NAGA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Special Program in Science, Technology and Engineering

“Exploring Lemongrass Leaves Extract as an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent for

Acacia Trees: A Study on Ant Control Efficacy”

Macahis,Tyrese Haden B.

Researcher

Submitted in Partial Fulfilment in the Requirements in Research II

LIZELDA MANCAO LUCERNAS

Research Adviser

Date of Submission

Permission is given for the following people to have access to this thesis:
Available to the general public Yes

Available only after consultation with author/research adviser Yes

Available only to those bound by confidentiality agreement Yes

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 Table Of Contents

Ⅰ. Introduction ………………………………………………………………………… 1-3

Background of the Study ………...………..……….……………..…………..… 1

Statement of the Problem ………...………..……….……………..………….… 1-2

Significance of the Study .…………………………………………………………2-3

II. Methodology …….………………………………………………………... 3-5

III.Results and Discussions ……..….…………………………………………… 5-6

IV. Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………….…6-7

 Introduction

I. Background of the Study

The gum arabic that acacia trees yield is used to create adhesives,

medications, inks, and other items. Tannin is extracted from the bark and used in

colors. Acacia trees have lovely blossoms, which is why many people plant them in

gardens. One kind of acacia tree's blooms are used to produce perfume in France.

Since most desert wildlife depends on acacia trees for food and shade, either directly or

indirectly, they are usually considered as keystone species. Ants are one of the insects

that can harm Acacia trees despite their lovely characteristics. They have been shown

to have a positive influence on soil chemistry as nitrogen fixers and boost productivity

of herbaceous understory.

Like other insects, fire ants have six legs, a strong exoskeleton for protection, and a

reddish-black coloring. Worker ants have spherical heads with mandibles, a midsection

made up of the pedicle and the gaster, and an armored thorax. The hue of the head is

usually copper colored. Fire ants are known to be ferocious predators that may cause

direct harm to plant tissues. They could consume the leaves, stems, and even the roots

of the acacia tree. The tree may get weaker as a result of this feeding habit and become

more vulnerable to other stresses like illnesses and environmental conditions.

II. Statement of the Problem

Ant infestations are a common problem for acacia trees, which are essential to

many ecosystems but can have a negative impact on their growth and well-being.

Conventional pesticides have little effectiveness and may be hazardous to the environment

when applied to reduce ant activity. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate more sustainable
alternatives for managing ant populations around Acacia tree.

The purpose of this study is to determine how effective an extract from

lemongrass leaves is as a natural insect repellent, particularly for preventing ant infestations

on Acacia trees. The following inquiries are the focus of the study:

1)How effective is lemongrass leaves extract in repelling ants from Acacia trees?

2)What are the ecological implications of using lemongrass extract as an insect repellent in

Acacia tree ecosystems?

3)How does the efficacy of lemongrass extract compare to conventional insecticides in

controlling ant populations around Acacia trees?

III. Significance of the Study

1) Sustainable Pest Management: An environmentally friendly substitute for

traditional chemical pesticides is the extract from lemongrass leaves, which is being

researched as an insect repellant. This work makes a valuable contribution to the development

of ecologically friendly pest management techniques that minimize negative impacts on

ecosystems and human health by proving the efficacy of suppressing ant populations around

Acacia plants.

2) Preserving the Health of Acacia Trees: Acacia trees are essential to many

ecosystems because they offer food, shelter, and ecosystem services. Ant infestations have

the potential to negatively affect ecosystem stability by compromising the health and vitality

of Acacia trees. This research contributes to biodiversity conservation efforts by maintaining

the resilience and health of Acacia tree populations through the discovery of an efficient

repellant.
 3) The use of lemongrass extract is consistent with the rising trend in agriculture

and pest control toward natural alternatives. This study encourages the use of sustainable,

bio-based alternatives that lessen dependency on synthetic chemicals and support ecological

balance by utilizing the repelling qualities of a naturally occurring plant extract.

4) Ecological Implications: Understanding how lemongrass extract affects non-target

animals and ecosystem dynamics on an ecological level will help determine how well it

works with natural systems. To ensure that its application in agricultural contexts is

sustainable over the long run, it is crucial to comprehend how it affects beneficial insects, soil

microbes, and the holistic health of ecosystems.

5) Engagement of the Community and Stakeholders: The research's conclusions can

help farmers, land managers, conservationists, and legislators adopt strategies that support

sustainable agriculture and ecosystem preservation. This study provides the necessary

information for stakeholders to make well-informed decisions that prioritize environmental

stewardship by proving the effectiveness and ecological advantages of lemongrass extract.

Hypothesis:

H0:There is no significant relationship between using lemongrass leaves extract as an insect

repellent and Ant’s infestation to Acacia leaves

H1: There is no significant relationship between using lemongrass leaves extract as an insect

repellent and Ant’s infestation to Acacia leaves

Methodology

1)Preparation of the Materials

Lemongrass leaves were harvested at the back of our house, while the spray bottle was
recycled from an old alcohol spray bottle. The acacia tree that was used for the application of

lemongrass leaves extract is also at the back of our house.

2) Extraction of the Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) leaves.

Harvest fresh lemongrass leaves and stems. Wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or

impurities.Airdry the leaves within a week. Chop the lemongrass into small pieces. Use a

blender to crush the lemongrass and mix the blended leaves(20g) with ethanol(200mL) then

leave the mixture for 24 hours.Filter the mixture using filter paper and wait until no more

liquid will drop.

3) Setting Up the Experiment

The Acacia leaves was divided into two parts which is the experimental and control group.

4) Application of Lemongrass Leaves Extract

Before applying to the whole plant, it is recommended to test some leaves with the

solution prepared by yourself, wait 48 hours and check the damage. If the leaves are burned

or browned, dilute the solution and make another test.If its not, then apply the lemongrass

extract to the leaves of the plants in the experimental group using a spray bottle or brush.

Ensure thorough coverage of all parts of the leaves.Let it exposed for 24 hours to allow the

leaves to absorb the beneficial properties of the extract fully.

5) Observation and Data Collection

Monitor both the control group and experimental group every 12 hours. Record any

changes in ants infestation levels on both sets of Acacia leaves. Note any visible effects on
the leaves themselves, such as the leaves health.

6)Analysis of Results

Compare the ants infestation levels between the control group (untreated) and

experimental group (treated with lemongrass extract). Assess whether there is a noticeable

difference in ants presence on the Acacia leaves treated with lemongrass extract compared to

those that were not treated.

7)Repeating the Experiment

To ensure accuracy, consider repeating the experiment three times with different sets of

leaves. This will help validate the results and confirm if lemongrass extract is consistently

effective as an insect repellent for ants on Acacia leaves.

Results and Discussions

The findings of the study revealed and with supporting evidence that shows the effectiveness

of using lemongrass leaves extract as a natural insect repellent for Acacia leaves from fire

ants.

First Trial:

Expermental Group

After 12 hours of applying the lemongrass leaf extract,the fire ants were lessened, and

some parts of the leaves were eaten by them.Ten hours passed, and there were no fire ants left

in the leaves.

Control Group

After 12 hours,some parts of the leaves were eaten while the number of fire ants kept

increasing.Ten hours passed, and many parts of the leaves were eaten by the fire ants.
 Second Trial:

Experimental Group

After 12 hours of applying the lemongrass leaves extract,the fire ants were lessened and

only small parts of the leaves were eaten by them.Ten hours passed,and there were no fire

ants left in the leaves.

Control Group

After 12 hours,some parts of the leaves were eaten while the number of fire ants kept

increasing.Ten hours passed, and many parts of the leaves were eaten by the fire ants.

Third Trial:

Experimental Group

After 12 hours of applying the lemongrass leaves extract,the fire ants were lessened and only

small parts of the leaves were eaten by them.Ten hours passed,and there were no fire ants left in

the leaves.

Control Group

After 12 hours,some parts of the leaves were eaten while the number of fire ants kept

increasing.Ten hours passed, and many parts of the leaves were eaten by the fire ants.

Conclusion

After the 3 trials that consumes 24 hours each trial,It proves that lemongrass leaves extract is
effective as an alternative insect repellent for Acacia leaves against fire ants.It has supporting

evidence such as pictures that clearly shows the effect of the lemongrass leaves extract as an

insect repellent.