Katmon and Kamias as Molluscicides

• The paper investigates the molluscicidal effects of Katmon and Kamias on Golden Apple Snails. Katmon (Dillenia philippinensis) and Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi) were explored to determine their potential as natural alternatives to synthetic molluscicides.
• The school where the study was conducted is Gigaquit National School of Home Industries

Molluscicidal Effects of Katmon and Kamias

• An "in vivo" investigation was conducted to assess the molluscicidal effects of Katmon and Kamias on the Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata).
• Another study explored the molluscicidal effects of Katmon and Kamias on "Pomacea canaliculata".
• The study also explores the combination of Sonneratia caseolaris and coconut vinegar against P. canaliculata.
• This study aims to explore the potential of Katmon and Kamias as natural molluscicides against golden apple snails.

Research Objectives

• The aim is to identify environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic molluscicides for controlling the Golden Apple Snail in rice fields.
• Three objectives are defined:
  • Determine the potential molluscicidal effect of Katmon and Kamias on the Golden Apple Snail.
  • Compare the efficacy of Katmon and Kamias extracts against Golden Apple Snails.
  • Determine the optimal concentration of Katmon and Kamias extracts needed to achieve significant mortality in Golden Apple Snails.

Significance of the Study

• Farmers may use the study results to improve their crops and protect them from pests by reducing the use of harmful chemical pesticides.
• The research could provide a safer, more organic alternative to toxic chemicals, reducing the impact on damaged ecosystems.
• The golden apple snails are significant pests in rice production, causing extensive crop damage, however effective control methods using natural extracts could enhance food security and reduce economic losses for farmers.
• Investigating natural molluscicides enhances public and environmental health, these also offer medical and antimicrobial qualities, and this is a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides and commercial antibiotics.
• This study promotes biodiversity conservation by exploring plant-based molluscicides (Katmon and Kamias) as alternatives to synthetic chemicals.
• The approach helps preserve ecosystems, protects non-target species, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.

Introduction to the Golden Apple Snail

• Rice is a vital crop in the Philippines and throughout Southeast Asia, where it serves as a staple food.
• In 2023, the Philippines ranked as the eighth-largest rice producer globally, contributing approximately 2.8% to the world's rice supply.
• Over 2.4 million Filipino farmers depend on rice farming for their livelihoods.
• Rice provides about 50% of calorie intake for the population in Southeast Asia.
• Pest infestations, including the Golden Apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata), threaten rice production.
• The Golden Apple snail is one of the most destructive pests in rice fields, causing severe damage and billions of pesos in losses annually.
• P. canaliculata damages approximately 1.2 million hectares of rice fields every year in the Philippines alone.
• Traditional chemical molluscicides, while effective, raise concerns about environmental toxicity, harming non-target organisms like fish and beneficial insects.
• Prolonged use of chemical molluscicides can lead to resistance among snail populations, reducing their effectiveness over time.
• There is an urgent need for sustainable solutions that can effectively control the Golden Apple snail without harming the environment.

Natural Molluscicides

• Plant-based substances have been explored as potential molluscicides.
• Plant extracts from Ipomoea batatas have shown significant molluscicidal activity against P. canaliculata.
• Various plants, such as Neem (Azadirachta indica), Tobacco (Nicotiana spp.), and Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria), have demonstrated significant molluscicidal properties.
• Katmon (Dillenia philippinensis) is an endemic tree species widely distributed across the Philippines, and increasingly recognized for its ornamental value, edible fruit, and potential medicinal properties.
• It is found across various islands including Luzon, Mindoro, and Mindanao. It grows in low to medium altitude forests, and its adaptability makes it a popular choice for urban landscaping.
• Katmon is an evergreen tree, typically growing 6 to 15 meters tall, that has large, showy white flowers, about 15 cm in diameter, with reddish pistils and statements.
• The golden apple snail, known scientifically as Pomacea canaliculata, is a significant invasive pest that has caused extensive damage to agricultural production globally.
• Apart from crops, the species also poses health risks to humans, as it serves as an intermediate host for parasites that can lead to eosinophilic meningitis.
• Annual damages in the Philippines from Pomacea canaliculata are estimated at $1.2 billion, primarily affecting rice crops.
• Ghada R Mohamed et al., (2022) advocates for exploring natural alternatives and integrates biological control methods and natural substances.
• According to Mello-Silva et al., (2006) botanical molluscicides, rich in bioactive plant compounds, are potentially replacements for synthetic chemicals.

Methodology

• The "in vivo" investigation is defined as studies or experiments done on one living organisms.
• This study investigates the potential of extracts from Katmon and Kamias to act as molluscicides.
• An experimental design was used, that consists of 3 replicas who had 10 Golden Apple Snail (*Pomacea Canaliculata) placed in the 3 containers.
• Treatment A is contained of 70 ml of Katmon (Dillenia philippinensis)/Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi) extract and 30 ml of distilled water mixed together. Treatment B is consisted of 80 ml solution of Katmon/Kamias Extract and 20 ml of distilled water. The last Treatment C contained 10 replicas and consisted 90 ml of Katmon/Kamias Extract and 10 ml of distilled water.
• Table 1 includes materials such as Kamias and Katmon fruits, the location is an abundant Southeast Asian site, generally 4 cm in length, Golden Apple Snails which are generally freshwater based, and chemicals.
• Extra materials included cutting boards, knives, and surgical gloves.
• The procedures include collection of materials, then fruit extraction, and the experiment itself.
• Statistical analysis included use of the chi-square goodness of fit test and the probit analysis method with ANOVA test for significance.
• For the plant-based molluscicide, three solutions were prepared: 70 mL of extract with 30 mL of water; 80 mL of extract with 30 mL of water, and 90 mL of extract with 10 mL.
• The first solution made 70%, the second made 80% and the third made 90%.
• For the commercial molluscicide, one sachet of Super Kill with one gallon (about 3.785 liters) of water.
• The molluscicidal bioassay follows the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (2019) with modifications. The P. canaliculata snails were randomly divided into two control groups and three test groups.
• At the conclusion of the 24-hour exposure period, the animals were cleaned, and snails were taken from treated or controlled water.
• The experiment was performed at local schools and nearby barangays.

Results

• Results showed that a 70% solution of the plant extract with Kamias killed 10 snails.
• With the extract solution coming in at 70% the Katmon extract was able to kill 6 of the tested snails.
• The 70% positive (chemical pesticides) control group killed 8.