Baybay National High School
Baybay City, Leyte

THE EFFECTS OF MADRE DE CACAO (Gliricidia sepium)
LEAF EXTRACT IN TERMITES (Cryptotermes spp.)
An Investigatory Science Project

Submitted to:
Mrs. Ronette Y. Muñez
Submited by:
Connie Viola Israel
Angela Carmela Muñez

February 2014
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study Gliricidia sepium is known as Madre de Cacao or Kakawate. Madre de Cacao is common here in the Philippines. This plant is a natural insect repellant. It is toxic to humans when it mixed with rice or maize ( also known as corn ) which is use as rat killer.
The researchers choose this kind of plant is because it has a capability to kill parasitic mites that is harmful to animals and human beings.
Termites (Cryptotermes spp.) are known as a pest of wood in the community. They are very small, usually gray or white in color and soft bodied pests. A termite mound is a mixture of soil, termite saliva and droppings. Although termite mounds are solid in texture but in their walls have holes for entering air from outside. They mainly eat stored timber, waste timber, formwork timbers, and dead trees. Their enemies are ants, and spiders because they represent a source of food for ants.
The group of researchers has a goal to determine if this plant is effective in terminating termites.
Statement of the Problem
This study generally aims to find out if Madre de Cacao leaves can be used as termite’s killer. More specifically, this study aims to determine the following
• how long it will take for the extract to take effect; and
• identify the Amount of extract to be effective in killing the termites.
Hypothesis:
Madre de cacao leaf extract has no significant effect in killing termites.
Significance of the Study: Termites are often called the “silent destroyer” because they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your home