Dumbcane Stem as Insecticide

“DUMBCANE (DIEFFENBACHIA) STEAM AS AN INSECTICIDE TO COCKROACHES”

A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the High School Department

Philippine Christian University

Dasmariñas City, Cavite

In Partial Fulfilment of

The Requirements

In Research II

Ian Agrev Aviso

Jefferson Yagdulas

Aaron James Mariano

Charlene Barrinuevo

Clarice Jenica Tattao

Kristine Montejo

March 2012

APPROVAL SHEET

This thesis entitled, “Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia) as an Insecticide to Cockroaches”, prepared and submitted by Ian Agrev Aviso, Jefferson Yagdulas, Aaron James Mariano, Charlene Barrinuevo, Clarice Jenica Tattao, Kristine Montejo in partial fulfillment of the requirements in their Reseach II is hereby examined and recommended for acceptance and approval for Oral Defense Examination.

Ms. Myra Michelle Mojica

Adviser

___________________________________________________________

PANEL OF EXAMINERS

Approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements in their Research II by the committee on Oral Defense Examination.

CHAPTER 1

The Problem and its Background

1.1 Introduction

People’s health today is threatened with different diseases due to the presence of various types of insects hidden and freely roaming around the four corners of our homes. One type of these insects that considered potential carrier of deadly diseases is cockroach. And although it is true that a number of insecticides are out in the market, yet many households are complaining on the high costs of commercial insecticides to get rid of insects at home and their surroundings.

Dieffenbachia or commonly known as Dumbcane is a common ornamental plant in the Philippines. It is usually found in backyards or gardens. Although we can find it almost everywhere, we are not aware of the benefit it could give us. Dumbcane, specifically the stem, can be extracted and used to kill cockroaches (Wikipedia, 2012).

The researcher conducts this study to find an alternative to the commercial insecticides...