An extended involvement in a

place or experimental condition is required for field observation.

Statistical Tools

The researchers divide the observed phenomenon into several groups in a

systematic manner. Coding could include using numbers or letters to represent a

characteristic or using a scale to measure the intensity of behavior. The schedule's

categories are classified so that the collected data may be simply counted and

processed into statistics. In terms of characteristics, impacts, mortality, morbidity, and

fatality, the component found in potato peel that has biopesticide properties is beneficial

in eliminating Aphids. In addition, the professor assigned to this research will evaluate

the instrument.

20
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www.starchprojectsolution.com/news/economic_importance_of_sweet_potato1331.html

. Accessed 14 Dec. 2021.

Toppo, Abha. “8 Reasons You Should Never Throw Away Potato Peels.” Krishijagran.com,

10 Jan. 2021, krishijagran.com/health-lifestyle/8-reasons-you-should-never-throw-away-

potato-peels/. Accessed 14 Dec. 2021.

“Can Composting Worms Eat Potatoes? -.” Thesquirmfirm.com, 2021,

thesquirmfirm.com/can-composting-worms-eat-potatoes/. Accessed 15 Dec. 2021.

Chowański, Szymon, et al. “A Review of Bioinsecticidal Activity of Solanaceae Alkaloids.”

Toxins, vol. 8, no. 3, 1 Mar. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4810205/,

10.3390/toxins8030060.

Pesticide toxicity and public chemophobia: how toxic are modern-day pesticides? | World

Agriculture. (2012, February 7). World Agriculture. Retrieved March 6, 2022, from

http://www.world-agriculture.net/article/pesticide-toxicity-and-public-chemophobia-how-

toxic-are-modern-day-pesticides

Agriculture, M. B. (2022, February 21). What are aphids and how can you prevent them?

Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 18, 2022, from https://mb.com.ph/2022/03/04/what-are-

aphids-and-how-can-you-prevent-them/

Shin, M., Umezawa, C.,; Shin, T. (2014, April 14). Natural anti-microbial systems:

Antimicrobial compounds in plants. Encyclopedia of Food Microbiology (Second

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 Edition). Retrieved May 18, 2022, from

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123847300002391

Adamski, Z., Ziemnicki, K., Marciniak, P. (2014, September). Potato leaf extract and its

component, α-solanine, exert similar impacts on development and oxidative stress in

Galleria mellonella L. ResearchGate. Retrieved May 18, 2022, from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263889269_Potato_leaf_extract_and_its_com

ponent_asolanine_exert_similar_impacts_on_development_and_oxidative_stress_in_G

alleria_mellonella_L

Ventrella, E., Adamski, Z., Chudzińska, E., Miądowicz-Kobielska, M., Marciniak, P.,

Büyükgüzel, E., Büyükgüzel, K., Erdem, M., Falabella, P., Scrano, L., & Bufo, S. A.

(2016, May 23). Solanum tuberosum and Lycopersicon esculentum leaf extracts and

single metabolites affect development and reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster.

PLOS ONE. Retrieved May 18, 2022, from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?

id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0155958

Dolan, L., Matulka, R., & Burdock, G. (2010, September 20). Naturally Occurring Food

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%20a%20glycoalkaloid%20poison

22
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http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7404.html#:~:text=Some%20aphid

%20species%20inject%20a,certain%20vegetable%20and%20ornamental%20plants.

Hubbard, M., Hynes, R. K., Erlandson, M., & Bailey, K. L. (2014, November 28). The

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eropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40508-010018x#:~:text=The%20mode%20of%20action%

20of,the%20final%20cost%20of%20production.

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Recommendations:

 Changing Fall armyworm to aphids or cockroach

 Deleting 3 of the statement of the problem. Leave 4,5 and 6

 Changing research design

 Add Biopesticide efficacy in Definition of terms

 Shorten Introduction

Changes:

 Changed Fall armyworm to Aphids

 4, 5 and 6 are number 1, 2, and 3 deleting the previous 3 statement of the

problem

 Research design changed with independent and dependent variable

 Added and redo the definition of terms

 Shortened the Introduction

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25