Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Poir (pandakaki) as rice bug (Leptocorisa acuta) eradicator:an investigatory project entry to the 2005 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, Phoenix, Arizona, USA May 8-14, 2005
2005 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
SCHOOL
Sinait National High School
PLACE
Sinait, Ilocos Sur
DATE
2005
PAGINATION/COLLATION
41 leaves
ABSTRACT
The rice bug Leptocorisa acuta attacks rice plants during the milky stage resulting in the production of grains unfit for human consumption. Farmers use chemical pesticides against these bugs but they are often unaware of the residual effects of these chemicals to consumers and to the environment.
This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of using leaves and stems of Tabernaemontana pandacaquiPoir (locally known as pandakaki) in eradicating the rice bug during the milky stage of the rice cycle.
The stems and leaves of pandakaki were gathered, washed, and chopped into small pieces. From two kilograms (2kgs.) of these leaves and stems, 75ml of juice was extracted and collected into a beaker. Three hundred (300) rice bugs were also collected from the rice field using insect catching net and put in a jaw covered with cloth.
The study showed that pure pandakaki extract is as effective as the commercial pesticide in the eradication of the rice bugs since both caused almost the same mortality rate during the observation period. Cost-wise, pure pandakaki extract is cheaper, and considering ecological impacts, pure pandakaki extract is more environment-friendly than the chemical pesticide.
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