Molluscicidal activity of Ipomoea batatas leaf extracts against Pomacea canaliculata (Golden apple snail)

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the molluscicidal activity of four different Ipomoea batatas (I. batatas) leaf extracts (hexane, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts) against Pomacea canaliculata (P. canaliculata) and screen the phytochemical compounds of I. batatas leaf extracts. The golden apple snails (size range: 20-40 mm) were exposed to three concentrations (1000, 5000, and 10, 000 ppm) of each extract (hexane, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts). The efficacy of the I. batatas extracts was laboratory-tested by submerging the P. canaliculata into paddy-filled water mixed with the extracts and the mortality was observed every 24 hrs for 3 days. The presence of phytochemical compounds such as terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and glycosides were tested. For all extracts, the results showed a positive relationship between the concentration and the golden apple snail mortality, suggesting that all extracts have molluscicidal properties. The study showed more than 50% mortality rate of P. canaliculata after 72 hrs for each treatment. Chloroform and methanol I. batatas leaf extracts at 10, 000 ppm showed 100% mortality after 72 hrs due to the presence of saponin. Saponin causes the death of the snails by disturbing their feeding and growth and blocking their breathing process. For further research, it is suggested to conduct the study under field trials in the search for a natural and environment-friendly molluscicide.