CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The presence of cockroaches found in various households and establishments

has been and is a bother for the human race these days. Their excretions contribute to

diseases that endanger the health of human beings. Their rapid reproduction increases

the difficulty of eliminating their rising numbers, causing hindrance to household work,

work efficiency and a healthy lifestyle.

They are also universally loathed. The said pests are dangerous to humans,

bringing with them an impact in terms of human health, One of the primary reasons is

because they are linked up to any place where there are biological waste products such

as sewers, septic tanks, garbage cans and many others. Their fondness to repulsive

materials such as human and animal fecal matter, rotting food, and others earn them

their "disgust factor” (Diseases Spread by Cockroaches, n.d.). Dirt, filth, and poor

hygiene are synonymous with cockroaches. Their feeding and nesting characteristic

mean they can accumulate a range of different substances, which, when transmitted,

can result in complications to your health (Cockroach Diseases, n.d.).

The factors in medical difficulties caused by cockroaches are much greater than

its general concept, this is because the pest has been shown to be a carrier of diverse

pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial flora, varied protozoa, fungi and viruses

(Diseases Spread by Cockroaches, n.d.). Cockroaches use means to spread diseases,

they are reservoirs of organisms which cause disease and not vectors. They transmit

bacterial diseases by feeding on any contaminated material and they transfer this
 2

whenever they come in contact with the food of people. They can spread diseases

through droppings, vomit, and direct contact (Health Risks of Cockroach Diseases, n.d.).

Examples of the diseases that cockroaches carry are: Salmonellosis, Typhoid

Fever, Cholera, Gastroenteritis, Dysentery, Leprosy, Plague, Campylobacteriosis,

Listeriosis, Giardia (Diseases from Cockroaches, n.d.). The pest also carries parasitic

worms, examples of which are: Taenia, Shistosoma, Ascaris. (Worms, Protozoa, Fungi,

and Viruses Carried by Cockroaches, n.d.).

To add to the reasons why cockroaches endanger people, a link is also found

between these crawling insects and asthma. Cockroaches can trigger asthma because

they contain certain proteins in their bodies which can be an allergen for certain people

(Cockroaches and Asthma, n.d.). The allergens found on cockroach cast skins usually

affect many people who have allergies and triggers responses such as skin rashes,

watery eyes and blockage of nasal passages, asthma and sneezing (Jacobs, 2013).

There are about 11 proteins come from cockroaches which cause allergic

reactions ad contribute to asthma. Said allergens are stable in heat and persist in the

environment even after the pest dies (Worms, Protozoa, Fungi, and Viruses Carried by

Cockroaches, n.d.).People with asthmatic conditions greatly react with the extracts of

pests. Activities done by the American cockroach creates a psychological impact on

inhabitants. Their presences usually cause anxiety and stress due to their physical

invasion (George, n.d.).

Cockroaches also endanger food establishment or stores. These pests

contaminate food and utensils, destroy fabric and paper products, and impart stain and

odor on surfaces they come in contact (Diseases Spread by Cockroaches, n.d.).

Through infested kitchens, cases are that financial problems may occur due to the

contamination in food products that in the end will have to be disposed of. For

businesses, this can have a negative impact on both staff health and retention. Those
 3

operating within the food industry could experience a breach in food safety laws, as

cockroaches have been connected to the spread of food borne diseases (Cockroach

Diseases, n.d.).

In liability concerns, one of the consequences may be the costly sentences in the

court due to the affected or sick customers that was brought about by the presence of

cockroaches in the business area. There will also be a loss in sales for the feedback

from costumers is a great weapon in a connective network of info and news about a

business, which can easily discourage costumers from coming back. All industries will

be required to regulate pest managements and failure to follow this rule can lead to a

forced closure of the business (Cockroach Control Information, n.d.).

The usual solutions in this modern age are the use of hazardous chemicals found

in pesticides. A pesticide contains an active ingredient which is paired with an inactive

constituent. The active ingredient eliminates the pest while the inactive components

ease spraying and coating. They can also contribute to other advantages that are

incongruence with the active ingredient. They also contain contaminants and impurities,

which are the cause of hazardous effects upon usage (Beyond Pesticides, n.d.). It also

has a negative effect on the environment, irritation and allergy towards the human body,

and the risk of obtaining various organ dysfunctions. Conventional insecticides are used

as main tool to control cockroach infestations but there are many concerns about the

harmful side-effects of these chemical compounds (Diseases Spread by Cockroaches,

n.d.).

Exposure to these ingredients, such as chlorpyrifos, can cause dizziness,

nausea, diarrhea, convulsions or vomiting (Christensen et al, 2009). The representative

chemical, Chlorpyrifos found in the active ingredient called Organophosphates cause

health hazards such as high acute toxicity to humans at low concentrations. It is toxic to

the nervous system, especially for children (Cockroach Control, 2016, February 10).
 4

Bio-pesticides on the other hand, is less hazardous because they are made of

living things, come from living things, or they are found in nature. They tend to pose

fewer risks than conventional chemicals. Very small quantities can be effective and they

tend to break down more quickly, which means less pollution (National Pesticide

Information Center, n.d)

Non-hazardous extracts from organic plants may both be a benefit in

exterminating cockroaches and in the safety of human life. The ample supply of ginger

rhizomes and dalandan leaves, fruit peel, and seeds are great factors to its being

advantageous to the study.

The extracts of Ginger and its active constituents have shown potent

antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antimicrobial and possible anticancer

activities (Zhi Shi, n.d.). Ginger contains gingerols and shogoals that are responsible for

the hot and warming qualities of the crop that gives it the ability to suffocate and give off

a burning sensation to the pests (Aleleiamba, n.d.).

Citrus flavonoids have potential antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-viral,

anti-inflammatory activity, and cholesterol lowering potential. Dried rind is considered

aromatic, stomachic, tonic, astringent, and mildly carminative (Lao Jiang, n.d.). The

chemical property, D-limonene that is found in dalandan, has the function to melt the

protective wax covering of the pest, thus affecting its respiratory system (Aleleiamba,

n.d.). The leaves and unripe fruits contains 20 % of limonine, 30 % of Nerolo, 40 % of

Nerolyl-actat and 3 % of Geranio. Limonoid compounds have highest concentration in

the early stages of growth of the leaves and fruit and highest in seeds during fruit growth

and maturation (Lao jiang, n.d.).

 5

Objectives of the Study

The objective of the study is to determine the response of Periplaneta

Americana to dalandan fruit leaves, rind and seed extracts as well as ginger rhizome

extracts. The researchers of this study aim to determine whether Citrus aurantium Linn.

and Zingiber officinale roscoe has a pesticidal effect on the Periplaneta americana.

This study specifically aims to:

1. Determine the percent motality of the cockroaches (Periplaneta americana)

brought about by the use of the dalandan fruit and ginger rhizome extract with

concentrations such as:

a) 100 % Ginger rhizome extract.

b) 100 % Dalandan young leaf, fruit peel and seed extract.

c) 75 % Dalandan young leaf, fruit peel and seed extract and 25% Ginger

rhizome extract.

d) 75 % Ginger rhizome extract and 25 % Dalandan young leaf, fruit peel

and seed extract.

e) 50% Dalandan young leaf, fruit peel and seed extract and Ginger

rhizome extract.

2. Compare the efficacy amongst the different concentration of Ginger rhizome

extract and Dalandan leaf, fruit peel and seed extract on the percent motality

of the cockroaches.
 6

Operational Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined for the better understanding of the study

Ginger(Zingiber officinale roscoe). A thickened pungent aromatic rhizome that is

used as a spice and sometimes for medicinal purposes (Merriam-Webster, 2016).

In this study, the extract from ginger will be used as one of the constituents for

the pesticide.

Dalandan(Citrus aurantium linn.). A fruit that usually has a sweet and sour taste.

The skin is orange red and tight; partitioned inside with yellowish juice sacks (Zhi Shi,

n.d.).

In this study, the extract from dalandan will be used as one of the components for

pesticide.

Cockroach(Periplaneta americana). Also known as the palmetto bug, it is reddish

in color and has a pale yellow area around the perimeter of the pronotum. These

cockroaches tend to be found in the dark, undisturbed areas that are high in humidity

(Cockroach Control, n.d.).

In this study, the American Cockroach is the dependent variable and will be the

specimen to be tested with the pesticide.

Concentration. Is the amount of a component in a given area or volume

(Merriam-Webster, 2016).

In this study, the different concentration of extracts will be needed to determine

the varying effectiveness of the pesticide.

Rhizome . Is a modification of a plant’s main stem that serves as both a root

system and a way for a plant to reproduce (Reference, 2017).

In this study, the rhizome of the ginger will be the part to be used for the

extraction.
 7

Young leaves. Immature yellowish green leaves that have not reached full

maturity.

In this study, the extract from dalandan young leaves will be used as one of the

components for pesticide.

Rind. The tough outer skin of certain fruit, especially citrus fruit (Oxford

Dictionaries, n.d.).

In this study, the extract from dalandan rind will be used as one of the

components for pesticide.

Seed. The unit of reproduction of a flowering plant, capable of developing into

another such plant (Oxford Dictionaries, n.d).

In this study, the extract from dalandan seeds will be used as one of the

components for pesticide.

Efficacy. Is defined as the ability to do what is defined as desire or to be effective

at producing a result (Your Dictionary, 2017).

In this study, the efficacy of the experiment will determine whether the

constituents have the potential to affect the percent motality of the cockroaches.

Extraction . Is a way to separate a desired substance when it is mixed with

others. The mixture is brought into contact with the solvent in which the substance of

interest is soluble, but the other substances present is insoluble (Chemicool, 2017).

In this study, the method of extraction will give way to the creation of the solution.

Percent motality . Is the number of deaths within the given population in a given

time (Manski, 2015).

In this study, the effectiveness of the solution will be based on the percent

motality to be recorded on the dependent variable.

a) 100 % Ginger rhizome extract.

b) 100 % Dalandan leaf, fruit peel and seed extract.

 8

c) 75 % Dalandan leaf, fruit peel and seed extract and 25% Ginger rhizome

extract.

d) 75 % Ginger rhizome extract and 25 % Dalandan leaf, fruit peel and

seed extract.

e) 50% Dalandan leaf, fruit peel and seed extract and Ginger rhizome

extract.

Significance of the Study

This study is beneficial to the following:

Community. The results of this study will reduce the number of asthma, allergy

and other health condition cases as well as establishing a hygienic environment.

Consumers. The results of this study will help in the reduction of cockroaches

within their homes and businesses.

Businesses. The findings of this study will contribute to keeping the

establishment pest free as well as hygienic and avoid the risk of forced closure due to

presence of the said pest.

Distributors. They present and sell the products. They will have larger stocks to

distribute in the markets.

Department of Agriculture (DA). Can influence people in the community in the

application of the study and can also provide them with new knowledge in plants

Future Researchers. The findings of the study will be a source of reference for

future research and similar studies involving other pests.

 9

Scope and Limitations of the Study

They will strictly only use ginger rhizome and dalandan leaves, rind, and seed

extracts as the constituents for the pesticide. The specimens for the experiment will be

specifically Periplaneta americana cockroaches. The research will be conducted on the

month of May, 2017. The researchers will collect the dalandan leaves and fruit in Tina,

Badiangan, Iloilo Philippines. The dalandan rinds and seeds will be collected in

Diversion Road, Sambag Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines. The ginger will be bought at the

Jaro Small Market of Iloilo City, Philippines. The cockroaches will be collected by

trapping by the researchers in their homes and premises of their homes.

In the Philippines, there are only three common cockroach species. These are

the: 1) American cockroach (Periplaneta Americana) about 30 mm (1 1/2 in.) long and

are normally found in indoor areas that are moist but warm such under sinks, under ref.,

in CRs, etc., and outdoor in manholes and drainages; 2) German cockroach (Blattella

germanica) about 15 mm (2/3 in.) long and can be found in cracks and crevices of

kitchen [tables, cabinets, boards, etc.] and in dining areas; and 3) Oriental cockroach

(Blatta orientalis) about 25 mm (1 1/4 in.) and seen commonly under crawl spaces

(National Committee on Urban Pest Control, 2015).