Thursday, April 2, 2009

investigatory project

The Feasibility of Acacia (Robinia pseud) Seed Decoction as Pesticide (termites)
TABLE OF CONTENTS...

Acknowledgement
Abstract
Chapter I-INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
Statement of the study
Hypothesis
Significance of the study
Scope and Limitations
Definition of Terms
Chapter II-REVIEW of RELATED LITERATURE
Chapter III-METHODOLOGY
Chapter IV-RESULTS and DISCUSSIONS
Chapter V-SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION
Bibliography
Acknowledgement
The researcher would like to thank first of all the almighty God for his love and guidance, Mrs. Balve Granido for her efforts to teach us on how to make our investigatory project successful, to the parents for their financial and moral support, and to all our classmate and friends who gave their untiring support.
Abstract
The researcher would like to find out if the Acacia seed decoction is an effective alternative to the commercial pesticide in killing termites.
The materials used in this study are very abundant here in our country and it can be easily seen anywhere. The main material used, the Acacia seed, was boiled (the process is commonly called decoction) to be able to get the chemical that can possibly kill termites.
In this study, the data shows that it can kill termites but more termites were killed in using commercial ones. Indeed, it can be an alternative pesticide for those who doesn't have enough budget. It is cheaper and easy to make.
The researcher suggests further study shall be conducted.
Chapter I
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
Acacia is a tropical tree that is why it is abundant here in the philippines. it is a source of wood that can be used in making shelter, furniture and other wooden works.
The termites digest food and their food are pieces of wood, paper and other materials containing cellulose. They do much damage tunneling through woods. They destroy furniture and damage sugarcane.
With this study, the researcher wants to find out if Acacia seed is feasible as a pesticide. Thus, helping them avail and make this pesticide at home with cheaper money, lesser time and effort, and an organic one.
The researcher got the idea of the study based on some data that shows Acacia seed contains saponins, tannins, alkaloids, reducing agents-glycossides, carbohydrates which have the capacity to kill termites.
Statement of the Problem
This study aims to test whether the Acacia seed decoction is feasible as a pesticide. Specifically, this study tries to answer the following question:
How effective is Acacia seed decoction in killing termites?
Is there any significant difference between Acacia seed decoction than the commercial one?
What are the implication of the pesticide in the environment and human?
Hypotheses:
The Acacia seed decoction is feasible as a pesticide. There is no significant difference between Acacia seed than the commercial one.

Significance of the study

This study helps the Filipino people make a home-made pesticide which is less expensive and easy to make. A pesticide that is environmental friendly and no side effects to humans. If this study is proven, this would help those people whose field of work is related with wood like wood carving and furniture making. This would also help home owners who planned to sell their house.
This study would try to make use of Acacia seed that have fallen and waited to be rotten and found no use here in the Philippines. Thus, helping the environment to be clean.

Scope and Limitations

In this study, the researcher considered only one limitation. The researcher is limited in use of Acacia seed in making pesticide.
Definition of terms

Acacia - is a genus of shrubs and trees belonging to the family Fabaceae and a tropical tree.
Decoction - the process of boiling.
Pesticide - sprayed to eliminate/kill some insects that destroy that cause damage to many crops.
Termites - digest food and their food are pieces of wood, paper and other materials containing cellulose.

Chapter II
Review of Related Literature

Since the very beginning, the use of Acacia tree is not new to us. The ancient Egypt used Acacia in paints. Many Acacia species have important uses in traditional medicines. Acacia is also used in symbolism and rituals as a symbol in freemasonry, to represent purity, endurance and as a funerary symbolism signifying resurrection and immortality. Acacia is also used by perfume industry in making perfumes due to its strong fragrance. The use of Acacia as fragrance dates back centuries.
Acacia, specifically its seeds are often used for food and a variety of other products. As a matter of fact, in Burma, Laos and Thailand, Acacia seeds are used in soups, curries, omelettes and stirfries while in others, they used it in making candies and gums.
There are related studies to the use of Acacia tree and one of these is “herbal Supplement from Acacia bark decoction.” The beneficial uses of the said study are it can treat diarrhea, dysentery and digestive ailments.
Nowadays, human beings make many inventions for the progress of human life. One of this is pesticide; it is used to eliminate some insects causing damage, especially termites. This study makes use of Acacia seed decoction as a pesticide.
Acacia contains a number of organic compound or alkaloids that defend them from pest and grazing animals. It also contains tannins and saponins that are astringensic and have a bitter taste, when these are taken by an animal, it would affect its food digestibility and food intake. These said chemicals have the capacity to kill termites.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/acacia
Chapter III
Methodology


Materials

Materials needed for the production are Acacia seeds (100 grams), 1 liter of water and infested piece of wood. For the apparatus- sprayer, kettle/pan and gas stove.

Preparation

First, all materials are gathered. Then put the 100 grams of Acacia seed with 1 liter of water in the kettle/pan. Let it be heated until it boils. Leave it, to cool for about 30 minutes and put it in the sprayer including the seeds.

Application

The final product will be tested on a piece of wood manifested with termites. It will be sprayed 5 times and there will be 3 trials. Water and commercial pesticide will also be tested to have a basic or standard reference.
This will be the set-up of my study.

Acacia seed pesticide
trials
No. of spray
No. of termites died
1
5

2
5

3
5


Total died:



Water
trials
No. of spray
No. of termites died
1
5

2
5

3
5


Total died:



Commercial Pesticide
trials
No. of spray
No. of termites died
1
5

2
5

3
5


Total died: