Group 3 STEM – 1

Water Hyacinth Stem and Leaves Ethanolic Extract as Insecticide

Introduction
The parameter of this study includes the insects, specifically common termites, American
cockroach, and fire ants. In this study, the researchers will generate three different amounts of ethanol:
25%, 50%, and 75%. In comparison to the existing research on the extraction of water hyacinth as
insecticide, the test subject is limited to a certain insect. This suggests that the probability of pests success
is greater than in previous studies conducted by different researchers.
Discussion
Objectives
The study seeks to investigate whether there is a difference between two elements: ethanolic
extract from water hyacinth and marketed pesticides. As well as the effectiveness of the ethanolic extract of
water hyacinth to liquidate the following test subjects: fire ants, American cockroach, and common termites.
This signifies that the study is hypothesis-based, aims to provide evidence to either confirm or refute the
hypotheses.
Specific
The researchers will experiment to test the effectiveness of different extraction of water
hyacinths on different pests, and to determine the difference between other commercial pesticides.
Measurable
300 insects will be used as test subjects for the effectiveness of different extractions of the
stem and leaves of water hyacinth.
Achievable
The water hyacinth can be found in San Isidro, Pangasinan. The test subject could be
found in the environment, like in homes, parks, and fields. These variables are easily found nearby
which would be helpful to the researchers. It would also be achievable with a sufficient time frame
to collect the materials and to conduct the experiment.
Relevant
Water hyacinths and are one of the problems in the country. The stem and leaves of the
water lilies has bioactive compounds that has the capabilities to become an insecticide. Decreasing
the number of these invasive species will contribute to the environment. Furthermore, the
extraction would also benefit the environment and to the economy if the pests could be eradicated.
Time-bound
The study is expected to be accomplished by the end of December of 2024. The
researchers will have at most 1 year to complete the research which is a realistic time frame for
experimental research.
Purpose
The study aims to examine and evaluate the efficiency of the ethanolic extract of water hyacinth through
scientific procedures. The researcher's objective is to (create/develop) a new pesticide that can eradicate
the issues concerning pests and water hyacinths. Furthermore, it aims to determine the difference between
ethanolic extract and commercial insecticide or pesticide.
Factors
Environmental
The study on using water hyacinth stem and leaf extract as an insecticide is important for several
reasons. This method helps to eliminate invasive water hyacinth plants and turns them into insecticides
without particular harmful chemicals that could harm the environment. By turning a troublesome invasive
species into a potentially sustainable pest control solution, this research provides a hopeful option for
ecological management and sustainable agriculture.
Economical
Water hyacinth is well-known for causing significant environmental damage and being an economic
burden to maintain. However, if exploited, it presents significant opportunities, particularly for rural
populations. Considered among the world’s worst invasive weeds, water hyacinth as an insecticide will be
more beneficial not only in a way that it may be of more use for people but also as a way to mitigate its
invasiveness. The need for weeds in the production of insecticides will lessen its likelihood of invading
larger areas whilst becoming a useful product for farmers to manage pests.
Fallacy
Fallacy of Division
If someone believes that the combined ethanolic extract of water hyacinth stem and leaves is efficient as
an insecticide, therefore the extracts of the stem and leaves will likewise be effective when used alone. This
is known as the fallacy of division. This ignores the potential that cooperation between the constituent
interactions that might not happen when the components are taken separately may be the source of the
combined extract’s effectiveness.

Significance of the Study

Atienza, S., Cabrera, J.P., Cayabyab, M.E.F., Go, C.A., Lemon, J., Peteros, A.J., Ticman, B.A., Toda, R., Villosillo, S., Yaneza, G.Z.
Group 3 STEM – 1
Water Hyacinth Stem and Leaves Ethanolic Extract as Insecticide

The Significance of this study shows how this study can benefit many sectors. This part can be
divided into three parts: community, economy, and future researchers.
 Community
This study is significant to the overall health of the members of our community because it aims
to limit the usage of store-bought insecticides that contain harmful chemicals, as they can also be
dangerous if inhaled by people.
 Economy
This study can help farmers to reduce the adverse effects of synthetic insecticides on crops.
 Future researchers
This study will serve as a basis for future researchers to give them knowledge about the
benefits we can get by using water hyacinth to make organic products that will be beneficial to the
public. This will also serve as a foundation for a more comprehensive study of other things that the
ethanolic extract of water hyacinth can be used for.

Conclusion
Previous studies indicate that there is a lack of understanding when it comes to the ethanolic
extract of the stem and leaves of water hyacinth against common cockroaches, termites, and fire ants.
Furthermore, there are barely any studies that encompasses this kind of problem in where the
researchers would use the ethanolic extract of the leaves and stem of water hyacinth as an alternative
to eliminate certain insect. Thus, through this study, the researchers will be able to identify and even
justify its effectiveness on three test subjects. This study is relevant to the community as it has a
broader field of knowledge regarding the effectiveness of the extract to certain kinds of pests. This can
also help to lessen the adverse effects of synthetic insecticides on crops. Furthermore, this will serve
as a basis and foundation for future researchers to give them knowledge about the benefits we can get
by using water hyacinth to make organic products that will be beneficial to the public and offer a more
comprehensive study of other relevant ideas that the ethanolic extract of water hyacinth can be used
for.

Atienza, S., Cabrera, J.P., Cayabyab, M.E.F., Go, C.A., Lemon, J., Peteros, A.J., Ticman, B.A., Toda, R., Villosillo, S., Yaneza, G.Z.