Molluscicidal Potential of Tuba Root (Derris elliptica) Plant Extract on Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.V2.I2.332Keywords:
Botanical Insecticide, Golden Apple Snail, Molluscicidal Efficacy, Toxicity, Derris Elliptica BenthAbstract
A laboratory experiment on molluscicidal efficacy of Derris elliptica (tuba) root extracts was conducted from April to July 2025 at the Department of Agriculture, ATI RTC 02, San Mateo, Isabela. It aims to evaluate the potential efficacy of Derris elliptica against the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) and to compare its performance with a commercial molluscicide (Niclosanex). Crude extracts from the leaves, stems, and roots were prepared following the protocol of Guevarra et al. (2005) to determine the presence of flavonoids, saponins and tannins and tested at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 ppm and commercial molluscicide as a positive control. The study was laid out following the Completely Randomized Design replicated three times. The observations were focused on behavioral changes, physiological responses, toxicity symptoms, mortality rates, internal organ damage, and phytochemical composition. Results showed that exposure to the root extract induced marked behavioral and physiological disturbances, including reduced mobility, initial hyperactivity followed by slow movement, excessive mucus secretion, floating behavior, and operculum detachment, with effects intensifying at higher concentrations. Internal examinations revealed tissue degeneration in vital organs, consistent with the action of bioactive compounds such as rotenone, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. The mortality rates was significantly increased at 30, 40, and 50 ppm comparable to the effect of commercial molluscicide observed from 6 to 18 hours of exposure. The findings indicate that Derris elliptica root extract is a potential and effective molluscicide, particularly at concentrations of 30 ppm up to 50 ppm. Its bioactive constituents contribute to severe physiological disruption, leading to feeding inhibition, organ damage, and eventual mortality, highlighting its potential as an eco-friendly alternative for managing snail infestations in agricultural systems. Further, it is recommended that future research should focus on evaluating the efficacy and its minimum lethal concentration, and the quantitative phytochemical analysis of the plant extract.
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