Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Grade 12

Keywords

Aedes aegypti, larvicide, Capsicum annuum, Citrus grandis, Coffea arabica, sustainable vector control. ii

Abstract

Mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose a global health threat as Aedes aegypti is one of the key vectors. Synthetic larvicides are cheap yet can cause serious environmental and resistance issues. This study investigated the efficacy of Capsicum annuum (chili pepper), Citrus grandis Osbeck peel, and spent Coffea arabica (coffee grounds) as an eco-friendly alternative. The 25%, 50%, and 100% concentrations of each plant extract, along with the synergistic extract and temephos, were evaluated for mortality rate and time. All tests were conducted in triplicates, and statistical analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA and independent t-tests. The study revealed that all of the plant extracts achieved 100% mortality at every concentration, with mortality time decreasing as the concentrations increased. At 100% concentration, C. annuum was the fastest larval mortality among individual extracts while mean mortality time was at 9.67 minutes. Further, the synergistic mixture recorded a mean mortality time of 14.67 minutes, which proved that it is significantly faster than temephos at 60 minutes. Such quick lethal action may be attributed to bioactive compounds that are present in the solution. Overall, these findings indicate that these plant-based extracts, especially C. annuum, are effective, biodegradable, and locally available larvicides that support sustainable mosquito control and valorization of waste. This study encourages using botanical larvicides in community vector programs and suggests further research on ecological effects, field application in natural breeding sites, and efficacy against other mosquito species.

First Advisor

Myra Michelle Mojica, LPT, MSc

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