This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of active compounds contained in several plant species as botanical pesticides to control mealybug pests (Pseudococcus lilacinus). Mealybugs are major agricultural pests that damage plants by sucking cell sap, leading to growth inhibition and yield loss. The excessive use of synthetic pesticides poses health and environmental risks and promotes pest resistance. Therefore, botanical alternatives are needed for safer and sustainable pest control. The research used plant extracts containing bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, which act as contact poisons, antifeedants, and growth inhibitors. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate mortality rates of mealybugs under different extract concentrations. The results showed that certain plant extracts significantly increased mealybug mortality, indicating their potential as effective botanical pesticides. This finding supports the use of plant-based pesticides as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals.
Grandy Sihotang, Immanuel Veron Silitonga, Dela Oktavianti et al.· Indonesian Journal of Chemic...· 0 citations
The increasing demand for clean water due to population growth and human activities is not matched by its availability, as many regions still face pollution from domestic and industrial waste. This study explores the potential of sweet potato leaf extract (Ipomoea batatas L.) as a natural bioflocculant in water treatment. Sweet potato leaves contain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, which contribute to coagulation–flocculation processes. The extract was applied to contaminated water samples and evaluated for its effectiveness in reducing turbidity, suspended solids, and other water quality parameters. The results show that the extract significantly improved water quality at optimal concentrations, outperforming the control. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly as it does not produce hazardous residues. Therefore, sweet potato leaf extract has potential as an economical, sustainable, and safe alternative bioflocculant for clean water treatment.
Hotman Saragi Napitu, Muhammad Farhan, Giovani Mei et al.· Indonesian Journal of Chemic...· 0 citations
