Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia seguine) and Madre de Cacao (Gliricidia sepium) Leaves Extract as Mosquito Larvicide

This study determined the effectiveness of dumb cane (Dieffenbachia seguine) and madre de cacao (Gliricidia sepium) leaves extract with neem oil as mosquito larvicide against mosquito larvae in Libmanan, Camarines Sur. Specifically, the study documented the step-by-step procedure for preparing the mosquito larvicide, developed and tested different formulations, evaluated larval motility and mortality rates, determined significant differences among the formulations, and assessed the contribution of the formulated larvicide to ecosystem sustainability. The study employed descriptive, research and development (R&D), and comparative research designs, using purposive sampling to select five qualified evaluators, including the research adviser, the researcher, a science teacher, and two household owners. A total of 108 mosquito larvae were used as specimens. Statistical analyses were applied to determine the effectiveness of each formulation. The study demonstrated that the stepwise preparation process enabled the consistent and uniform formulation of a mosquito larvicide from dumb cane (Dieffenbachia seguine) and madre de cacao (Gliricidia sepium) leaves. Among the three formulations tested, Formulation 3 was the most effective, showing the highest larval mortality and greatest reduction in motility, highlighting the importance of specific bioactive compound concentrations in larvicide performance. Statistical analysis confirmed that differences in formulation composition significantly influenced larvicidal efficacy. Additionally, the use of renewable, locally sourced plant materials promotes environmental sustainability by providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides and supporting community-based mosquito control initiatives.