LEMMOR: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) as an insecticide spray against yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti)

Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, poses significant health risks, particularly in tropical regions such as the Philippines, where more than 195,000 cases were reported as of December 2023. This study examines the effectiveness of natural insecticide formulations made from Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) extracts, exploring their potential as safer alternatives to synthetic insecticides. The researchers aimed to investigate the optimal ratios of these extracts (50:50, 75:25, and 25:75) and the impact of different spray frequencies (once, twice, and thrice) on mosquito mortality rates. Using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), the study applied three spray trials to assess the efficacy of the formulations. Results showed no statistically significant differences in effectiveness among the treatments (p > 0.05); however, Treatment 3 (25:75 ratio) consistently yielded the fastest mortality rate, with an average of 44.33 seconds to eliminate mosquitoes. In contrast, Treatment 2 had the highest mean duration (66.66 seconds) and greater variability, indicating inconsistency in its effectiveness. This study highlights the potential of Lemongrass and Malunggay as natural insecticides, offering communities and households an eco-friendly alternative for dengue prevention while reducing reliance on harmful chemical-based products. Further research is recommended to explore the synergistic effects of these plant extracts and their practical applications in pest management strategies.