Which Indigenous Plant Extract Will Inhibit Mosquito Larvae Development While Maintaining a Healthy Aquatic Ecosystem?

Overview

Objectives/Goals The purpose of my science project is to determine which indigenous plant extract will inhibit mosquito larvae development while maintaining a healthy ecosystem. In my last science project I proved that the chrysanthemum plant did in fact work as a pesticide for mosquito larvae, yet it also killed the frog eggs. My goal is to find a plant extract that is effective as a safe solution to killing mosquito larvae without harming the ponds ecosystem. Methods/Materials In the control test I will place 10 mosquito larvae and 10 frog eggs in 10 clear containers filled with pond water. In the next set of containers I will place 10 mosquito larvae, 10 frog eggs to pond water, and a 5% solution of Oleander extract. I will observe and record how long it takes for the mosquito larvae to die and for the frog egg hatch rate. I will repeat test using chrysanthemum extract. 10 trials of each. MOSQUITO LARVAE MEASURING CUP AQUTIC HEATERS FROG EGGS OLEANDER PLANT CAMERA POND TEST STRIPS BLENDER STORAGE CONTAINERS PLASIC CUPS CHRYSANTHEMUM PLANT PLASTIC BOWL CHEESE CLOTH SOLUTION DROPPER WATER POND WATER Results Unfortunately both oleander and chrysanthemum would not be safe for the other aquatic life in ponds, nor would they allow for safe pH and nitrate levels. However, of the two chrysanthemum did prove to be the safest. Conclusions/Discussion After completing my project, I have found my hypothesis for chrysanthemum was partly correct. I believed that the chrysanthemum extract would kill the most larvae, be safer for aquatic life, and have less of an effect on the pH and nitrate levels of pond water than oleander. Although both were an effective pesticide on mosquito larvae, neither allowed the frog eggs to hatch. also both substances negatively affected the pH balance and nitrate levels.

Competition history

• CSEF 2013 Pharmacology/ Toxicology · Entry S1722

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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