Science Investigatory Project Analysis Essay Example

moist skin but tend to avoid the hottest part of the day and become more active during cooler temperatures. The most effective way to protect oneself from mosquitos is by completely avoiding them. Additionally, it should be kept in mind that any liquid or spray, including all-natural products, can stain clothing. While Deet-based products are known for causing stains, caution should still be exercised when applying all-natural alternatives onto clothing.

Abstract:

Seven compounds and fractions derived from pandan leaves (P. amaryllifolius) were assessed for their ability to repel Blattella germanica (L.), using a modified linear tract olfactometer. The substances 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline, pandan essence, and the hexane-pandan extract exhibited repellent properties, ranging from 65% to 93% repellency across all tested concentrations. Conversely, the acetone-pandan extract displayed attractiveness that increased with higher concentrations, achieving a minimum attractancy of 62%. The results for artificial pandan flavoring and the dichloromethane-pandan extract were inconsistent. A pure aqueous pandan extract showed an attractancy of 62%. The potential of P. amaryllifolius as a natural and environmentally friendly pest management solution is discussed.

Conclusion:

The study specifically investigated the repellent properties of various components in the P. amaryllifolius plant, but did not explore the effects on the entire plant. Although there are attractive and repellent compounds present in the plant, it is probable that mature pandan leaves contain a higher proportion of repellent substances. Consequently, bunches of these leaves could be beneficial for taxi drivers as they are commonly left to dry at the rear of taxis, facilitating evaporation of water and volatile compounds from the leaves.

The small space inside a taxi allows the volatile compounds

in pandan leaves to spread and potentially repel cockroaches. However, it might be more practical to focus on enhancing the repellent properties of specific components in pandan leaves for different situations. Components such as 2AP, hexane-pandan extract, and pandan essence can be concentrated to their most effective levels and sprayed periodically on warehouse walls and ship floors to discourage cockroaches. Furthermore, since the repellent is non-toxic, there is potential for developing household spray cans that repel cockroaches.

The study did not consider the impact of volatility and persistence on how effective the repellent is in dark corners, cabinets, and drawers in the kitchen. It is recommended to conduct additional research to assess and establish the long-term effects of the chemicals that were tested. This will enhance the practical significance of the findings.

Although there are more efficient methods, it is advisable to choose a natural approach rather than using insecticides to combat cockroaches. This is because synthetic repellents such as deet can have negative impacts on both humans and the environment (Reynolds, 1989). Moreover, P. amaryllifolius not only repels cockroaches but also offers visual and olfactory enjoyment for people. Consequently, it is worthwhile to investigate the aromatic cockroach-repellent attributes of this plant in terms of potential commercialization.