The efficacy of Melothria pendula leaf extract as Novel Molluscicide against Pomacea canaliculata

Abstract

The control of the invasive species Golden Apple Snail, Pomacea canaliculata, plays a crucial role in preventing the continuing destruction of lowland rice production in the Philippines. However, some molluscicides are unpractical because of their toxic effect on non-target organisms; hence, this study is on the innovative, plant-based extract used to control golden apple snails. Leaves of wild cucumber, Melothria pendula, were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and macerated in ethanol. The extracts were subjected to a water bath at 80 ºC for four hours. Active snails were immersed in solutions of 5mL/L, 10mL/L, and 15mL/L of Melothria pendula leaf extract for 24h and 48h. The snail mortality was determined, and LC50 & LC90 values were calculated. Treatment 3 (15mL/L) had the highest mortality rate, 90% and 97%, among other concentrations used in 24 and 48 hours, respectively. The control group, bayluscide, attained 100% mortality both in 24 hours and 48 hours. Analysis revealed that the LC50 and LC90 values of 48 hours of exposure, 2.26 mL/L and 10.04 mL/L, respectively, showed an increased toxicity level against the snails than that of 24 hours of exposure. Significant differences between the effects of different concentrations on the mortality rate of the snail and days of exposure were noted with p values of 0.000 and 0.032 (p<0.05). Results indicated that Melothria pendula extract is a novel, environment-friendly molluscicide to control Pomacea canaliculata.

Keywords

• molluscicide
• golden apple snails
• wild cucumber
• leaf extract