Republika ng Pilipinas

KAGAWARAN NG EDUKASYON
Rehiyon XI
Sangay ng Lungsod ng Davao
Lungsod ng Davao
CALINAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Peñano Street, Calinan, DavaoCity
TELEPHONE NO.: 295-0720

Lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) as Potential

Herbicide on Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)

by

Ian Kenneth T. Monterde

Jasper June R. Andoy

Justin June N. Anama

Ma. Trisha Nicole D. Leonor

Vernon G. Talandang

A research paper

submitted in partial

fulfillment of the requirements in Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – STEM

February 2019
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Tables………………………………………………………….……………….iii

Dedication…………………………………………………………….…………….….iv

Abstract……………………………………………………………….……………..….v

Chapter One

The Problem and Its Settings..………………………………………………...1

Introduction……………...……………………………………………….1

Research Locale………………………………………………………...3

Conceptual Framework….……………………………………………..3

Statement of the problem………………………………………………4

Hypotheses………………………………………………………………4

Scope and delimitation…………………………………………………5

Significance of the Study………………………………………………5

Definition of terms………………………………………………………6

Chapter Two

Review of Relation Literature and Studies…………………………………..8

Related Literature……………………………………………………….8

Lemongrass oil…..………………………………………………………8

Tall Fescue…………….………………………………………………...9

Related Studies……………………………………………………..…10

Chapter Three

Methodology……………………………………………………………………13

Research Method…...…………………………………………………13

Phase 1 Plant Extract Preparation…………………………………..13

i
 Collection of Plant Material……...……………………………………13

Lemongrass essential oil extraction……………...………………….13

Corn essential oil extraction………………………………………….14

Vinegar, salt, and Sodium Lauryl Ester solution preparation…….15

Phase II Tall Fescues Experimentation……………………………..15

Collection of Tall Fescues Samples………..………………………..15

Preparation of Tall Fescues Set-ups………………………………...15

Application of Herbicide on Tall Fescues……………………………16

Disposal of Tall Fescues……………………………………………...16

Samples………………………………………………………………...16

Data Gathering Procedure……………………………………………16

Treatment of Data……………………………………………………..17

Chapter Four
Results and Discussion……………………………………………………….19
Mortality of Tall Fescues…….………………………………………..19

Observation on Tall Fescues…………………………………………21

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendation…………………………….22

Summary of the Problem……….…………………………………….22

Findings…………..…………………………………………………….22

Conclusion………………………………………………………….…..23

Recommendation………………………………………………………23

References……………………………………………………………………………..25

Appendix A: Acknowledgement…..………………………………………………….29

ii
Appendix B: Letter requests to conduct the study………………………………….30

Appendix C: Curriculum Vitae………………………………………………………..31

List of Tables

Table 1. Summary of mortality of the Tall Fescues……………………..…………19

Table 2. T-test for Independent Samples on Mortality of Tall Fescues after

treatment………………………………………………………………………………..20

Table 3. Mean of the mortality of Tall Fescues …………………………………….20

List of Figures

Figure 1. Conceptual paradigm showing the relationship between Independent

and Dependent Variable……………………………………………………………….3

Figure 2. Tall Fescue after applying the commercial herbicide…………………..21

Figure 3. Tall Fescue after applying the organic herbicide……………………….22

iii
 Dedications

In behalf of the completion of the present study, the researchers dedicate

this study to their research teacher Mr. Eleazar B. Miones for the knowledge that

he gives throughout the making of the study. Due to his guidance and

intelligence, the researchers were able to finish the study in the right time.

The researchers also give honor to their parents for their motivation and

support for the success of the present study. The study will not be completed

without the inspiration given by them to the researchers.

And lastly, the researchers dedicate this study to the future researchers

who would like to continue this kind of study. This research study will surely help

them in making their own research in the future.

iv
 ABSTRACT

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is one of the common weeds that are

found in the Philippines which is toxic to newly planted tree seedlings and can

cause a decrease in the production of crops in yield. On the other hand,

Lemongrass is a popular ingredient in commercial herbicides for its essential oil

containing citric acid which can kill weeds. The study evaluated the effect of

essential oil of Lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) on the mortality rate of Tall

Fescues (Festuca arundinacea). There are a total of 40 Tall Fescues utilized in

this study. There are 5 set-ups, each containing four Tall Fescues for organic

herbicide and another 5 set-ups, each containing four Tall Fescues for

commercial herbicide. After applying the two treatments, the mortality rate of Tall

Fescues was recorded. The results showed that there is no significant difference

in the mortality rate of Tall Fescues when organic herbicide or commercial

herbicide is applied. This shows that organic herbicide containing Lemongrass

can be a potential herbicide.

Keywords: Lemongrass, Tall Fescues, organic herbicide and mortality rate

v
 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS

Introduction

The mere problem of having a lawn is having weeds as well. The Tall

Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is one of the common weeds that are found here

in the Philippines which is toxic to newly planted tree seedlings (Whitescraver,

2018). Having weeds in a lawn can be a great competitor of plants for nutrients.

According to the Organic Farming Research Foundation (2008), organic

vegetable producers rank weeds as one of their most troublesome, time-

consuming, and costly production problems.

Allelopathy happens when the growth of one plant is being suppressed by

another due to the release of toxic substances. This thing also happens between

the plant and the weed beside it. Yields with a lot of weeds are experiencing

hitches with the growth of plants and its productivity.

The annual global economic loss caused by weeds has been estimated at

more than $100 billion U.S. dollars (Gonzales, 2017). Moreover, weeds are really

pests not only to the farmers but also in the economy of the country. Problem

with weeds can result in a shortage of production of crops and plants. Weeds,

considered obnoxious plants, are one of the pests associated with any
agriculture endeavor and compete with rice and vegetable plants for sunlight,

space, water, and nutrients in the soil.

In addition, weeds are among the serious threats to the natural

environment and primary production of farmers to markets. They display native

species, contribute significantly to land degradation, and reduce farm and forest

productivity. Weeds rapidly invade backyards in a short period of time and some

of them are hard to eradicate that can cause headaches to the owners. They

cause heavy losses in yield because they grow faster than crops and consume a

large amount of water and nutrients (Kulkarni, 2013). Based on Watling (2016),

eradication of tall fescue greatly improves the opportunity to offer diverse

grasslands capable of supporting healthier wildlife populations.

According to (Lanini, 2012), in recent years, there are several organic

herbicide products have emerged on the market. These include Weed Pharm

(20% acetic acid), C-Cide (5% citric acid), GreenMatch (55% d-limonene),

Matratec (50% clove oil), WeedZap (45% clove oil + 45% cinnamon oil) and

GreenMatch EX (50% lemongrass oil). Using herbicide as a killer to the weeds is

one of the ways to eradicate them in the yields. However, some of backyard

owners and farmers cannot afford good quality herbicide because of the high

price. Thus, the researchers are eager to produce less expensive but good

quality herbicide that will surely help farmers and backyard owners to

exterminate weeds.
Research Locale

The study was conducted in Barangay Calinan, Davao City specifically at

Calinan National High School (CNHS) during the academic year 2018-2019.

Calinan National High School has the laboratory with the needed materials

which the experiment will be expected to be done. As pertaining to the quality

standards in dealing with scientific investigations, Calinan National High School

owned renowned expert teachers that would judge and validate the outcome of

the research to produce quality and excellent research. Senior High Teachers of

CNHS also have their exposure and experience about handling and making

researches that will surely help the students in creating their own researches.

Conceptual Framework

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Lemongrass mixed with

water and vinegar as
potential organic Mortality of Tall Fescue
herbicide

Figure 1. Conceptual paradigm showing the relationship between Independent

and Dependent Variable

According to Soloneski & Larramendy‟s (2011) Herbicide, Theory and

Applications, herbicides or other weed control tactics are generally essential to

obtain optimal weed control and crop yield. The current study is related in the
way that this study also wants to use herbicide to control weeds in lawn and

yields. Moreover, this research utilized two variables to show the effectiveness

of organic herbicide to the chosen weed. The independent variable in this study

is Lemongrass mixed with water and vinegar as a potential organic herbicide

while the dependent variable is the number of Tall Fescue weeds killed after

applying the organic herbicide.

Statement of the Problem

This study is focused on the effects of lemongrass mixed with vinegar to

the Tall Fescue weeds.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following:

1. Is there a significant difference between organic herbicide and commercial

herbicide?

2. Is organic herbicide better than the commercial herbicide?

3. Can organic herbicide be a substitute for commercial herbicide?

Hypotheses

For a deeper analysis of the study, the following hypotheses are tested:

1. There has no significant difference between organic herbicide and

commercial herbicide.

2. Organic herbicide is not better than the commercial herbicide.

3. Organic herbicide cannot be a substitute for commercial herbicide.

Scope and Limitation

The study is focused on the effects of Lemongrass mixed with vinegar and

water in the Tall Fescue.

However, it was limited only with one species of weed and not on any

other weeds and any other plants which are not part of the study. The

Lemongrass with vinegar and water considered as organic herbicide will describe

and determine the effect on it on the weeds and compare on the commercial

herbicide which of it have a better result.

For a deeper analysis of the main problem, a significant result between

the organic herbicide and the object and significant difference on the commercial

herbicide into the object will be grouped according to the effect on the weeds.

The data were gathered through experimentation and observation. Then,

the data were treated statistically using T-test for Independent sample.

Significance of the study

The study is focused on the effectiveness of the Lemongrass as an

organic herbicide made by the researchers to kill the Tall Fescue weeds. Its

findings are helpful for those who have lawns or even backyards at home.

Moreover, the results in this study will be beneficial to the following:

Students. It can widen their knowledge about organic herbicide and the negative

effects of weeds on the plants.

Parents. It will give them information about the negative effects of weeds in their

backyards or lawns. This study will also provide them with the benefits of using

organic herbicide aside from the commercial herbicide in killing weeds.

Farmers. They can now afford less expensive organic herbicide that will surely

kill the weeds and can help them lessen the problems of the farmers in their

yields. It can also contribute to the increase in productivity in the farms.

Future Researchers. This study can be their basis on their researches if they

will use the Lemongrass as a potential organic herbicide

Definition of Terms

For better understanding of the terms used in the study, the following were

defined operationally:

Tall Fescue - is a cool-weather grass, but is lenient of hot weather and

drought conditions. Reproducing by seed, tall fescue grows in clumps with

vertical leaves that are hard to eradicate once set, as the density of tall fescue

growth will eventually out-compete native species (Forney, 2018). This weed is

used as subject in the experimentation of the effectiveness of the organic

herbicide and where the organic herbicide will be applied.

 Herbicide - is a chemical substance used to control unwanted vegetation,

especially weeds. Herbicides are extensively used in gardening, farming, and

landscape turf management (Maximum Yield, 2018).

Organic Herbicide – made with plants and other organic ingredients

without adding chemicals and is used to kill the Tall Fescue weed.

Lemongrass – A fragrant tropical grass which yields oil that smells of

lemon and widely used in Asian cooking and in perfumery and medicine (English

Oxford Living Dictionaries, 2018). This plant used as a main ingredient in making

the organic herbicide. This plant will be mixed with vinegar and tap water.
 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATION LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature

Lemongrass Oil

The foliage of herbaceous plants especially plants that have essential oils

burn down within hours after application, and as is common with most

phytotoxins, plants with essential oils have a high concentration (Dayan & Duke,

2010). Lemongrass and corn contain phytotoxins which delay seed germination

and inhibition of plant growth or any adverse effect on plants (Purcell, 2009).

According to Chaimovitsh, et al. (2010) lemongrass essential oil involves the

disruption of polymerization of plant microtubules. This involvement of

lemongrass oil made lemongrass being used as a main component of herbicide

in other countries.

The largest chemical component of all citrus oils is d-limonene which

contains volatile essential oils, a fragrant chemical and powerful surface active

agent or surfactant that quickly dissolves fats, oils, and waxes. Using d-limonene

specifically Lemongrass oil just like any other strong detergent (ammonium

nonanoate or sodium lauryl sulfate, for example) can dissolve the waxy coating

on plant cell walls that will eventually cause water to leak then plants die of

dehydration (Koperek, 2015). In recent years, one of the several organic

herbicide products that have appeared on the market is GreenMatch EX which

contains 50% of lemongrass oil. Additionally, this product is a contact type

herbicide and will damage any weeds on they contact (Lanini, 2011). Moreover,

GreenMatch EX gives organic growers the most efficient and longest-lasting burn

down of a wide spectrum of weed species based on the extensive review of

OMRI (Allen, 2008). According to Baker and Grant (2018), the essential oil of

lemongrass is high in citral, which is considered the principal biologically active

agent that is very beneficial if they will make herbicide out of lemongrass oil.

In order to increase the effectiveness of the lemongrass oil, corn oil, an

organic acid, salt, and Sodium Lauryl Ester are added to the solution. Vinegar is

added because it is already proven to be an effective weed killer (Turner, 2017).

Salt can also increase the effectiveness of the solution. Sodium lauryl ester can

be found in grooming products, hair products, dental care products, bath

products, creams and lotions (Schaefer, 2015). According to Koperek (2015), this

sodium lauryl ester will strip the wax coating from cell walls that will cause the

plants to die in dehydration just like the lemongrass.

Tall fescue

Tall fescue is very difficult to completely eradicate especially in the lawn

(Watling, 2016). There is a need to eradicate tall fescue because endophyte

condition is present in the weed. Endophyte refers to tall fescue seed which

contains a fungus inside the weed and it is not recommended to have endophyte
weed for pasture or hay (Kopec, 2008). The Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)

is one of the common weeds that are found in the Philippines which is toxic to

newly planted tree seedlings (Whitescraver, 2018). Reproducing by seed, tall

fescue propagates in clumps with vertical leaves that are difficult to eliminate

once set, as the tall fescue grows in number, it will eventually out-compete native

species (Forney, 2010). According to Kendle (2016), Tall Fescue is persistent in

the landscape and difficult to rid off.

Related Studies

According to the study of Fernandez, Campbell, Huang, Koiyunen, and

Marrone (2009) entitled “Natural Herbicide Containing Lemongrass Essential Oil”

discloses that lemongrass oil is an effective pre and post emergence herbicide

on both broadleaved and grass weeds. Corn oil and/or other oil and/or an

organic acid, surfactants and other formulation ingredients may be combined with

the lemongrass oil to control the germination and growth of weeds. As a natural,

non-toxic compound, it can be used as a safe substitution for commercial

herbicide for weed control in organic farming systems. Moreover, one of the

compositions of the organic herbicide made from lemongrass oil is 50%

Lemongrass Essential Oil, 20% Corn Oil, 17.5 Acetic Acid, 10% Glycerol Esters,

and 2.5% Sodium Lauryl Ester. According to the results of this study, all tested

combinations containing lemongrass oil worked very well as a pre-emergence

herbicide. Thus, the said composition was also utilized in the study.
 The study of Singh, Singh, and Singh (2008) entitled ”Suitability of organic

mulch (distillation waster) and herbicides for weed management in perennial

aromatic grasses” presented the field experiments that were established in July

1892 to examine the suitability of organic mulch and herbicides in three important

perennial aromatic kind of grasses. One of those perennial aromatic grasses is

the lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). Based on the conducted field

experiments, weeds caused an average of 40% reduction in herb and oil yields.

Organic mulch 3 t/ha, oxyfluorfen 0–5 kg/ha, diuron 1.5 kg/ha and simazine 1.5

kg/ha gave herb and oil yields equal to weed‐free check and proved superior to

the conventional method, which yielded 20% less than weed‐free check in the

first harvest year. In this study, it was concluded that lemongrass ranked 2nd

between Palmarosa and citronella Java in having a better weed-suppressing

effect.

Based on the study of Dayan and Duke (2010) entitled “Natural Products

for Weed Management in Organic Farming in the USA”, citrus oil which is found

in lemongrass is rich in d-limonene and this has been commercialized as an

organic weed management product. The mode of action of d-limonene is

associated with its ability to get rid of the waxy cuticular layer from the leaves of

the plants treated, causing rapid dehydration and death of the tissues. The

essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus or C. flexuosus, which consists of up to 80%

citral, is also commercialized as an organic herbicide and commercially sold as

50% lemongrass oil preparations. Thus, it is likely that such „greener‟ herbicidal
natural products may have their largest impact on conventional agriculture, which

in the long run, may eventually result in significant environmental benefits.

The study of Joy, Skaria, Mathew, Mathew, Joseph, and Sreevidya

(2006) entitled “Lemongrass” mentioned different ways to extract the oil from the

plant and one of those methods is Hydro and Steam distillation method. This

method is used for either fresh or dried plant material that would be damaged by

boiling. The most important aspect of this method is keeping the process cooler

than the other method of distillation. In this method, the plant material is loaded

on a grid fitted at some distance above the bottom of the still. The lower part of

the still is filled with water to a level below the grid. The distinctive features of this

method are (a) the steam is always fully saturated, wet and never superheated

and (b) the plant material is in contact with the steam only and not with the

boiling water. Thus, it is examined that lemongrass oil contains 75-85% of

aldehydes consisting largely of citral that can be used in making organic

herbicide.

Another study by Sousa, Silva, and Viccini (2009) entitled

“Cytogenotoxicity of Cymbopogan citratus (DC) Stapf (lemongrass) aqueous

extracts in vegetal test systems” conducted an investigation about the cytotoxix

and genotoxic effects of aqueous extracts from C. citrus leaves on Lactuca sativa

(lettuce) root. For this study, lettuce seeds were treated for 72h with a dissimilar

concentration of lemongrass extracts (5; 10; 20 and 30 mg/mL). The results

showed that reduced in mitotic index, the seed germination and the root

development of lettuce happened. Additionally, extracts have also induced

chromosome aberrations and cellular death in the roots cell of L. sativa.

 Chapter 3

Research Methodology

This chapter presents the method and procedure that was utilized in this

study. This chapter includes Research Method composed of Research Design,

Phase I – Plant Extract Preparation and Phase II – Tall Fescue Experimentation;

Population, Data Gathering Procedure and Treatment of Data.

Research Method

The experimental research design that was used in the study is the

Completely Randomized Design. Tall Fescue samples were assigned randomly

to the different treatments. Ten Tall Fescue samples for commercialized

herbicide and another ten samples for organic herbicide made from lemongrass.

The following phases are done in order to gather such data to support the study:

Phase 1- Plant Extract Preparation

Collection of Plant Material

The leaves of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) were collected at

Anama‟s residence located at Purok 15, Dominga Village, Calinan, Davao City.

Lemon grass essential oil extraction

Before getting the essential oil from lemongrass, the coil heat exchanger

was made using the coil from the refrigerator. After doing so, the Lemongrass
plants were harvested, then carefully washed and cut into pieces. Two jars of

water were poured into the pressure cooker, then the freshly cut lemongrass

were placed inside the pressure cooker. The stove was in low heat. A tube was

connected to the tip of the pressure cooker, and on the other end, the coil model

was attached. The coil heat exchanger was filled with ice and water. On the other

end of the coil model, a jar is placed to catch the steam from the lemongrass. As

the ice water was reduced, more ice is added. The process is based on the video

of Porta (2017) published on Youtube.

After getting the essential oil, the lemongrass broth was also added to the

composition of the organic herbicide.

Corn essential oil extraction

The corns were bought in Calinan Public Market. The corns were carefully

washed and cut into pieces. Two jars of water were poured into the pressure

cooker then the corn was placed inside the pressure cooker. The corn started to

boil in a low amount of heat. On the other hand, the coil heat exchanger again is

utilized to get the steam. It is composed of copper wire connected to a

transparent tube connected, and to the tip of the pressure cooker. A jar at the

end of the copper wire is placed which catches the steam that passes through

the tube. The copper model was filled with ice. As the ice water was reduced,

more ice is added. After getting the essential oil, the corn broth was added to the

composition of the organic herbicide.

Vinegar, salt, and Sodium Lauryl Ester solution preparation

Vinegar, salt, and detergent were bought at the Calinan Public Market. 61.25

mL of white vinegar was poured in a big jar. Then 35 mL table salt was added

and mixed thoroughly. After mixing, 8.75 mL of detergent was added and this will

act as surfactant and make vinegar and salt solution adhere to the weeds more

efficient. In order to have accurate measure, graduated cylinder was used by the

researchers. This process is based on the methods written by Debra Turner

(2017). After making the solution, the lemongrass oil and the corn oil were

added.

Phase II – Tall Fescue Experimentation

Collection of Tall Fescues Samples

40 Tall Fescues (Festuca arundinacea) were collected by the researchers

at Anama‟s residence located at Purok 15, Dominga Village, Calinan, Davao

City.

Preparation of Tall Fescues Set-ups

Plastic pots were bought at the Calinan Public Market. Each Tall Fescues

have one plastic pot and a fence was made to guard the weed. A total of 5 set-

ups composed of 4 Tall Fescue weeds were made. Each set-up has their own

fence made of 8 bamboo sticks.

Application of Herbicide on Tall Fescues

A total of 500 mL of organic herbicide was made and put in the spray

container. Apply 2% of the solution to each Tall Fescue Samples. The application

of herbicide was based on Manual Herbicide Application Methods for Managing

Vegetation in Appalachian Hardwood Forests by Jeffrey D. Kochenderfer, James

N. Kochenderfer, and Gary W. Miller published on April 2012 (Kochenderfer,

Konchederfer, & Miller, 2012). Purposive Technique was also utilized in applying

the two herbicides to the Tall Fescues.

Disposal of Tall Fescue Samples

In disposing, tall fescues are gathered together, placed inside a garbage

bag and sealed properly. The garbage bag was then placed in a 50 cm deep hole

that was dug by the researchers and was buried (Peterson, 2008).

Samples

The sample being used in the study is the Tall Fescue (Festuca

arundinacea). A total of 40 samples of Tall Fescue were collected at Purok 15,

Dominga Village, Calinan, Davao City for the study.

Data Gathering Procedure

After administering the organic herbicide to the Tall Fescue weeds, the

data for the mortality of the subject was recorded after applying. Quantitative

analysis was utilized to record the mortality of the Tall Fescue. Qualitative
analysis was also utilized to identify if there is a difference between commercial

herbicide and organic herbicide made from lemongrass based on the reaction of

the subjects.

Treatment of Data

1. Mean. This was used to determine the average mortality of Tall Fescue in

each treatment.

Formula: X=

Where: X is Mean

Σ is Summation Symbol

F is Frequency

X is Weight of each item

N is Number of cases

2. T-test for Independent Sample. T-test for the independent sample was

used to discern if the proposed null hypotheses will support the study

specifically in identifying the significant differences in the mortality rate of

Tall Fescue if the organic herbicide made with lemongrass oil is being

applied and when the commercial herbicide is being applied.

Formula:

Where: (ΣA)2: Sum of data set A, squared

(ΣB)2: Sum of data set B, squared

μA: Mean of data set A

μB: Mean of data set B

ΣA2: Sum of the squares of data set A

ΣB2: Sum of the squares of data set B

nA: Number of items in data set A

nB: Number of items in data set B

 Chapter 4

Results and Discussion

Mortality of Tall Fescues

Table 1 showed the summary of mortality of Tall Fescues (Festuca

arundinacea) when organic and commercial herbicide were applied to the

different set-ups. The total number of Tall Fescues per set-up is four. Moreover,

there are five set-ups for each herbicide.

Type of Mortality

Herbicide Set-up 1 Set-up 2 Set up 3 Set-up 4 Set-up 5

Organic 3 3 2 4 4

Commercial 4 3 4 3 4

Table 1. Summary of mortality of the Tall Fescues

Presented in table 2 is the result of T-test for Independent Samples to

evaluate the mortality of Tall Fescues after applying the two different herbicides.

Results showed that there is no significant difference (sig. 2-tailed > 0.05) on the

mortality of Tall Fescues (Festuca arundinacea) after applying the two

treatments.
 Table 2. T-test for Independent Samples on Mortality of Tall Fescues after
treatment
Levene‟s Test for Equality of Variances T-test for Equality of Means

F Sig. t df Sig.(2-tailed)

Equal variances assumed .640 .447 -.894 8 .397

Mortality
Equal variances not assumed -.894 6.897 .401

Presented in Table 3 is the mean of the mortality of Tall Fescues when

organic and commercial herbicide were applied. The mean of mortality of Tall

Fescues (Festuca arundinacea) when organic herbicide was applied is 3.2000

while the mean of commercial herbicide is 3.6000.

Table 3. Mean of the mortality of Tall Fescues

Herbicide N Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error Mean

Organic 5 3.2000 .83666 .37417

Mortality
Commercial 5 3.6000 .54772 .24495
Observation on Tall Fescues

Figure 2. Tall Fescue after Figure 3. Tall Fescue after

applying commercial herbicide applying organic herbicide

It is observed that the effect of organic and commercial herbicide to the

Tall Fescues is almost the same. The leaves of the Tall Fescues dried up. The

result is visible in a day after the application. This result supported the study of

Koperek (2015) that using d-limonene specifically Lemongrass oil just like any

other strong detergent (ammonium nonanoate or sodium lauryl sulfate, for

example) can dissolve the waxy coating on plant‟s cell walls that will eventually

cause water to leak then plants die because of dehydration.

 Chapter 5

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

This chapter presents the summary of the problems, the conclusions

based form the findings and the recommendations based form the conclusions

Summary of the Problem

The study focused on the effect of Lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) to

the Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) weeds.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. Is there a significant difference between organic herbicide and

commercial herbicide?

2. Is organic herbicide better than the commercial herbicide?

3. Can organic herbicide be a substitute for commercial herbicide?

Findings

The salient findings of the study after conducting the experiment are as

follows:

1. The following are mortality of Tall Fescues per set-up after applying

organic herbicide: three Tall Fescues for Set-up 1, three Tall Fescues for Set-up

2, two Tall Fescues for Set-up 3, four Tall Fescues for Set-up 4, and four Tall

Fescues for Set-up 5.

2. The following are mortality of Tall Fescues per set-up after applying

commercial herbicide: four Tall Fescues for Set-up 1, three Tall Fescues for
Set-up 2, four Tall Fescues for Set-up 3, three Tall Fescues for Set-up 4, and

four Tall Fescues for Set-up 5.

3. The value of sig-2 tailed of the mortality of Tall Fescues is 0.397.

4. The mean of the mortality of Tall Fescues when organic herbicide was

applied is 3.200 while the mean of commercial herbicide is 3.6000.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, the researchers concluded the

following:

1. There is no significant difference between the organic and commercial

herbicide in killing Tall Fescues.

2. Organic herbicide and commercial herbicide have similar effect on the

mortality rate of Tall Fescues.

3. Organic herbicide can be a substitute for commercial herbicide.

Recommendation

Based on the findings and conclusions, the following are recommended

for further research:

1. Use different levels of concentrations of Lemongrass essential oil that is

lesser than 28.57% of the total solution to test the minimum concentration of

Lemongrass as a potential organic herbicide.

 2. Farmers can use the same organic herbicide made by the researchers

as substitute of commercial herbicide in killing weeds in their yields because it is

effective as the commercial herbicide but less expensive.

3. People who have their own backyard can also use the same organic

herbicide to eradicate weeds.

4. Use pure lemongrass broth rather than the essential oil to test its

effectiveness as a potential organic herbicide and in order to achieve cost

effective herbicide.

5. After applying the two treatments to the Tall Fescues, wait for a week

before recording the mortality rate and describing the effect of the Lemongrass.
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 APPENDIX A

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, we, the researchers thank God for the blessings, knowledge,

and wisdom He gave us throughout this research. This research would not be

possible to finish without Him.

We thank our parents for their undying support financially, emotionally,

spiritually, and physically all throughout the research. Their support made the

researchers inspired to finish this research paper.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Eleazar B. Miones,

our research adviser, for providing us with invaluable guidance, assistance and

for helping us to improve our research.

We would also like to express our deep sincerity and gratitude to our class

adviser Mrs. Arlene B. Tesoro and Mrs. Mae Abenoja for letting the us do

research in the computer laboratory. We also thank Mrs. Jammie Rose Amarado

for letting us borrow the laboratory equipment.

Lastly, we would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Fortunato B.

Sagayno, PSDS, our school principal, for approving our letter to conduct this

research.
 APPENDIX B

LETTER REQUEST TO CONDUCT THE STUDY

 APPENDIX C

CURRICULUM VITAE

JUSTIN JUNE N. ANAMA

Prk 15, Dominga Village, Calinan, Davao City, Philippines
justinjuneanama06102000@gmail.com
09106193873

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Elementary: Salaman Central Elementary School SY 2012-2013
Highschool: Calinan National High School SY 2016-2017
Senior High School: Calinan National High School SY 2018-2019

HONORS AND AWARDS

 Consistent Honor Student SY 2018-2019

SEMINARS/TRAININGS ATTENDED
 DTI Seminar 2018

ORGANIZATIONS
 N/A

SPECIAL SKILLS
 Computer Literate
 CURRICULUM VITAE

JASPER JUNE R. ANDOY

Door 5, Malanos Street, Calinan, Davao City, Philippines
djjayainx@gmail.com
09124226441

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Elementary: Calinan Central Elementary School SY 2012-2013
Highschool: Calinan National High School SY 2016-2017
Senior High School: Calinan National High School SY 2018-2019

HONORS AND AWARDS

 Consistent Honor Student SY 2018-2019

SEMINARS/TRAININGS ATTENDED
 DTI Seminar 2018
 Broadcasting 2018

ORGANIZATIONS
 Gong

SPECIAL SKILLS
 Computer Literate
 Good in Music
 CURRICULUM VITAE

MARIA TRISHA NICOLE D. LEONOR

413 Peñano Street, Calinan, Davao City, Philippines
nicoleleonor1012@gmail.com
09194195460

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Elementary: Calinan Central Elementary School SY 2012-2013
Highschool: Calinan National High School SY 2016-2017
Senior High School: Calinan National High School SY 2018-2019

HONORS AND AWARDS

 Consistent Honor Student SY 2018-2019

SEMINARS/TRAININGS ATTENDED
 DTI Seminar 2018
 Campus Journalism 2018

ORGANIZATIONS
 Gong School Newspaper
 Ugong Radio Broadcasting

SPECIAL SKILLS
 Singing
 Dancing
 Acting
 Broadcasting
 Writing
 Playing instruments
 CURRICULUM VITAE

IAN KENNETH T. MONTERDE

Roman Diaz Street, Calinan, Davao City, Philippines
ianmonterde0721@gmail.com
09104835991

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Elementary: Calinan Central Elementary School SY 2012-2013
Highschool: Calinan National High School SY 2016-2017
Senior High School: Calinan National High School SY 2018-2019

HONORS AND AWARDS

 Consistent High Honor Student SY 2018-2019
 Campus Journalist of the Year 2017

SEMINARS/TRAININGS ATTENDED
 DTI Seminar 2018
 Regional Training for Campus Journalism 2018

ORGANIZATIONS
 Ugong

SPECIAL SKILLS
 Computer Literate
 Mathematically inclined
 Dancing
 Writing
 Editing
 CURRICULUM VITAE

VERNON G. TALANDANG
Prk. 2,Biao Joaquin, Calinan, Davao City, Philippines
vernontalandang03@gmail.com
09094821050

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Elementary: Joaquin Elementary School SY 2012-2013
Highschool: Calinan National High School SY 2016-2017
Senior High School: Calinan National High School SY 2018-2019

HONORS AND AWARDS

 Consistent Honor Student SY 2018-2019

SEMINARS/TRAININGS ATTENDED
 DTI Seminar 2018

ORGANIZATIONS
 N/A

SPECIAL SKILLS
 Computer Literate
 Singing
 Playing instrument
 Mathematically inclined