Pesticidal Property of Bakya (Dieffenbachia amoena) Leaf Extract

against Yellow Rice Stem Borer (Scirpophaga incertulas)

Angelo B. Jabilles1*, Apple B. Olita2, Ma. Isabel A. Telesforo2,
John Elizer D.R. Herradura2 and Ma. Janina M. Gamboa2

1
Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, College of Technical Teachers Education, Marikina Polytechnic College, 1800, Sta. Elena,
Marikina City, Philippines
2

Laboratory Head/Consultant, Aeronics Inc., No. 19 Ashley St., North Fairview, Quezon City, Philippines

ARTICLE INFORMATION
Article History

Received: 12/7/2015

Received in revised form: 2/16/2016

Accepted: 8/2/2016

Keywords:
Bakya, Dieffenbachia amoena, Pesticide,
Toxicity, Malathion
*Corresponding author: Angelo B. Jabilles
([email protected])

104

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the pesticidal

property of Bakya (Dieffenbachia amoena)
against Yellow Rice Stem Borers (Scirpophaga
incertulas).
The
researchers
utilized
experimental method in collection and
preparation of raw materials, extraction of
Bakya leaves, formulation of Bakya pesticide,
determination of physical and chemical
properties of Bakya extract, and toxicity
test, to identify the physical properties, i.e.,
odor, color, specific gravity, viscosity, and pH
(acidity), chemical properties, i.e., solubility,
and alkaloids, and lethal dosage, i.e., LD50.
The commercial pesticide, i.e., malathion,
was used as a control substance.The findings
of the study revealed the following: 1) the
solvent extraction method using 95% ethyl
alcohol was used to produce Bakya pesticide;
2) the odor of Bakya leaves extract emitted
pungentodor while malathion exhibited
an odor of garlic; 3) the dominant color for
bakya extract was green while for Malathion
was orange; 4) the viscosity of Malathion was
greater than that of Bakya pesticide; 5) the
specific gravity of Bakya pesticide in different
temperatures were all lower compared to
Malathion; 6) the mean pH of Bakya pesticide
was 6.67 and Malathion was 0.7733. The
optimum pH was 4.0 as prescribed by the
European Food Safety Authority; 7) bakya
pesticide was soluble in water, indicated that
it has the presence of polar group, it is also
soluble in HCI, it exhibited a great potential
of toxicity but is insoluble in NaOH and H2
SO4, hence it did not contain either Phenol
or Carboxylic Group. Malathion is insoluble
in all the compounds; 8) Both pesticides
contain alkaloid; 9) The probits at 13% and
at 25% is approximately 4. The LD value
for the probit of 5 is 1.8 and LD50 is equal to

ASIA Pacific Higher Education Research Journal Volume 3

Issue No. 1

63.10 mg/kg; and 10) There is a significant

difference between the commercial pesticide
and Bakya Dieffenbachia amoena pesticide.
The LD50 of Bakya pesticide was determined
using the Yellow Rice Stem Borer. One out of
ten Yellow Rice Stem Borers was found dead
after spraying the Bakya pesticide. The LD50
was found out to be 63.10 mg/kg.The acute
oral LD50(rat) is equal to 72mg/kg.The
findings showed that in using 10% and 20%
formulations, there were no observable
fatalities among the Yellow Rice Stem
Borers. However, using 30% formulation,
it was observed that one Yellow Rice Stem
Borer was found dead. In conclusion, there
is a significant difference on the pesticidal
property of the three different formulations
of Bakya pesticides, i.e., 10%, 20%, and 30%.
It implied that a farmer should use 30%
formulation of Bakya pesticide in order to
control the population of the Yellow Rice
Stem Borers.
Introduction
Rice is one of the main agricultural
crops in the Philippines and it is the main
source of food for Filipinos. It is also easy to
cultivate in tropical and warm regions. One
of the problems however, in rice plantation
was the presence of pests, e.g., Yellow Rice
Stem Borer(Scirpophaga incertulas), during
growth and development.

It is pointed out in one of the articles

of Greenfields Magazine (2003) that one
of the most disturbing problems in rice
production is the farmers continuous
dependence on chemicalbased pesticides/
insecticides in order to eradicate rice pests.
The use of chemicalbased pesticide is
harmful to the environment and can affect
soil productivity. At present, farmers have
been diverting their interest in using natural
productbased pesticides or at least a
combination of chemicalbased and natural
product in farming to lessen the harmful
effects of chemicalbased pesticides to the
rice crops and human health.
Volume 3

It is also mentioned in the 20th series

of the Philippine Technology Bulletin
(1999) that among the different kinds of
pests existing in Philippine Farms, Dilaw
na Askip, better known as Yellow Rice
Stem Borers and scientifically labelled
Scirpophagaincertulasis as the most
common. It is a dangerous pest in most of
the rice ecosystem in the country, especially
in deep water rice. It is also commonly seen
in aquatic environments where there is
nonstop flooding. The domination of the
rice stem borers in the rice fields can cause
deterioration of the plant.
This study would like to formulate
a pesticide from Bakya (Dieffenbachia
amoena) plant to get rid of using chemicalbased pesticides. This natural pesticide can
be utilized to control the population of rice
field pests, i.e., Yellow Rice Stem Borers
(Scirpophagaincertulas).
The results of this study can be
a help to Filipino farmers. Thus, study
tries to determine the pesticidal property
of Bakya (Dieffenbachia amoena) leaf
extract against Yellow Rice Stem Borer
(Scirpophagaincertulas).

According to Jones (1974) the

desirable properties of pesticides include:
(1) high toxicity to the pest controlled; (2)
low toxicity to plants; (3) low toxicity to
Humansand warm blooded animals; and
(4) does not form residue.
Purpose of the Research
What is the pesticidal property of
Bakya (Dieffenbachia amoena)against Yellow
Rice Stem Borer (Scirpophaga incertulas)?
Literature Review
Bakya or scientifically labelled as
Dieffenbachia amoena is native to tropical
America and West Indies, especially Costa
Rica and Colombia (Abdurrahman-Ayvaz et

Issue No. 1 ASIA Pacific Higher Education Research Journal

105

al., 2010). At present, Dieffenbachia amoena

can be found in the Philippines and other
tropical and subtropical climates. In the
Philippines, Dieffenbachia amoena can be
propagated by tissue culture, i.e., in vitro
propagation approach, hence the plant
Dieffenbachia amoena is abundant and easy
to propagate and cultivate (Dafalla 2013).
The parts of Dieffenbachia amoena plant, i.e.,
leaves and stem, contained phytochemicals,
i.e, alkaloids, saponins, phenols, flavonoids,
and resins. The Dieffenbachia amoena
extract showed toxicity against brine shrimp
(Oleyede, Onocha, & Abimbade, 2012).

Toxicity of plant extract can be tested by

using animals, insects, and pests. The present
study utilized pest, specifically the Yellow
Rice Stem Borer Scirpophaga incertulas
to test the toxicity of Bakya. Nowadays,
many rice farmers used synthetic chemical
pesticides in order to control the population
of rice pests. Pyridalyl and indoxacarb were
tested to pests and found to be effective
(Shimokawato, 2011). Other synthetic
chemical pesticides, i.e., etoxazole and
fenazaquin, were tested to pests and showed
to be effective in controlling the population
of the pests (Natsuhara & Tanaka, 2012).
The Avermectin-grafted-N,O-carboxymethyl
chitosan (NOCC) determined its insecticidal
activity and showed to be effective in
controlling the insect population (Li et
al., 2016). The foregoing studies provided
effective method in insect pest management
and showed excellent results in controlling
the insect population, hence target
vectors are easily destroyed. However, the
availability of synthetic chemical pesticides
has been declining for the past 60 years and
as a result, many insects became resistant
to synthetic chemical pesticides. Likewise,
the use of synthetic chemical pesticides has
contributed in the environmental problems,
i.e., air, land, and water, (Manahan, 2000).
The synthetic chemical pesticides were
also considered organic toxic compounds
which can cause environmental problems
such as air, water, and land pollution (Baird
& Cann, 2012). Most of the countries have
signed the agreement in the Kyoto protocol

106

which agreed to reduce the use of chemical

pesticides. Indeed, chemical pesticides are
threats to the environment and to the living
organisms.
In the present study, the physical and
chemical properties of Bakya (Dieffenbachia
amoena) leaf extract were determined, and
the pesticidal property of the crude extract
was tested against Yellow Rice Stem Borer.
No testing has been reported previously
concerning the pesticidal property of the
Bakya crude extract against the said pest.
The leaf extract was used in the formulation
of natural-product based pesticide.
Methodology
Research Design
Firstly, Bakya leaves were collected
and prepared. Then, Bakya leaves were
extracted using ethyl alcohol (95%).
Thirdly, Bakya pesticide was formulated
and prepared. Fourthly, the physical and
chemical properties of Bakya pesticide were
determined. Lastly, toxicity test of Bakya
pesticide against Yellow Rice Stem Borer was
administered. See Figure 1
Collection and Preparation
of Bakya Leaves

Solvent Extraction
(Ethyl alcohol, 95%)

Formulation of
Bakya Pesticide

Physical and
Chemical Test

Toxicity test against Yellow

Rice Stem Borers

Figure 1. Experimental Design

ASIA Pacific Higher Education Research Journal Volume 3

Issue No. 1

Procedure

Formulation of Bakya Pesticide

Chemicals / Reagents and Apparatus

Three concentrations of Bakya

pesticide were prepared, i.e., 10%,
20%, 30%, of the aqueous crude
extract. Distilled water was used in
preparing all concentrations. The 10%
was prepared by dissolving 10.0 g of
crude extract in 90.0 mL of distilled
water. The 20% was prepared by
dissolving 20.0 g crude extract in 80.0
mL of distilled water. The 30% was
prepared by dissolving 30.0 g crude
extract in 70.0 mL of distilled water.

Table 1
List of Chemicals/ Reagents and Apparatus Used in
this Study
Chemicals/ Reagents

Acetic acid, CH3COOH

Acetic anhydride, CH3COOCOCH3
Bakya extract
Benzene, C6H6
Chloroform, CHCl3
Crystal violet indicator
Distilled water
Hydrochloric acid, HCl
Perchloric acid, HClO4
Saturated Sodium chloride, NaCl
Sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3
Sodium hydroxide, NaOH
Water

Apparatus

Analytical
Balance
Beaker
Burette
Capillary Tube
Colorimeter
Condenser
Cuvette
Distillation
Flask
Erlenmeyer
Flask
Laboratory
Thermometer
Medicine
Dropper

Ostwald Type Capillary

Viscometer
PASport Chemistry
Multi-Measure Sensor
pH sensor
Pycnometer
SPARK software/
application
Test tube

Volumetric Flask

Collection and preparation of raw materials

Bakya leaves were collected at Sta.
Cruz, Antipolo City and were authenticated by
the National Museum, Botany Department in
Taft, Manila City. The collected Bakya leaves
were washed with tap water and rinsed with
distilled water. The plant samples were sundried for 168 hours.
Extraction of Bakya leaves

Approximately, 100g of dried Bakya

Leaves were weighed using the analytical
balance, the leaves were then cut into smaller
pieces. The small pieces of Bakya leaves were
soaked in 1000ml of 95 % ethyl alcohol. The
mixture was set aside for 24 hours. After
soaking, the soaked small pieces of leaves
were water bathed for 30 minutes at 95 OC to
remove the alcohol. The mixture was filtered
using a filter paper in a funnel. The filtrate
served as the concentrated crude extract.

Volume 3

Determination of the Physical

Properties
1. Odor

Organoleptic test was used to

determine the odor of the Bakya and
Malathion pesticides. USP (2012).
2. Color

SPARK Colorimeter was used to get the

color spectrum of the Bakya and Malathion
pesticides. SPARK Colorimeter Manual.
3. Specific Gravity

Pycnometer was used to measure the

specific gravity at different temperatures,
i.e. 20 OC, 25 OC, of Bakya and Malathion
pesticides. AOAC (1999).
4. Viscosity

Viscometer was used to determine the

viscosity of Bakya and Malathion pesticides.
AOAC (1999).
5. pH

The pH meter was used to measure the

pH value of Bakya and Malathion pesticides.
USP (2012).

Issue No. 1 ASIA Pacific Higher Education Research Journal

107

Determination of the Chemical Properties

1. Solubility

The solubility of Bakya and Malathion

pesticides were tested in the following
substances: 1.5 M Sodium hydroxide, NaOH,
0.6 M Sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3, 1.5 M
Hydrochloric acid, HCl, and concentrated
Sulfuric acid, H2SO4. The ratio used was 1:1.
USP (2012).
2. Alkaloids

Accurately weigh 2.5 g finely ground

Bakya leaves into 250 mL Erlenmeyer. Add
15 mL 5% Acetic acid, CH3COOH, and swirl
until Bakya leaves is thoroughly wetted.
Pipet 100 mL benzene-chloroform solution
into flask and then 10 mL 36% NaOH
solution. Stopper flask tightly and shake 20
minutes, using wrist-action shaker. Add 4.5
5 g (2 teaspoonfuls) Filter-Cel, mix, and filter
most of benzene layer through Whatman
No 2 paper into second flask. If filtrate has
any turbidity, add 2 2.5 g (1 teaspoonful)
additional Filter-Cel and refilter through
Whatman No. 2 paper. Filtrate must be clear.

Pipet 25 mL aliquots of filtrate into

each of two 125 mL Erlenmeyer. Pass stream
of air over surface of solution in first flask
5 min, add 3 drops indicator, and titrate to
green end point with 0.025N HClO4, Add 1.0
mL acetic anhydride to second and let stand
15 min, add 25 mL CH3COOH and 2 drops
indicator and titrate to blue-green end point
with 0.025N HClO4. Calculate % Alkaloids as
follows: % Total Alkaloids = V1 x N x 32.45/
weight sample; where V1 = volume titrant
for nonacetylated aliquot; and N = normality
HClO4 AOAC (1999).

after administration, food, water, and ad

libitum may be given also.

The maximum volume to administer

of the pesticides, i.e., Bakya, Malathion, and
the negative control (Ethyl alcohol solution)
should not exceed 1 mL.

The researchers prepared five set

ups, see Figure 3a, for the Ethyl alcohol
solution, Malathion, 10%, 20% and 30%
Bakya pesticide. Each setup contains a pot
with rice plants planted on it, each of them
also have a protective container made with
plastic and cheap board. The dimension of
the container is 24 inches for the height and
12 inches for the width, see Figure 3b. A hole
was punched in each of the boxes with nets
attached to it. Ten yellow rice stem borers
were placed in each of the set up.
Insecticide treatments were sprayed
separately in each setup with the use of
sprayer, covering the whole plant, and the
treatment was administered three times,
with 3 hours interval in first and second
administration and 12 hours interval
between second and third administration.
(Guevara, 2005).

(a)

Toxicity Test: Median Lethal Dose

(LD50) by single dose method

All Yellow Rice Stem Borers were fasted

from food and water for 16 hours prior to the
tests but were given free access to food and
water 12 hours after administration of the
Bakya and Malathion pesticides. Two hours
108

(b)

Figure 3: a. Toxicity Test Set-up.

b. Container Dimension

ASIA Pacific Higher Education Research Journal Volume 3

Issue No. 1

Table 2
Transmittance of Bakya and Malathion pesticides

2
3

MEAN

BAKYA PESTICIDE

MALATHION

TRANSMITTANCE (%)

TRANSMITTANCE (%)

RED

GREEN

BLUE

ORANGE

RED

GREEN

BLUE

ORANGE

13.2 %

21.00 %

0.300 %

20.40 %

2.60 %

1.700 %

2.300%

2.800 %

13.1 %

20.70 %

0.3000 %

20.30 %

3.10 %

2.000 %

2.800 %

3.400 %

13.2 %

13.17 %

21.00 %
20.90 %

0.200 %
0.270 %

20.40 %
20.37 %

Data Collection and Analysis

Three trials were done to test each
of the physical and chemical properties of
the Bakya Pesticide and Malathion. The
Researchers compared the result of each trial
using statistical treatment. For the LD50 , they
took eighteen hours of caring, maintaining,
and observing the rice plant samples. They
counted the number of dead yellow rice stem
borers and recorded it.
Results and Discussion
Method used to produce pesticide from
Bakya Dieffenbachia amoena Bull leaves
Solvent extraction method was used.
The researchers used Ethyl alcohol (95%)
as solvent. The Bakya crude extract was
obtained from the solvent extraction and
it was mixed with distilled water in three
different concentrations, i.e., 10%, 20%,
30%.
Physical properties of Bakya Dieffenbachia
amoena Bull pesticide and Malathion
1. Odor

The odor of Bakya leaves extract

emitted a pungent odor. It has a bad smell,
but not too strong. Malathion, on the other
hand, exhibited a garlic odor.

Volume 3

2.90 %

2.870 %

1.900 %

2.500 %

1.870 %

2.530 %

3.000 %
3.067 %

2. Color

Table 2 shows the Transmittance

of Bakya and Malathion pesticides. It also
shows that the dominant color of Bakya
pesticide is green while Malathion is orange
with mean transmittance of 20.90% and
3.067%, respectively.

A pesticides color can be different

from each other but most of the time they
are colourless. The color of the pesticide
doesnt necessarily affect its toxicity.
(Zacharia, 2011).
3. Viscosity, Specific gravity and pH

It can be seen in table 3 the viscosity,

specific gravity, i.e., 20 C, 25 C, and pH of
Bakya pesticide and Malathion in three
trials. Table 3 revealed that the former
exhibits means of 3.33, 0.845, 0.844, and
6.667, respectively, while the latter showed
means of 7.10 s, 1.045, 1.048, and 0.7733,
respectively. This implies that in terms of
viscosity, specific gravity, and pH; Malathion
is more viscous than Bakya pesticide,
Malathion is heavier than Bakya pesticide,
and Malathion is acidic than Bakya pesticide,
respectively.
When it comes to viscosity, the higher
the viscosity of a liquid, the more difficult it
becomes to move it through a nozzle (during
application) to produce small droplets.
Generally, spraying a viscous liquid results
in an uneven spray pattern or, in some
instances, no spray pattern at all. (Pest

Issue No. 1 ASIA Pacific Higher Education Research Journal

109

Table 3
Viscosity, Specific gravity and pH of Bakya pesticide and Malathion
No. of
Trials

Bakya Pesticide
Viscosity

Specific gravity

pH

Viscosity

Specific gravity

pH

20C

25C

20C

25C

3.43 s

0.856

0.855

6.66

7.05 s

1.051

1.051

3.21 s

0.836

0.834

6.67

7.20 s

1.042

1.042

3.36 s

Mean

3.33 s

0.844

0.845

0.844

0.844

Control Technology Magazine 2010) In that

case, Bakya pesticide isideal to be applied
using a nozzle to produce small droplets
(spraying) since it exhibits lower viscosity
than Malathion.

The specific gravity of most pest

control pesticides must be similar to that of
water so that there will be no difficulties in
mixing it with liquid (Pest Control technology
Magazine, 2010). Bakya pesticide has a lower
specific gravity making it easier to combine
with liquids compared to Malathion.
Soil has a slight negative charge
(acidic) so it tends to absorb positively
charged to uncharged chemicals. Pesticides
that are acidic will tend to be absorbed by the
soil rather than basic pesticides. Although
acidic pesticides can eliminate pests, it
can also damage the soil Jinde (1994). If a
slightly acidic pesticide is applied to a basic
(alkaline) surface, the pesticide may break
down rapidly. Since Bakya pesticide is less
acidic, then it has less tendency to damage
the soil.
Chemical properties of Bakya Dieffenbachia
amoena Bull, pesticide and malathion
1. Solubility

Bakya pesticide is soluble in water,

indicating that it has the presence of polar
group. It is also soluble in HCl, it exhibits a
great potential of toxicity but is insoluble in
NaOH, sulfuric acid, and hence it does not
contains either phenol or carboxylic group.
Malathion is insoluble in all solvents.
110

Malathion

6.67

6.67

7.04 s

1.042

7.10

0.87

1.051

1.045

0.76

0.69

1.048

0.7733

2. Alkaloids
Table 4

Alkaloid Content of Bakya pesticide and Malathion

No. of Trials

Bakya Pesticide

Malathion

1.20 %

3.80 %

1.40 %

3.80 %

0.60 %

Mean

7.40 %

1.07 %

5.00 %

It can be seen in Table 4 that the

alkaloid contents of Bakya leaves extract in
three trials. The Bakya pesticide exhibit a
mean of 1.07 % while the mean of Malathion
is 5.00 %.
3. LD50 of Bakya Dieffenbachia amoena
pesticide and Malathion

Table 5
Probits of Bakya pesticide and Malathion
Pesticide
Dose
Log No. of Observed Empirical
concentration mg/kg Dose insects % dead
Probit
BW
dead/
tested
10% Bakya

15 mg

1.8

0/10

0%

30% Bakya

15 mg

1.8

1/10

25 %

4.33

0/10

0%

20% Bakya
Malathion

30% Ethyl
alcohol soln.
(negative
control)

15 mg

15 mg
15 mg

1.8

1.8
1.8

0/10

2/10

0%

13 %

3.87

The probits values are plotted against

log-dose, and then the dose corresponding to
probit 5, i.e., 50%, is found out.

ASIA Pacific Higher Education Research Journal Volume 3

Issue No. 1

PROBITS

7
6.5
6
5.5
5
4.5
4
3.5
3

1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2 2.1 2.2

LOG - DOSAGE
Log-LD50 = 1.8
Figure 4. LD50 of Bakya pesticide
and Malathion.

Figure 4 shows the graph for the

LD50of Bakya pesticide and Malathion. The
LD value for the probits of 5 was obtained
by linear regression and found at 1.8. Hence,
LD50value was equal to 63.10 mg/kg for both
pesticides.
Comparison between Bakya
pesticide and Malathion
1. Physical Test
Table 6

Comparison of Bakya Pesticide and Malathion in

terms of Physical Properties
Bakya
Pesticide

Malathion

Computed
T value

Viscosity

3.33 s

7.10 s

24.47

20

0.845

1.045

37.2478

pH

0.7733

6.667

112.3

Specific Gravity
25

0.844

1.048

Confidence level = 95%, Degree of freedom = 4

29.5697

In terms of the resistance of this

pesticides to flow, the viscosity of Malathion
is greater than that of Bakya pesticide which
means that Malathion is more viscous than
Bakya pesticide. The critical value of t at
the 95% confidence level for 4 degree of
freedom is 2.78. Since 24.47 > 2.780, we
reject the null hypothesis at 95 % confidence
level and conclude that there is a significant
difference between Bakya pesticide and
Malathion in terms of viscosity. The higher
the viscosity of liquid, the more difficult
it becomes to move it though a nozzle to
produce small droplets.
Volume 3

It also showed the specific gravity

of Bakya pesticide and Malathion in two
temperatures which are 20C and 25C with
three trials each. In 20C, the mean of the
specific gravity of Bakya leaves extract is
0.845 while of Malathion is 1.045. In 25C,
the mean of the specific gravity of Bakya
pesticide is 0.844 while of Malathion is
1.048. The critical value of t at the 95%
confidence level for degree of freedom is 2.78.
Since all of the value of Ttest in different
temperatures, such as 37.2478 at 20C,
29.5697 at 25C, are all greater than 2.78, we
reject the null hypothesis at 95% confidence
level and conclude that there is a significant
difference between Bakya pesticide and
malathion in terms of specific gravity in
different temperatures. Specific gravity may
be understood in terms of weight of the
liquid. Specific gravity of most pest control
pesticides that is similar to that of water,
making these liquids not difficult to mix.
It also confirmed that both Malathion
and Bakya pesticide are acid solutions based
on their pH levels, although Malathion is
obviously more acidic as compared to the
Bakya pesticide. The critical value of t at the
95% confidence level for degree of freedom
is 2.78. Since the computed t value is less
than 2.780, we reject the null hypothesis
at 95 % confidence level and conclude that
there is a significant difference between
Bakya pesticide and Malathion in terms of pH
level. If a slightly acidic pesticide is applied
to a basic (alkaline) surface, the pesticide
may break down rapidly.
2. Chemical Test
Table 7

Comparison of Bakya Pesticide and Malathion in

terms of Chemical Properties
Bakya

Malathion

Pesticide
Alkaloid

1.07%

Computed
T value

5.00

Confidence level = 95%, Degree of freedom = 4

3.22

This table shows that both pesticides

contain alkaloid, though Malathion has

Issue No. 1 ASIA Pacific Higher Education Research Journal

111

a greater content compared to that of

Bakya pesticide. Alkaloids are nitrogenous
compounds that show insecticidal properties
even at low concentrations.
3. Toxicity Test

As shown in Figure 4, the LD50value

is equal to 63.10 mg/kg for both pesticides.
LD50 values are standard measurements;
it is possible to compare relative toxicities
among pesticides. The lower the LD50 dose
hence, the more toxic the pesticide.
Conclusion & Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the
following conclusions were drawn: 1) the
researchers conclude that there is a significant
difference between the commercial pesticide
and Bakya Dieffenbachia amoena. pesticide
in terms of their physical properties
(viscosity, specific gravity and pH). The
viscosity of Malathion is greater than that
of Bakya pesticide which shows that Bakya
pesticide is ideal to be applied using a nozzle
to produce small droplets (spraying) since
it exhibits lower viscosity than Malathion.
The specific gravity of Bakya pesticide
in different temperatures are all lower
compared to Malathion which implicates that
Bakya pesticide has a lower specific gravity
making it easier to combine with liquids
compared to Malathion. Both pesticides are
both acidic but since Bakya pesticide is less
acidic, then it has less tendency to damage
the soil; 2) The researchers conclude that
there is a significant difference between
the commercial pesticide and Bakya
Dieffenbachia amoena. pesticide in terms
of their chemical properties (solubility
and alkaloid content) Bakya pesticide is
soluble in water, indicative that it has the
presence of Polar Group, it is also soluble
in HCI, it exhibits a great potential of
toxicity but is insoluble in NaOH and H2SO4,
hence it does not contain either Phenol or
Carboxylic Group. Malathion is insoluble in
all the compounds. Both pesticides contain
alkaloid; 3.) The researchers conclude that
112

there is a significant difference between

the commercial pesticide and Bakya
Dieffenbachia amoenapesticide in terms
of their toxicity properties. The probits at
13% and at 25% is approximately 4. The LD
value for the probit of 5 is 1.8 and LD50 is
equal to 63.10 mg/kg. There is a significant
difference between the commercial pesticide
and Bakya Dieffenbachia amoenapesticide;
4.) The computed LD50 of Bakya Pesticide
and Malathion is both 63.10 mg/kg which
is closely with the Acute oral LD50 (rat)
which is equal to 72 mg/kg (Technical from
Malathion MSDS); 5.) The findings showed
that in using 10% and 20% formulations,
there were no observable fatalities among
the Yellow Rice Stem Borers. However, using
30% formulation, it was observed that one
Yellow Rice Stem Borer was found dead. In
conclusion, there is a significant difference
on the pesticidal property of the three
different formulations of Bakya pesticides,
i.e., 10%, 20%, and 30%. It implied that a
farmer should use 30% formulation of Bakya
pesticide in order to control the population
of the Yellow Rice Stem Borers.
The researchers recommend the
following: 1) use Bakya pesticide as
substitute for Malathion pesticide; 2) further
study on the isolation, elucidation, and
characterization of alkaloids from Bakya
Dieffenbachia amoena leaves extract; 3)
further study on the use of other solvent
for extraction; 4) further study on the use
of Bakya pesticide in other plant pests; 5)
LD50. Their toxicity should be tested on
other rice pests.

References
Ayvaz, A., Sagdic, O., Karaborklu, S., & Ozturk
I. (2010). Insecticidal activity of
the essential oils from different
plants againstthree stored-product
insects. Journal of Insect Science
10(21). Retrieved from insectsicence.
org/10.21.

ASIA Pacific Higher Education Research Journal Volume 3

Issue No. 1

Ballesteros, O. (1993). Greenfield Magazine,

The Potential of Organic Pesticides.

MARID Agribusiness Digest, Vol.13, No.3,

August 2002.

Baird, C. & Cann, M. (2012). Environmental

Chemistry. W.H. Freeman and
Company, N.Y.

Oleyede G. K., Onocha P. A., & Abimbade S.

F. (2012). Phytochemical, toxicity,
antimicrobial
and
antioxidant
screening of extracts obtained
from Dieffenbachia picta (Araceae)
Leaves and Stem. Journal of Science
Research. 11(1), 31-43.

Guevara, B. (2005). A Guidebook to Plant

Screening:
Phytochemical
and
Biological. University of Santo
Tomas, Manila, Philippines.

Dafalla, H. (2013). Micropropagation of the

Ornamental Plant Dieffanbachia.

European Food Safety Authority. (2011).

Modification of the existing MRL for
malathion in camomile. European
Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
Journal 9(5), 21-94. doi:10.2903/j.
efsa.2011.2194.
Gong, L., Chen, Y., Hu, Z., Hu, M. (2013)
Testing Insecticidal Activity of Novel
Chemically
Synthesized
siRNA
against Plutella xylostella under
Laboratory and Field Conditions.
PLoS ONE 8(5), e62990.doi:10.1371/
journal.pone.0062990.
Greenfield Magazine. (May 2003). Botanical
Pesticides in Ethical Plants and
Vegetables Crops, May 2003.

Greenfield Magazine. (May 2003). The Rice

Stem Borers.
International Rice Research Note Soil
Biological Health January 2005

Jones, M. (1974). Pest of Field Crops

(Second Edition).
Jinde,

C.
Environmental
Hazards
Assessment
Program.
(1994).
PhysicalChemical Properties and
Environmental Fate of Pesticides.

Manahan, S. E. (2000). Environmental

Science, Technology, and Chemistry.
CRC Press. LLC.

Volume 3

Natsuhara, K. & Tanaka, A. (2012). Pest Control

Composition. WIFO Patent Search.
Retrieved from https://patentscope.
wipo.int/search/en/result.jst.

Official
Pest

Methods of Analysis of the

Association of Official Analytical
Chemist Vol.17 1999.

Control
Technology
Magazine.
Pesticide Issues: How and Why
They Work. 2010.

Shimokawato, Y. (2011). Pest Controlling

Composition. WIFO Patent Search.
Retrieved from https://patentscope.
wipo.int/search/en/result.jst.
SPARK Colorimeter Manual.

U.S. Pharmacopeia & National Formulary,

Volumes 1-3 Volume 30 2012.

Li, Y., Qin, Y., Liu, S., Xing, R., Yu, H., Li,
K., & Li, P. (2016). Preparation,
Characterization, and Insecticidal
Activity of Avermectin-Grafted-N,OCarboxymethyl Chitosan. BioMed
Research International. Retrieved
from http://dx.doi.org.

Zacharia, J. T. (2011). Identity, Physical and

Chemical Properties of Pesticides,
Pesticides in the Modern World
Trends in Pesticide Analysis. Available
from http://www.intechopen.com/
books/pesticides-in-the-modernworld-trends-in-pesticides-analysis/
identity-physical-and-chemicalproperties-of-pesticides.

Issue No. 1 ASIA Pacific Higher Education Research Journal

113