EXPLORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PAPAYA LEAVES EXTRACT AS

NATURAL BIO-PESTICIDES

A RESEARCH OUTPUT

Presented to the Faculty of

SAN PABLO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Población, San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur

In Partial Fulfilment

of the Requirements for the subject

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II

JULIETO B. SUMATRA JR.

Instructor

MARIEL S. TAGALOGON

REAYAH B. CANACAN

HERA JANE A. DELA CERNA

GREANNE B. MARCO

Researchers

(Date of submission)

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 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM

Introduction

The extensive use of pesticides in agriculture has increase the effectiveness and

economical significant concerns regarding food security for the growing population of the

world (Sharma et al. 2019, 1446). The growing absorbance of pests to synthetic pesticides

exacerbates the need for sustainable alternatives (Khursheed et al. 2022, 105854).

Furthermore, synthetic pesticides contribute to soil degradation and soil contamination,

posing a threat to long-term agricultural productivity (Khan et al 2023, 109-134).

Farmers of the most countries for decades use synthetic chemical pesticides as their

main insecticides due to the aggressive attack of insect pests because of its rapid effect (Asib

et al 2024, 51-60). Studies have investigated the use of plant-based biopesticides, including

ginger, to control pest populations (Siregar et al. 2024, 5). However, the effectiveness of these

plants remains due to the difficulties of production, gentle action and dearth of appropriate

biopesticide formulations (Khursheed et al. 2022, 173).

While some plant-based biopesticides have shown promise, their commercial

application has been hindered by challenges such as inconsistent results, limited pest

spectrum and the need for further formulation research (Koul 2023, 1-23). Additionally,

environmental issues, such as temperatures and humidity can affect their efficacy (Daraban et

al. 2023, 983). The need for biopesticides that are both effective and eco-friendly remains

urgent.

This study will explore the potential of papaya (Carica Papaya) leaves as a natural

biopesticides (Maharan 2024). Unlike other plant-based biopesticides, papaya leaves have not

been extensively studied for their biopesticidal properties, presenting an opportunity to fill
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this research gap (Souto et al. 2021, 4835). This study aims to provide a solution to pest

management by assessing the effectiveness of papaya lead extracts in controlling pests in an

environmentally friendly manner.

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the insecticidal properties of papaya

leaves as a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides. By determining the bioactive

compounds responsible for pest control, this research intends to contribute to the

development of a natural, cost-effective, and biodegradable biopesticide for agricultural use.

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Conceptual Framework

Table 1. The Diagram of the Study

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Statement of the Problem

This study aims to address the effectiveness of papaya leaf extract as an insecticide.

Specifically, the study aims to:

1. How effective is papaya leaf extract as a natural biopesticide?

a. Which solution of papaya leaf extract (5 mL or 10 mL) is more

effective in pest control?

b. How quickly do pests exhibit observable reactions to each solution?

Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant difference in the effectiveness of the two

concentrations of papaya leaf extract as a natural biopesticide.

Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it addresses the urgent need for sustainable and eco-

friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The following groups will benefit from the

research findings:

Farmers and Agricultural Sector: The development of a cost-effective and biodegradable

biopesticide from papaya leaves provides farmers with a sustainable pest control solution,

reducing dependency on synthetic pesticides and minimizing environmental harm.

Environmental Conservation Advocates: By promoting the use of natural biopesticides, this

study contributes to reducing soil degradation, contamination, and other environmental

impacts caused by synthetic pesticides.

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Scientific Community: The research fills a critical gap in the study of papaya leaves'

biopesticidal potential, paving the way for further investigation into plant-based pest control

methods.

Policy Makers and Regulators: The study's findings can serve as a basis for creating policies

that encourage the use of eco-friendly agricultural inputs and discourage harmful synthetic

chemicals.

Future Researchers: This study provides a foundation for exploring the biopesticidal

properties of other underutilized plants and refining the formulations of plant-based pest

control products.

Consumers: The adoption of natural and sustainable agricultural practices ensures safer food

production, benefiting consumers with pesticide-free produce.

Scope and Limitations

Scope of the Study

This study explores the potential of papaya (Carica papaya) leaves as a natural

biopesticide. The research aims to assess their insecticidal properties and evaluate their

effectiveness as a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides. Specifically, it focuses on the

following aspects:

Geographical Context: The study will be conducted in San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur,

Philippines, a region with significant agricultural activity. This ensures that the research

findings are relevant and applicable to local agricultural practices.

Material Scope: The investigation will center on papaya leaf extracts, identifying the

bioactive compounds responsible for pest control and evaluating their efficacy under different

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conditions. The study aims to develop a cost-effective and biodegradable biopesticide

formulation from this material.

Environmental Impact: By using papaya leaves, the study seeks to promote an eco-friendly

solution that reduces soil degradation and minimizes the harmful effects of synthetic

pesticides.

Beneficiaries: The research targets farmers, environmental advocates, policymakers, and

consumers by providing insights into sustainable pest management solutions.

Limitations of the Study

While the study provides valuable insights, certain limitations may influence the scope and

applicability of its findings:

Regional Focus: The results are specific to the agricultural conditions and pest challenges in

San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur. These findings may not be directly applicable to other regions

with differing environmental and agricultural conditions.

Material Constraints: The study exclusively examines papaya leaves, leaving out other

potential biopesticidal plants. Additional research is required to compare the efficacy of

papaya leaves with other plant-based biopesticides.

Environmental Variables: Factors such as temperature and humidity, which can influence the

effectiveness of papaya leaf extracts, are beyond the researchers' control. This may limit the

consistency of the results.

Production and Application: The research focuses on developing a formulation but does not

delve deeply into large-scale production challenges, economic feasibility, or long-term

storage and stability of the biopesticide.

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Time Frame: Market dynamics, pest evolution, and technological advancements may affect

the applicability of the findings in the future, necessitating ongoing research and refinement.

This scope and limitation framework highlights the study's focus on addressing

specific challenges in sustainable agriculture while acknowledging areas for future

exploration.

Definition of Terms

Agricultural Productivity: In this study, this refers to the efficiency and yield of crops in

agricultural practices, which the study aims to enhance by reducing the negative impacts of

synthetic pesticides.

Bioactive Compounds: In this study, this refers to the naturally occurring chemicals in papaya

leaves that may contribute to their insecticidal properties.

Biopesticide: In this study, this refers to a natural pesticide derived from plants or other

biological sources that is used to manage pest populations in agriculture.

Degradable Formulation: In this study, this refers to a biopesticide formulation derived from

papaya leaves that can decompose naturally without causing long-term environmental harm.

Eco-Friendly: In this study, this refers to a practices or products that have minimal adverse

effects on the environment, as highlighted in this study's pursuit of sustainable pest

management solutions.

Insecticidal Efficacy: In this study, this refers to the effectiveness of papaya leaf extracts in

killing or repelling pests, measured under various experimental conditions.

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Papaya (Carica papaya): In this study, this refers to a tropical fruit plant whose leaves are

studied for their bioactive compounds with potential insecticidal properties.

Pest Management: In this study, this refers to the strategies or practices employed to control

or eradicate pests affecting agricultural productivity.

Sustainable Agriculture: In this study, this refers to a farming practices that aim to meet

current agricultural needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the

same, emphasizing the use of natural alternatives like papaya-based biopesticides.

Synthetic Pesticides: In this study, this refers to a chemical compound manufactured to

control pests but associated with issues like resistance, soil degradation, and environmental

contamination.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Papaya Leaves as a Biopesticide

Papaya (Carica papaya) leaves have shown significant potential as a natural

biopesticide due to their bioactive compounds. Purba and Muliarta (2024) conducted a study

demonstrating the efficacy of papaya leaf extracts in controlling pests such as aphids and

diseases like anthracnose. Their research highlights the plant's potential as an eco-friendly

alternative to synthetic pesticides, addressing both pest management and plant disease

prevention in agriculture. Additionally, these extracts have been recognized for their ability to

mitigate the environmental degradation caused by conventional pesticides.

Advances in Biopesticide Development

The increasing need for sustainable pest control solutions has led to significant

advances in biopesticide research. A review published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food

Systems (2024) highlights the development of microbial biopesticides derived from fungi,

bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. While microbial biopesticides offer targeted pest control,

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the combination of plant-based biopesticides, such as papaya leaf extracts, can enhance their

overall efficacy and environmental benefits.

Phytochemical Properties of Papaya Leaves

Phytochemical analysis of papaya leaves reveals a diverse range of bioactive

compounds that contribute to their pesticidal properties. A study in the Journal of Food

Biochemistry (2024) examined the antioxidant and pesticidal activities of these compounds,

emphasizing their role in sustainable agriculture. The study also highlighted that papaya

leaves contain secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and flavonoids, which have proven

efficacy against various pests.

Effectiveness of Papaya Leaf Extract

Research on papaya leaf extract's effectiveness as an insecticide has shown promising

results. A greenhouse simulation conducted in Malang, Indonesia, evaluated the impact of

papaya leaf extract on the mortality rate of Spodoptera litura larvae. The findings, published

in the Journal of Plant Protection Research (2023), indicated a significant reduction in larval

feeding activity and leaf damage, establishing the extract's potential as a natural insecticide.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

Biopesticides, including those derived from papaya leaves, offer environmental

benefits by reducing soil degradation and contamination caused by synthetic pesticides. The

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2024) reviewed various

biopesticides and emphasized their role in minimizing agricultural pollution while enhancing

crop productivity. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of biopesticides supports their adoption

in resource-limited agricultural settings.

Challenges in Biopesticide Application

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 Despite their benefits, biopesticides face challenges, including formulation stability,

production costs, and environmental variability. A review in the European Journal of Plant

Pathology (2024) discusses the need for improved biopesticide formulations to ensure

consistency and efficacy across different agricultural contexts. The inclusion of papaya leaf

extracts in biopesticide formulations could address these challenges by leveraging their

bioactive properties and availability.

Safety and Toxicity of Papaya Leaf Extract

Studies on the safety profile of papaya leaf extract have confirmed its low toxicity,

making it suitable for agricultural applications. Research published in Toxics (2024)

evaluated the acute and chronic toxicity of papaya leaf extract in rats, demonstrating its safety

when used within recommended concentrations. This ensures that papaya-based biopesticides

can be utilized without posing significant risks to non-target organisms or humans.

Papaya Leaf Extract in Other Applications

Beyond pest control, papaya leaf extract has been studied for its medicinal properties.

For instance, a case report in Case Reports in Medicine (2024) demonstrated its effectiveness

in increasing platelet counts in dengue patients. While this highlights its versatility, it also

underscores the importance of optimizing extraction techniques to harness its bioactive

compounds for various applications.

Integration with Organic Farming Practices

Biopesticides derived from papaya leaves align well with organic farming practices,

which emphasize the use of natural inputs. A comprehensive review in Frontiers in

Sustainable Food Systems (2024) explores the integration of biopesticides and biostimulants

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in organic agriculture, showcasing their potential to enhance crop yields and pest resistance

without relying on synthetic chemicals. Papaya leaf extracts, with their proven efficacy, can

contribute significantly to this sustainable approach.

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the setting of the study, the respondents, procedures observed,

the instruments used in gathering the data, and the statistical tools employed in the

investigation.

Research Design

This study will use an experimental research design to evaluate the insecticidal

properties of papaya (Carica papaya) leaf extracts. The study aims to determine their

effectiveness in pests under in controlled conditions, focusing on pests reaction on the

solution.

Research Environment

This study will be conducted in San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines, a local

known for its agricultural activity. This setting provides the context for testing the

biopesticidal properties of papaya leaf extracts in real-world agricultural conditions relevant

to the local community. This research environment involves a controlled setup to evaluate the

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reaction of pests to the applied solutions of papaya leaf extract. Experimental conditions are

expected to simulate practical agricultural scenarios.

Research Instruments

The research instrument is an Observation Checklist designed to evaluate the

effectiveness of papaya leaf extract as a natural biopesticide. This instrument systematically

captures data on pest responses to different concentrations of papaya leaf extract, ensuring

detailed and comparable results across test conditions.

Sampling Design

The study employed a purposive sampling design, selecting specific pests and

conditions that are prevalent in San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines. The target

subjects were pests commonly encountered in local agricultural practices, ensuring the

relevance and applicability of the findings to the community. Sampling was based on the

availability and accessibility of these pests within the experimental setting. This approach

was designed to facilitate the evaluation of papaya leaf extract's insecticidal properties under

controlled conditions that closely mimic practical agricultural scenarios. The controlled

environment and selective focus on local pest populations allowed for a detailed analysis of

the effectiveness of varying concentrations of the extract, providing insights into its potential

as a natural biopesticide.

Data Gathering Procedure

To gather the necessary data, the researchers first prepared papaya leaf extracts in two

concentrations: 5 mL and 10 mL solutions. The solutions were carefully formulated to ensure

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consistency and reliability across experimental trials. The study was conducted in a controlled

environment in San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines, which was set up to simulate

real-world agricultural conditions. Target pests commonly encountered in local agricultural

practices were selected based on their prevalence and accessibility within the experimental

setting.

The researchers utilized an Observation Checklist as the primary instrument to record

data systematically. This checklist included criteria such as the mortality rate, observable

physical effects, reaction time of pests, and the effectiveness of each solution. Observations

were conducted at specific time intervals, with data recorded on the percentage of pests

immobilized or dead within 5 and 10 minutes of application, along with any changes in pest

behavior.

The researchers ensured that the data collection process was systematic and uniform

to minimize variability. Repeated trials were conducted to confirm the reliability and validity

of the results. The gathered data were then compiled and analyzed to evaluate the insecticidal

properties of papaya leaf extract and determine its potential as a natural biopesticide.

Statistical Process

The study utilized descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to analyze the data

collected. Descriptive statistics, such as percentages and mean values, were used to

summarize the observable effects of the papaya leaf extract solutions, including the mortality

rates of pests and their reaction times to the application of each concentration. These statistics

provided a clear picture of the overall effectiveness of the solutions.

Inferential statistics, specifically a t-test for independent samples, were employed to

compare the effectiveness of the two concentrations of papaya leaf extract (5 mL and 10 mL)

in pest control. This analysis determined whether there were statistically significant

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differences in the mortality rates and observable physical effects between the two groups. The

results of the t-test helped assess the null hypothesis, which stated that there is no significant

difference in the effectiveness of the two concentrations as natural biopesticides.

All statistical analyses were conducted using a standard statistical software package to

ensure accuracy and reliability. The findings were interpreted in the context of the research

objectives to provide insights into the potential of papaya leaf extract as a sustainable and

eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1

Observation checklist for the effectiveness of papaya leaves extract as a natural

biopesticides.

Observer Details:

Name: _______________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________

Location of experiment: _________________________________

Type of pest observed: __________________________________

General Effectiveness

Criteria Indicator Observation

Mortality Rate Percentage of pest ___ None

immobilized or dead within

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 ___ 1% - 25%

___ 26% - 50%

5 minutes of application.
___ 51% - 75%

___ 76% - 100%

___ None

Percentage of pest ___ 1% - 25%

immobilized or dead within ___ 26% - 50%

10 minutes of application. ___ 51% - 75%

___ 76% - 100%

___ Significant
Changes in pest movement
___ Moderate
Observable Physical Effects or behavior (e.g., slowed
___ Minimal
activity, disorientation).
___ None

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 Effectiveness of Specific Concentration

Criteria Solution A (5 mL extract) Solution B (10 mL extract)

Percentage of pest affected Percentage of pest affected

Mortality Rate
within 5 minutes: ____% within 5 minutes: ____%

Percentage of pest affected Percentage of pest affected

within 10 minutes: ____% within 10 minutes: ____%

_____ Highly Effective _____ Highly Effective

Overall Effectiveness _____ Moderately Effective _____ Moderately Effective

_____ Low _____ Low

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 Reaction Time of Pests

Criteria Solution A (5 mL Extract) Solution B (10 mL Extract)

Time to first observable

____ minutes ____ minutes
reaction.

____ slow movement ____ slow movement

____ paralysis ____ paralysis

Type of reaction observed
____ death ____ death

Other: _________ Other: _________

Average time for mortality

_____ minutes _____ minutes
(if any)

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