Below is a comprehensive Project Proposal (Chapters One to Three) on the topic:
INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF Capsicum, Allium sativum, AND Nicotiana tabacum POWDERS ON Periplaneta
americana
(Large Note Format)
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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Periplaneta americana, commonly known as the American cockroach, is one of the most persistent
household pests worldwide. It is associated with unhygienic environments and is known to transmit
disease-causing pathogens, contaminate food, and trigger allergies. The extensive use of synthetic
insecticides in pest control has led to several problems including insect resistance, environmental
pollution, and health hazards to humans and animals.
In light of these challenges, there is growing interest in developing eco-friendly and biodegradable
alternatives, especially from plant-based sources. Botanical insecticides derived from plants like
Capsicum (chili pepper), Allium sativum (garlic), and Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) have been recognized
for their natural pesticidal and repellent activities. These plants contain bioactive compounds such as
capsaicin, allicin, and nicotine, respectively, which exhibit toxicity against a range of insect pests.
This research seeks to evaluate the insecticidal activity of these three powdered plant materials on
Periplaneta americana, thereby contributing to natural pest management strategies.
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1.2 Statement of the Problem
There is an overreliance on chemical insecticides to control cockroach infestations, which poses risks to
human health and the environment. Moreover, increasing resistance among cockroach populations to
common insecticides necessitates the search for alternative control methods. Therefore, it is important
to assess the insecticidal potential of locally available plant powders that are safe, affordable, and
environmentally friendly.
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
General Objective:
To evaluate the insecticidal effect of Capsicum, Allium sativum, and Nicotiana tabacum powders on
Periplaneta americana.
Specific Objectives:
1. To assess the mortality rate of Periplaneta americana exposed to each plant powder.
2. To compare the effectiveness of the three plant powders.
3. To determine if a combination of the powders provides synergistic insecticidal activity.
4. To analyze the time-dependent impact (24h, 48h, 72h) of the powders on cockroach mortality.
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1.4 Research Questions
1. Do Capsicum, Allium sativum, and Nicotiana tabacum powders exhibit insecticidal activity on
Periplaneta americana?
2. Which of the three powders is most effective in killing cockroaches?
3. Can a combination of these powders enhance the insecticidal effect?
4. What is the mortality rate over time following exposure?
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1.5 Significance of the Study
The findings of this study will contribute to the knowledge of natural pest control methods and promote
the use of botanical insecticides. It can serve as a basis for developing safe alternatives to synthetic
insecticides and help in minimizing environmental and health risks. Additionally, it will benefit farmers,
public health workers, and homeowners seeking sustainable pest management solutions.
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1.6 Scope and Limitations
The study will focus solely on the use of plant powders of Capsicum, Allium sativum, and Nicotiana
tabacum in controlling Periplaneta americana. The powders will be applied in controlled laboratory
conditions to measure their effects on cockroach mortality over a defined period. The study does not
include the testing of extracts, essential oils, or other parts of the plants.
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CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 The American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
Periplaneta americana is a common pest found in warm, moist, and dark environments. It is known to
carry pathogens that cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and allergies. Control is often chemical-based, but
resistance and side effects have raised concerns.
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2.2 Botanical Insecticides
Botanical insecticides are derived from plant extracts, powders, or oils and are biodegradable, non-toxic
to humans, and often cheaper than chemical insecticides. Commonly used botanicals include neem,
garlic, pepper, and tobacco.
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2.3 Capsicum spp. (Chili Pepper)
Capsicum contains capsaicin, a bioactive compound that causes burning sensation in insects and
disrupts their nervous system. Studies have shown that powdered chili pepper can repel or kill insects
such as ants, cockroaches, and beetles.
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2.4 Allium sativum (Garlic)
Garlic is rich in allicin, which acts as an insecticidal and antimicrobial compound. It disrupts enzymes in
insects, leading to death or immobilization. Garlic has been used against mosquitoes, termites, and
cockroaches.
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2.5 Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco)
Tobacco contains nicotine, a potent neurotoxin that interferes with insect nervous systems. Historically,
tobacco was widely used in pest control before the rise of synthetic chemicals.
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2.6 Previous Related Studies
Various studies have documented the efficacy of plant-based insecticides. For example:
Adewoyin et al. (2019) observed 90% mortality of cockroaches using tobacco powder.
Umar et al. (2020) demonstrated that chili pepper and garlic powder were effective repellents against
household pests. These findings support the potential of botanical insecticides as viable alternatives.
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CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
The study will employ an experimental design involving treatment and control groups under laboratory
conditions.
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3.2 Materials Required
Dried Capsicum, Allium sativum, and Nicotiana tabacum
Electric grinder
Measuring scale
Petri dishes or containers
Periplaneta americana specimens
Ventilated plastic chambers or cages
Stopwatch or timer
Observation notebook
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3.3 Collection and Preparation of Plant Powders
Fresh samples of each plant will be collected and air-dried under shade to preserve active compounds.
The dried materials will be ground into fine powder and stored in airtight containers.
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3.4 Collection and Maintenance of Insects
Adult cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) will be collected from households using traps and kept in
ventilated containers with food and water for 48 hours before testing to acclimate them.
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3.5 Experimental Setup
Each treatment group will contain 5–10 cockroaches in a container treated with:
5g of Capsicum powder
5g of Allium sativum powder
5g of Nicotiana tabacum powder
A combination of all three powders (1.7g each)
A control group with no powder
Each group will be monitored at intervals of 24, 48, and 72 hours to record the number of dead insects.
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3.6 Data Collection and Analysis
Data will be recorded as:
Mortality rate = (Number of dead cockroaches / Total number) × 100
Results will be tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, percentage, and bar
charts for comparison.
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3.7 Ethical Considerations
All procedures will be carried out responsibly to ensure minimal suffering of test insects and proper
disposal after the study.
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Would you like me to continue with Chapter Four (Results and Discussion) and Chapter Five (Conclusion
and Recommendations) later? Or do you want it in Hausa too?