1

PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF UNUSUAL ALTERNATIVE

CONTROL SUBSTANCES TO THE DIET OF ONION
ARMYWORMS/CUTWORMS

DAN CHARLIE JOY CAMARA PANGILINAN

MS IN CROP PROTECTION

2018
 2

PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF UNUSUAL ALTERNATIVE

CONTROL SUBSTANCES TO THE DIET OF ONION
ARMYWORMS/CUTWORMS

Onion (Allium cepa L.), domestically known as “sibuyas”, is the largest and

important representative genus of the Liliaceae family comprises 450 species. It is a

bulbous plant widely cultivated in almost every country of the world (Humayun et. al,

2010). In the Philippines, it is usually planted as second crop to rice during the dry season

(Alberto et al., 2001). Due to their ability to be grown in both tropical and temperate

regions, the growing and handling of onions has received considerable attention in

agricultural research and development (FAO, 2003).

Onion industry was one of the largest contributors in domestic vegetable earnings

amounting to Php. 2.1B in 2006 (DA, 2013). In 2013, it registered a total production of

134,169.92 MT with an average yield of 8.70 MT/Ha.

However, the upward fluctuation trend of country’s production in yield per

hectare decreased from 8.75 MT in 2009 to 8.70 MT in 2013 (PSA, 2014) and according

to BAS (2012), its production went further down by 2.95% in this period. In general, this

decrease in production among all regions in Luzon Cluster is attributed to major causes

which include bad weather conditions and pest outbreaks (DA, 2014). One of the major

pests that has been ravaging onions are the cutworms/armyworms which have been

reported since 2016 in Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan (24 hectares) and Ilocos Sur (22

hectares). This infestation had raised the alarm declaring some of the town in Nueva
 3

Ecija in State of Calamity. Due to the reported infestation, immediate action was done

through monitoring the area in Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija with the Regional Crop

Protection Center technical staff and LGU-municipal agriculturist concerned. Actual field

validation was undertaken (BPI, 2017). Many recommendations which includes

biological, traditional, chemical and even non-categorical management methods has been

put into action but as of with my personal experience, none has been really proven

effective; as the infestation still persists.

Thus, a search for alternative low-cost management agent which involves

commonly distributed materials or ingredients are the topic of this study. One most

recognizable household name that may have possible remedy to the pest is alcoholic

beverages. Alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol) is the ingredient found in beer, wine and

spirits that causes drunkenness. In all three, the alcohol is produced by the same chemical

process. The sugar and water found in ripe fruits, grains or vegetables is combined with

yeast and fermented to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Alcohol is a poor source of carbohydrates compared to some foods, but it has a lot

of energy (kilojoules (kJ)/calories) packed into it. It is the alcohol itself that is high in

energy. One gram of alcohol has 27 kJ compared to one gram of sugar with 17 kJ. One

standard drink (e.g. 100ml of wine, 30ml of spirits or 330ml of beer) contains 290kJ/69

calories. Moreover, Alcoholic beverages do not contain significant amounts of protein

and vitamins, which are vital ingredients of the human diet, and so alcohol, cannot be

regarded as a substitute for food.

 4

Most alcohols are highly poisonous to humans, but ethyl alcohol can be tolerated

in the human body in small amounts. When people start drinking they initially feel

relaxation and pleasure. As the blood alcohol level rises, it slows the body’s reactions

down. This is why it’s classified as a sedative-hypnotic drug. People can get into trouble

when they drink a lot of alcohol very quickly – this may result in alcohol poisoning.

When alcohol is swallowed it passes more or less unchanged into the bloodstream

through the walls of the stomach and small intestine. Only minutes after drinking, the

circulation system begins distributing the alcohol to every part of the body. From the

stomach and the intestine, the alcohol travels to the liver where it is ultimately broken

down by enzymes into other products such as water and carbon dioxide. These products

are mainly eliminated from the body in the urine. The liver does this job at a slow,

constant rate. It takes the average person one hour to process one standard drink. So when

people drink alcohol faster than the liver breaks it down, alcohol concentration increases

in the blood. As the alcohol travels around the body via the bloodstream, it starts to slow

down the operation of various sorts of cells. This causes the familiar symptoms of

different stages of intoxication and drunkenness – relaxation, laughter, slurred speech,

inability to walk straight, and impaired judgement and coordination (Health Promotion

Agency, 2016).

Another alternative substance that was claimed to have a pesticidal property

against the armyworm/cutworm of onions and has got its popularity recently is the

mixture of molasses and monosodium glutamate locally known as pulitipot/pulot and

vetchin, respectively. It was formulated together with talcum powder (Johnson’s baby
 5

powder) by Dr. Jaime Quilantang of the Research, Extension and Training component of

Central Luzon State University Its pesticidal property was proven and validated by Mrs.

Mercy Carranza of San Rafael, Guimba, Nueva Ecija - a farmer who uses the solution on

her farm and find its pesticidal property against armyworm/cutworm to be cheaply

effective.

With those information cramping above and the thought that

armyworms/cutworms and humans could share similar taste for alcoholic beverages the

idea that onions secured through sprayed alcoholic beverage could prevent further

infestation of the pests. As armyworms/cutworms are very hard to prevent; as their eggs

were laid on the grounds, very hard to manage with direct contact spraying of chemicals

to their integuments, and they are almost immortal; feeding on pesticide bombarded

leaves of onions without getting hurt, there is a possibility that we can manage them with

the use of alcoholic beverages with higher proofing. The pests are known to be voracious

feeders overnight and have no functioning organ the same as the human liver which could

have filter those alcohols through their blood stream and out as urine. Though they have

oenocytes on their blood that could possibly detoxify it, the numbing effect of alcohol

could cease the neural functions of the insects body while the oenocytes will be plugged

by too much quantity of alcohol to be detoxify as the armyworm/cutworm larvae are

voracious feeders. That is why maybe, by getting them “drunk” and loosed with their

systems coordination they can collapse and die of alcohol poisoning.

Thus, a preliminary experimental study on the pesticidal effect of unusual

alternative substances specifically alcoholic beverages, molasses and monosodium

 6

glutamate (MSG) were carried out to assert the possibility of these substances to be used

as cheap, effective, and less toxic (to human) control agents against

armyworms/cutworms.

Objectives of the Study

This study was conducted: (a) to determine the effect of different alcoholic

beverages (beer, gin, rum), molasses and MSG to armyworm/cutworms diet/digestion;

(b) to determine the capability of different alcoholic beverages, molasses and MSG to

protect onion plants from armyworm/cutworm infestation; and (c) to determine which

alcoholic beverages and solutions with molasses only, MSG only and mixture of

molasses and MSG are the most effective in affecting digestion/diet of

armyworms/cutworms and effective in protecting onion plants.

 7

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Alcohol occurs naturally as a by-product of fermentation—the action of sugar-

eating yeasts on fruits. It is a highly nourishing substance— one ounce of pure ethanol

contains 224 calories—75 percent more than refined sugar. It is also sweet in flavor when

diluted, making it attractive to most living creatures. Insects, birds, and even elephants

have been observed to seek it out in the wild and to exhibit signs of drunkenness after

consuming it. It is certain that humanity, and indeed our predecessor species, were

exposed to alcohol and its side effects in the process of feeding themselves (Gately,

2008).

Use of beer in insect pest control

Beer traps are a great way to attract and then kill maggots in a problem area.

Simply set out a lamp and an easy-to-access dish of beer. The maggots will crawl in and

drown in the booze (Hatch, 2018). Maggots, as well as mature flies are attracted to

alcoholic beverages (e.g. beer), and other foul-smelling substances. Depending upon the

severity of infestation, and number of infested areas, one or more bowls, filled with beer

could be readied. This trap should be place near the infested sites and the maggots will

crawl to the bowls (Homequicks, 2018).

Moreover, beer and diluted fruit juices are also sometimes used for making moth

lures. For controlling codling moth these mixtures were placed in an open container (e.g.,

a cut plastic milk jug, 2-liter bottle) and hung on or near fruit trees. Adding a few drops
 8

of soap or other material that breaks surface tension may increase moth captures

(Cranshaw et al., 2013).

Molasses as natural predators’ attractant

Molasses has been shown to be an efficient attractant for natural predators and

parasitoids. For example, Zaki et al. (1998) showed that spraying of corn leaves with

molasses at a concentration of 10% (similar to that used in the present study) increased

parasitism of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) by Bracon

brevicornis (Wesmael) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). However, a similar effect was not

detected when the concentration of the supplement was 5%. Thus, the concentration of

sugar used is critical in determining its attractiveness to natural predators and parasitoids.

Many previous studies have shown that sugars enhance the fitness of parasitoids

(Georgiev, 2005). However, the effectiveness of specific carbohydrates varies

considerably according to different taxa. Thus, under field conditions, the availability of

sugars may not always result in increased parasitism. In some situations, sugar, although

attractive, causes adverse effects because the parasitoid may neglect the host by virtue of

feeding. Another hypothesis as a limiting factor is the crystallization of sugar, which may

become unavailable to natural parasitoids. Therefore, caution must be exercised when

generalizing about the benefits of sugar supplements. In particular, further studies are

required to evaluate the most effective supplements, and the best ways of offering these

to parasitoids of specific target pests (Bartolotto et al., 2014).

 9

Many moths, including codling moth, which is an important pest of apple and

pears in North America, can be attracted to fermenting sugar-based lures. A common lure

involves molasses diluted about 1:7 in water. Natural yeast will ferment this mixture

making it attractive to codling moths (Cranshaw et al., 2013).

Traps baited with solutions of molasses or jaggery (unrefined palm sugar)

captured significant numbers of the moth Mocis latipes Guenee, indicating their attraction

to these baits. Numbers of moths captured were affected by bait concentration and by bait

age. Greatest moth captures were obtained with 20% molasses in water or 5, 10 or 20%

jaggery in water. Molasses and jaggery baits aged in the laboratory for up to three days

before field testing were more attractive than freshly-made baits to M. latipes moths. This

is the first demonstration of M. latipes attraction to sugar-based baits (Landolt, 1995).

Frost (1928) captured over 48,000 noctuid moths in 2 years of trapping tests in peach

orchards using pails of molasses or syrup solutions, but did not report the identity of the species

captured. Molasses and sugar syrups have been evaluated as bait placed in pails for attracting and

killing Grapholita molesta (Busck) moths (Frost 1926, 1928, 1929) and Cydia pomonella (L.)

moths (Eyer 1931) in fruit orchards. Similarly, pans of poisoned vinegar and molasses were

reported to attract and kill corn earworm moths, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) [Glover (1855), cited

by Ditman et al., 1933]. Similar materials may provide sources of useful attractants for

monitoring pest populations or developing attracticidal approaches to suppress pest populations.

Fernald (1914) from southern state of Massachusettes could get excellent results

with the bait prepared by mixing one lb paris green, 25 lb bran, two quarts of molasses

and water to make thick mash, against Heliophila unipuncta Haworth.

 10

Davis et al. (1918) tested the suitability of saw dust as a substrate of bran in

poison baits. The regulation bran mesh composed of one lb poison to 25 lb filler (bran

and saw dust), two quarts molasses, six lemons and water as needed, was made up

according to three formulae, containing, respectively parisgreen and bran, parisgreen and

saw dust and white arsenic and bran. These mixtures were used in a field badly infested

with the armyworm. The bait was scattered at the rate of 10 lb per acre. Observations

made two days later showed about 75 per cent mortality in saw dust bait area and 100 per

cent mortality in the bran bait treated area.

Kamel et al. (1958) worked on different insecticidal baits in cotton seedlings,

against Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel). The bait consisting of bran, molasses, water with

toxicant was properly mixed and broadcasted in cotton seedling. It was observed that

dieldrin bait (17.1 oz) was most effective (100%) followed by endrin (18.6 oz).

Abdulkareem et al. (1980) recommended poison baiting for the control of S.

litura. The contents were rice bran (5 kg), jaggery or molasses (0.5 kg), carbaryl 50 per

cent WP (0.5 kg) and water (3 litres).

Jayaraj (1983) stated that under field conditions, the full grown larvae of S. litura

hiding inside the soil crevices during day time were found to be attracted to wheat flour

bait or rice bran bait with 20 per cent molasses.

Parasuraman et al. (1985) conducted studies to test the effectiveness of different

baits to attract larvae of S. litura in cotton ecosystem. They found that a maximum of

34.9 larvae were attracted to wheat flour with 20 per cent molasses 16 hours after the bait

was placed. They suggested that insecticides and nuclear polyhedrosis virus in bait
 11

preparation containing wheat flour with 20 per cent molasses might prove useful in

controlling S. litura.

Monosodium glutamate as insect control

Begum et al. (2012) carried out a study about the efficacy of monosodium

glutamate (MSG) against the Australian blowfly, Lucilia cuprina using six different

doses, viz. 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 g, and the results were compared with the control. The

effects of MSG were observed on the mortality, width and histology of Malpighian

tubules (MTs) of the fly. The highest (100%) and lowest (16.67%) mortalities of the flies

were recorded at 10g and 0.5g doses, respectively. Average widths of the MTs of flies in

treatment (5g dose) and control were 48.62 µm and 58.85 µm, respectively. Histological

observations through the cross section of the MTs showed the constriction at 0.5g and 5g

doses.

Pszczolkowski et al. (2002b) demonstrated that monosodium glutamate (MSG)

increased feeding on leaves by codling moth larvae. Depending on the duration of the

bioassay, and larval age at time of initial exposure, 0.05 mg/ml and 0.1 mg/ml MSG

increased apple leaf consumption by 25–60% over leaves alone. Exposure to MSG also

accelerated molting to the second instar. Larvae exposed to MSG initiated consumption

of leaf tissue significantly earlier than control neonates. The addition of feeding

stimulants to pesticides that act via the alimentary tract may reduce the amount of active

ingredients needed to maintain the efficacy of these formulations. Pszczolkowski et al. (2003)

postulate that first instar codling moth larvae are potential targets for treatment with pesticide

formulations enhanced with monosodium glutamate.

12
 13

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1. Conceptual Framework

Five armyworms/cutworms were used in each of the four treatments which

include Treatment I (larvae given a diet of cut onion leaves), Treatment II (larvae given a

diet of cut onion leaves dipped with beer), Treatment III (larvae given a diet of cut onion

leaves dipped with gin) and Treatment IV (larvae given a diet of cut onion leaves dipped

with rum) for a total of 20 larvae of pests for diets experiment.

Five potted onion plants were used in each of the four treatments which include

Treatment I (onion plants sprayed with 50 ml water only), Treatment II (onion plants

sprayed with 50 ml beer), Treatment III (onion plants sprayed with 50 ml gin) and

Treatment IV (onion plants sprayed with 50 ml rum) for a total of 20 potted onion plants

for protection experiment.

Three armyworms/cutworms were used in each three treatments regarding the

molasses and MSG experiment. On Treatment I the three larvae were given three cut

onion leaves diet soaked on water only, Treatment II; the three larvae were given three

cut onion leaves diet soaked on 20 grams monosodium glutamate diluted on 20 ml boiled

water and Treatment III; three larvae were given three cut onion leaves diet soaked on

solution of 10 grams MSG mixed on 10 ml molasses.

 14

2. Collection of samples and materials

Armyworms/cutworms (Figure 1) and onion leaves and seedlings used in the

experiment involving alcoholic beverages were collected in the onion fields of Dolores,

Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija whiles the armyworms/cutworms and onion leaves used in

the molasses and MSG experiments were collected from onion fields in Gabaldon, Nueva

Ecija (Figure 2). Onion plants were transplanted on 4 inch diameter, microwavable pots

with soil and no fertilizer. Alcoholic beverages (Figure 3a), molasses (Figure 3b) and

MSG; Aji-no-moto (Figure 3c) were bought on local stores.

Figure 1. Armyworms and cutworms collected on onion fields at Dolores, Sto. Domingo,
Nueva Ecija.
 15

Figure 2. Armyworms/cutworms and onion leaves collected on onion fields at Gabaldon,

Nueva Ecija.

a) b) c)

Figure 3. Alternative products used as insecticide against armyworms/cutworms:

a) Alcoholic beverages (San Miguel Gin, San Miguel Beer, and Tanduay
Rum), b) molasses bought from market and c) Aji-no moto Monosodium
Glutamate (MSG)

3. Preparation of the three set-ups

Spraying and soaking of treatments and introduction of armyworms were done 11:00

o’ clock in the evening to simulate the conditions in the field wherein armyworms were

observed to be highly active on feeding voraciously on onion leaves.

 16

3.1. Alcoholic beverages diet experiment using cut onion leaves

A total of twenty (20) fresh-from-the-field onion leaves cut onto 4mm length (Figure

4) were used in this experiment. Five leaves were used in each 4 treatments which

include Treatment I wherein leaves were soaked on 50ml cool, boiled water for 5

minutes, Treatment II, III, and IV wherein leaves were soaked on 50ml beer, gin and rum

for 5 minutes, respectively (Figure 5). Treated leaves were then placed on microwavable

rectangular plastic containers for Treatment I, II, III and IV with define holes at the top

for ventilation. Five armyworms/cutworms with average size were placed in each

container (Figure 6). The leaves used in this experiment were sprayed on the field before

with Exalt 60 SC.

Figure 4. Onion leaves cut onto 4 inches length.

 17

Figure 5. Onion leaves dipped on rum, beer, and gin for Treatment IV, II and III.

T-II T-III T-IV T-I

Figure 6. Cut onion leaves inside the plastic container for each treatment with 5
averagely-similar-in-size armyworms/cutworms.

3.2. Alcoholic beverages diet experiment using potted onion plants

Twenty, 21-days-old, transplanted, onion plants were potted and used in this

experimental set-up (Figure 7). Potted plants were sprayed with 50ml of each respective

treatment (Figure 8). Five potted plants were used in each 4 treatments which include

Treatment I (onion plants sprayed with 50 ml water only), Treatment II (onion plants

sprayed with 50 ml beer), Treatment III (onion plants sprayed with 50 ml gin) and
 18

Treatment IV (onion plants sprayed with 50 ml rum) for a total of 20 potted onion plants.

Three armyworms were placed on each potted plants (Figure 9).

Figure 7. The 20 potted red creole onion plants; 20 days old after transplanting.

Figure 8. Onion plants from each treatment were sprayed with 50ml of each respective
treatments. The 50ml alcohol and water treatment were sprayed using spray
bottle and were emptied onto the 5 plants designated for each 4 treatments.
 19

Figure 9. Introduction of 3 armyworms on each potted plants.

3.3.Molasses and MSG diet using cut onion leaves

A total of nine armyworms and cut onion leaves were used in this experiment. Three

armyworms/cutworms were used in each three treatments. On Treatment I the three

larvae were given three cut onion leaves diet soaked on water only, Treatment II; the

three larvae were given three cut onion leaves diet soaked on 20 grams monosodium

glutamate diluted on 20 ml boiled water and Treatment III; three larvae were given three

cut onion leaves diet soaked on solution of 10 grams MSG mixed on 10 ml molasses

(Figure 10). Leaves that were treated for 5-minutes were drained with the treatments and

were introduced with 3 similar sized armyworms/cutworms (Figure 11).

 20

Figure 10. Three onion leaves on each treatment soaked for 5 minutes.

Figure 11. Treated onion leaves introduced with 3 similar size armyworms/cutworms.
 21

4. Observation and evaluation of the treatments effects and larvae damage.

Data regarding the reactions and other significant observations were recorded in each

of the three experimental set-ups. First observation was conducted an hour after the

introduction of the larvae, second observation was done 7 hours after introduction, and

third observation was done 6 days after the introduction on the experiment for the effect

of alcoholic beverages on cut onions. Two observations was carried out on the potted

onion plant experiment for the effect of alcoholic beverages and the experiment on the

effect of molasses and MSG on armyworms and cutworms, which include an hour after

the introduction of the armyworms/cutworms and seven hours after the introduction.
 22

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A study regarding the pesticidal effects of different alcoholic beverages (beer, gin,

rum) on onion armyworms and cutworms were carried out on March 17, 2018 at exactly

11:00 p.m. Two experimental set-ups were used in testing the insecticidal effect of these

alcoholic beverages towards onion armyworms and cutworms. These include a freshly

cut onion leaves soaked with different treatments as diet for the armyworms/cutworms

and potted onion plants sprayed with different treatments.

Another set-up of experiment to test the effect of molasses and MSG as insecticide

for armyworms/cutworms were carried out on April 18, 2018. Instead of using 5 freshly

cut onion leaves for the experiment, three onion leaves were used to match with the alive

and active armyworms/cutworms, as great numbers of armyworms/cutworms collected

from onion fields of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija for the second time have died before the

11:00 o’clock p.m. experiment.

Onions that were used in all the experiments were known to be treated/sprayed with

Exalt 60 SC as been told by the owner of the onion fields. Observations skipped

recording on one, two, three, four and five days after introduction due to the observed

immobility of the surviving larvae. On the experiments involving molasses and MSG

observations were only carried out on an hour after the introduction and a day after

introduction as the larvae from Treatment II and Treatment III were already dead as

characterized by completely macerated or shriveled body.

 23

As proposed before, these experiments should include a statistical analysis on each

treatment used but due to the larvae damage that were kind of subjective and have no

existing standard damage scale the experiment results were assessed qualitatively. Also,

the unforeseen irregular eating habit of the armyworms and often escapes on the potted

onion plants were being considered. Moreover, on the cut onion leaves experiment, some

armyworms/cutworms tend to feed on only one leaf until they stop eating. This renders

the researcher onto difficulties in assessing and averaging the damage quantitatively.

A. Observations on the effect Alcoholic beverages on onion armyworms/cutworms

A.1. cut onion leaves

A.1.1. 1-hour after introduction of insect larvae

After an hour after the introduction of armyworms/cutworms, it has been

observed that the all the larvae started to feed on the cut onion leaves of Treatment I or

control treatment (Figure 12); with the four larvae feed inside (scraping the internal tissue

of the onion plants) and one feeding from the outside (cutting the leaf tissue including the

cuticle and the internal leaf epidermis). On Treatment II (leaves treated with beer), it was

observed that only four of the five armyworms started to feed inside the onion leaves

(scraping the internal tissue of the leaves) while one of the five armyworms/cutworms

remains afar from the leaf and stop moving (Figure 13) Also from this treatment, it can

be observe that there is no relative observable change on the physical appearance of

onion leaves, which could imply that beer alcohol content of 5% do not chemically affect

the composition of onion leaf tissue. On Treatment III, it was observed that onion leaves

acquire slight maceration (some portion of the leaves turns soft) of its tissue. Two
 24

armyworms that were located away from the onion leaves lies straightly against the

container wall with some body fluids exuding outside from them at the same time their

color becomes pale (Figure 14). Lastly, Treatment IV, it was observed that there was

moderate maceration (leaves lose its sturdiness and become soft) of the leaf tissues

soaked on gin. It could be associated to the high alcohol content by volume of the rum

which is 40%. Only one out of the five armyworms/cutworms have successfully entered

the onion leaf while the four remaining larvae were motionless and twitching near the

onion leaves (Figure 15).

Figure 12. Armyworms/cutworms feeding from inside and outside of the water-treated
onion leaves; observed an hour after the larvae introduction.
 25

Figure 13. Four armyworms/cutworms feeding from inside and one were motion less
and afar from the beer-treated onion leaves; observed an hour after the larvae
introduction.

Figure 14. Onion leaves treated with gin acquired slight maceration of tissues. Two
armyworms/cutworms exuding greenish body fluids and were also pale was
observed located outside and away from the leaf tissues, an hour after the
introduction.
 26

Figure 15. Onion leaves treated with rum acquired moderate maceration of tissues. Four
armyworms/cutworms were observed outside the onion leaves (not feeding)
and only one of the five had successfully entered an onion leaf.

A.1.2. 7-hour after introduction of insect larvae

Seven hours after the introduction the larvae on the alcohol treated onion leaves,

or exactly 6:00 am in the morning, the second observation was carried out. On Treatment

I, it was observed that only one out of the five leaves remain untouched by the

armyworms/cutworms. The damage by the larvae includes cut leaf tissues and

skeletonized leaves (only the leaf cuticle remains). All of the armyworms/cutworms stays

inside the onion leaves (Figure 16). On Treatment II, only one out of the five onion

leaves has an external damage. It is characterized by a 0.4 mm lesion in the middle area

of the leaf. All of the armyworms/cutworms hide inside the onions leaves (Figure 17.)

On Treatment III, there is no observable change happen compared from the first

observation. The two pale armyworms that exude greenish body fluids remains on their

previous position while the other three armyworms remains inside the leaves (Figure 18).
 27

Lastly, on Treatment IV, all of the armyworms were observed outside the onion leaves.

All of them become pale with a slight tint of pink color. This could imply that they

actually fed on the internal tissues of the leaves as there is no external damage visible on

the onion leaves. Aside from the color variation of the larvae, it was also observed that

their body becomes stiff and immobile. However, the structure of the onion leaves

become less sturdy as it becomes soft (Figure 19).

Figure 16. Treatment I at 7 hours after introduction; larvae damages on the leaves
characterized by cut and skeletonized tissues.
 28

Figure 17. Treatment II at 7 hours after introduction; there is only one onion leaf that has
an external visible damage: 0.4 mm size lesion (Left). All the larvae stay
inside the onion leaves (Right).

Figure 18. Treatment III at 7 hours after introduction; there is no observable change.
 29

Figure 19. Treatment IV at 7 hours after introduction; (Left) onion leaves become soft
while all of the armyworms/cutworms stay outside and (Right) armyworms
become stiff and pale with a tint of pink color.

A.1.3. 6 days after introduction of insect larvae

Six days after introduction of insect larvae, observation was carried out to

determine which treatments really works well in killing or ceasing the feeding activity of

the armyworms/cutworms based from the pupal development of the larvae. On Treatment

I, all of larvae proceed to pupation. Onion leaves were left heavily skeletonized (Figure

20). On Treatment II, all of the armyworms/cutworms also proceed to pupation inside the

leaves. The wilted onion leaves have no further damage caused by the larvae as compared

to its damage 6 hours after introduction (Figure 21). On Treatment III, treated onion

leaves becomes wilted and there is no sign of further feeding of the larvae as they were

found dead outside the onion leaves. Most of the dead larvae were characterized with

discoloration or darkening and rotting of the abdominal area towards the head (Figure
 30

22). Lastly on Treatment IV, onion leaves were left damaged by the army worm as there

were signs of feeding through cuts. One larva proceeds to pupation. However, the other

three larvae exhibit some sort of desiccation as they shrink while the other larva has been

missing on the container (Figure 23). Considering that the container is highly sealed and

there were decomposing debris inside the container, it was then hypothesized that the

missing larva had undergone advanced decomposition (Figure 24)

Figure 20. Treatment I after 6 days of introduction; onion leaves were left heavily
damaged as characterized by severe skeletonization of the leaf tissues together
with serious feeding cuts by the armyworms/cutworms. All of the larvae
(encircled with red rings) proceed to pupation.
 31

Figure 21. Treatment II after 6 days of introduction; onion leaves were cut longitudinally
to extract the larvae that have pupated inside. No further damage were
acquired by the leaves compared to the observation after 6 hours of
introduction.

Figure 22. Treatment III after 6 days of introduction; onion leaves didn’t acquired any
further damage as it were when observed after 6 hours of introduction.
Larvae have been found dead with darkening and rotting of the abdominal
area towards the head (pointed by the red arrows).
 32

Figure 23. Treatment IV after 6 days of introduction; onion leaves acquired further
damage from the insect feeding as shown by cuts on the leaves. One larva
(encircled with red ring) had proceeded to pupation while three larvae start to
decomposed. One larva was found missing and was hypothesized to had
undergone advanced decomposition.

A.2. Potted onion plants

A.2.1. An hour after the introduction

An hour after the introduction of three larvae on each potted plants, an

observation was carried out (Figure 24). It was observed that most of the

armyworms/cutworms started to feed on Treatment I (sprayed with precooled boiled

water) and Treatment II (sprayed with beer) (Figure 25). They remain on the plants and

some even climb the tip of the leaf and started to feed from it. Once they had made an

entrance to the internal structure of the onion leaves, they started to feed on the internal

tissues of the onion leaves; leaving the damaged leaves skeletonized (Figure 26). On

Treatment III and IV; some armyworms/cutworms started to climb the plants, however,

most of them are moving away from the pots and some were disoriented as they were

trying to feed on senescing leaves (Figure 27).

 33

Figure 24. Experimental set-up for the effects of alcoholic beverages on potted onion
plants, an hour after the larvae introduction. Armyworms/cutworms locations
(red arrows).
 34

Figure 25. Treatment I and II an hour after the introduction; showing the damaged leaves
of the onion potted onion plants and the armyworm feeding outside and on
the tip of Treatment I leaf.

Figure 26. Armyworms/cutworms feeding; (left) armyworm/cutworm starting its feeding

at the tip of onion leaf and (right) armyworm/cutworm had entered the leaf
and starting to feed its internal tissue.
 35

Figure 27. Armyworms/cutworms feeding of Treatment III and IV; (left)

armyworm/cutworm trying to get out of the pot (red arrow) while the other
two larvae were motionless and curling near the bottom side of the plant (blue
arrows) and (right) Treatment IV armyworm/cutworm that was believed to be
disoriented as it feeds on senescing leaves of the onion (red arrow) while the
other two larvae were curled at the soil (blue arrows)

A.2.2. 7 hours after the introduction

Seven hours after the introduction of the armyworms/cutworms on the potted

onion plants, unlike the normal observation on the field with highly defoliated or

skeletonized leaves of the onion plants, all of the potted plants in each treatment acquired

not so severe observable external damage (Figure 28). Most of the armyworms/cutworms

from Treatment III and IV had left the potted plants and could be seen under the tables or

at the base of the pot (Figure 29). On the other hand, armyworms/cutworms on Treatment

I and II hide inside the leaves of the onion plants (Figure 30). Further observation with

longer duration after the introduction of larvae was not carried out as the set-up was

located on San Fabian, Sto. Domino, Nueva Ecija and the researcher went on school from
 36

San Jose City, Nueva Ecija to Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz,

Nueva Ecija during the respective period. Moreover, sources of armyworm/cutworms

were no longer present in San Fabian as the onions were already harvested right after.

Figure28. Potted onion plants seven hours after the introduction. Plants pointed by the
red arrows were not infested by the armyworms; they have small leaves with
senescing leaf tips.
 37

Figure29. Armyworms/cutworms from Treatment III and IV found at the bottom of the
pot and under the table.

Figure30. Armyworms/cutworms from Treatment II which hide inside the onion leaf.
 38

B. Observations on the effect molasses and MSG on onion armyworms/cutworms

There were two observations carried out on the experiment on the effects of

molasses and MSG, which include observations an hour and seven hours after the

introduction of the armyworms/cutworms on the cut onion leaves of each treatment

(Figure 31).

B.1. An hour after the introduction of armyworms/cutworms

On Treatment I which is the control treatment (cut onion leaves were dipped on

precooled boiled water); two of the three introduced armyworms started to enter the

leaves and feed while the other one was observed afar from the onion leaves-motionless

(Figure 32). There were no visible external lesions or damage caused by the

armyworms/cutworms on the onion leaves. On Treatment II wherein cut onion leaves

were soaked on 20 ml solution of dissolved MSG on precooled boiled water; the three

larvae were observed away of the onion leaves and is located against the container walls

and were motionless (Figure 33). There was no visible external damage by the

armyworms/cutworms on the onion leaves. On Treatment III wherein cut onion leaves

were soaked on 20 ml solution mixed MSG and molasses; two of the three

armyworms/cutworms introduced have already entered the leaves and started feeding

while the other larva was observed feeding from the outside (Figure 34). The cut onion

leaves appeared to have a slight maceration of its tissues as it became soft and there were

collapsed of its structures as the internal space were removed as the leaves were observed

to be flattened.
 39

Figure31. Experimental set-up for the effects of molasses and MSG on onion
armyworms/cutworms, observed an hour after the introduction of larvae.

Figure32. Treatment I as observed an hour after the introduction; shows that the two out
of the three larvae have already made its way inside the onion leaves while the
other larva was observed outside and far from the cut onion leaves.
 40

Figure33. Treatment II as observed an hour after the introduction; shows that the three
introduced armyworms/cutworms laid away from the onion leaves and against
the wall of the container - motionless.

Figure34. Treatment III as observed an hour after the introduction; shows that the two
out of the three introduced larvae have already entered the onion leaves and
started feeding on the internal tissues of the leaves while the other one larva
started to feed outside the onion leaves.
 41

B.2. Seven hours after the introduction of armyworms/cutworms

Seven hours after the introduction of armyworms/cutworms on the cut onion

leaves; onion leaves were cut longitudinally to carry out the observation as most of the

larvae were on inside the onion leaves. On Treatment I, all of the introduced

armyworms/cutworms were continuously feeding on the cut onion leaves (Figure 35a).

On Treatment II, though the armyworms/cutworms had done observable damage on the

onion leaf tissue through cuts and skeletonizations, the armyworms appeared to be dead

as three of them were observed to be stiff and lifeless and one of them acquired a more

advanced process of decomposition as its body shrinks and darkens (Figure 35b). Lastly,

on Treatment III, a severe skeletonization was observed on the infested cut onion leaves

as compared to Treatment I and II (Figure 35c). One out of the three introduced larvae

was dead, one was extremely weak and one is actively alive.

a) b) c)
Figure35. Treatments as observed six hours after the introduction: a) Treatment I,
b)Treatment II one armyworm/cutworm (red arrow) decomposed much
advanced than the other two and c) Treatment III; decomposing (red arrow),
extremely weak (yellow arrow) and actively alive (blue arrow) larvae.
 42

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

A study regarding the pesticidal effects of different alcoholic beverages (beer, gin,

rum) on onion armyworms and cutworms were carried out on March 17, 2018 at exactly

11:00 p.m. Two experimental set-ups were used in testing the insecticidal effect of these

alcoholic beverages towards onion armyworms and cutworms. These include a freshly

cut onion leaves soaked with different treatments as diet for the armyworms/cutworms

and potted onion plants sprayed with different treatments. Another set-up of experiment

to test the effect of molasses and MSG as insecticide for armyworms/cutworms were

carried out on April 18, 2018. Instead of using 5 freshly cut onion leaves for the

experiment, three onion leaves were used to match with the alive and active

armyworms/cutworms, as great numbers of armyworms/cutworms collected from onion

fields of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija for the second time have died before the 11:00 o’clock

p.m. experiment.

On the experiment using cut onion leaves treated with different alcoholic

beverages it was found out, using the 7 hours after the introduction of the

armyworms/cutworms on the cut leaves, that Treatment III which used gin as a soaking

agent has a comparative advantage among the treatments used as it resulted the

armyworms/cutworms to exude greenish body fluid (which can be compared to human

vomiting) and the onion leaves acquired just a slight changes on its tissue. It was

seconded by the observation 6 days after the introduction wherein Treatment III proved

that the armyworms/cutworms were negatively affected by the gin as the larvae didn’t
 43

proceed onto pupation (dead with discoloration of the abdomen towards the head and

rotting) compared with the treatments with gin wherein one larva had proceeded onto

pupation, beer and control treatment wherein all the larvae proceeded onto pupation. This

result could be associated to the higher alcohol content of the gin which is 40% by

volume. Rum which also have a 40% alcohol content by volume that were used on

Treatment IV were observed to acquired severe damages to the onion leaves caused by

the larvae feeding and where one larvae had proceeded onto pupation. The nearest

possible reason behind the different result of gin and rum which both have 40% alcohol

content by volume, is that gin is produced from distilled grain alcohol that is flavored

with Juniper while Rum is produced from distilled sugar based alcohol that may or may

not be aged. This means that as rum was exposed in aired environment and starts aging,

there is a possibility that the alcohol content will starts degrading. Moreover, rum were

produced on sugar-based materials like sugarcanes.

On the experiment using potted onion plants to determine the pesticidal effects of

alcoholic beverages on armyworms/cutworms; it was observed that on Treatment III and

Treatment IV during the observation an hour after the introduction of the larvae,

armyworms/cutworms were escaping the pots and somewhat kind of disoriented as they

feed on senescing leaves and not on the healthy leaves. Seven hours after the

introduction, most of the armyworms/cutworms of the potted onion plants on Treatment

III and IV were gone. This could be supported by the experiment of Gately (2008) which

said that insects, birds, and even elephants have been observed to seek alcohol out in the

wild and to exhibit signs of drunkenness after consuming it.

 44

On the experiment using cut onion leaves treated with water, MSG, and mixture

of MSG and Molasses as its different treatments, it was found out using the data observed

seven hours after the introduction of the armyworms/cutworms that Treatment II, wherein

cut onion leaves where soaked on 20 ml solution of dissolved 20 grams MSG, have the

most positive result in controlling/killing the larvae as compared to the result of

Treatment I and Treatment III (mixture of 20 g of MSG onto 20 ml of molasses). The

armyworms/cutworms on Treatment II were all found dead with one out of the three

introduced larvae acquired much advance stage (characterized by darkened and shriveled

body; not pupation) of decomposition while the other were dead and stiff. However, a

study by Pszczolkowski et al. (2002b) claimed that exposure to MSG also accelerated

molting to the second instar. Larvae exposed to MSG initiated consumption of leaf tissue

significantly earlier than control neonates. Thus, the other two armyworms/cutworms

from the Treatment II could possibly be not dead and was transitioning onto its next

instar or into pupation.

In conclusion, based on the preliminary result of the experiments it was

determined that beer could attract the armyworms onto feeding onion leaves but at some

point armyworms/cutworms stop their feeding, gin have the most promising pesticidal

effect on the armyworms/cutworms as the experiments on both cut leaves and potted

onion plants shows that armyworms/cutworms were killed and didn’t proceeded to

pupation as well as armyworms were repelled away from the potted plants, molasses
 45

have negative effect on onion leaves as it can affect the tissues of the onion leaf turning it

onto softer structure and MSG could stops onion leaf feeding by the armyworms

sometime after it had fed on it. Moreover, among the alcoholic beverages, gin was

observed to have more promising pesticidal effect towards the armyworms/cutworms

while the solution with MSG alone was observed to be effective in stopping the feeding

of armyworms/cutworms sometime after it had fed on MSG treated onion leaves. It was

recommended to have a further study involving much larger samples to validate the

pesticidal effect of alcoholic beverages, molasses and monosodium glutamate. Also,

onion plants that were not treated with any pesticide should be used.
 46

LITERATURE CITED

Abdulkareem, A. and Vishwanathan, T., 1980, A general account of the integrated

approach for the control of bollworms on cotton. Andhra Agri. J., 27 : 123-124.

Alberto, R.T. 2014. Pathological response and biochemical changes in Allium cepa L.
(bulb onions) infected with anthracnose-twister disease. Plant Pathology &
Quarantine 4(1), 23–31, Doi10.5943/ppq/4/1/4

BAS. 2007. Costs and Returns of Onion Productions. Republic of the Philippines,
Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. July 2007.

BAS. 2012. Performance of Philippine Agriculture. Republic of the Philippines,

Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. ISSN-2012-0451.

Begum, M., Kabir, M.A., Khan, H.R. and Rahman, M.F. 2012. Efficacy of monosodium
glutamate in the Australian blowfly, Lucilla cuprina Wiedmann (Diptera:
Calliphoridae) Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000,
Bangladesh. Pp.69-75.

Bortolotto, O.C., Menezes Jr., A.D.O., Hoshino, A.T., Carvalho, M.G., Fernandes, A.P.
and G.S. Salgado-Neto. 2014. Sugar solution treatment to attract natural enemies
and its impact on fall armyworms Spodoptera frugiperda in maize fileds.
Inerciencia Vol 39 – No. 6. Pp 416-421.

CLARRDEC. 2007. Major diseases of onion: A field guide. Central Luzon Agriculture
and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLARRDEC). A field
guide. Los Baños, Laguna: PCARRDDOST, CLARRDEC-CLSU. 18p. -
(CLARRDEC Farm Primer No. 02/2007)

Cranshaw, W. and R. Hammon. 2013. Codling moth: control in home plantings.

Colorado State University Extension. Fact Sheet No. 5.613. Insect Series/Trees &
Shrubs.

DA, 2014. 2004. Department of Agriculture; Luzon A Cluster. Value chain analysis and
competitiveness strategy: Bulb onion. Philippine Rural Development Project. I-
Plan Component Luzon A Cluster. pp. 7-33

DA.2013. Onion Production Guide. Republic of the Philippines, Department of

Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry.

Davis, J. J. and Turner, C. F., 1918, Popular and practical entomology, Experiments with
cutworm baits. Can. Entomol., 1 : 187-192.
 47

Ditman, L. P., Ande. N. Cory. 1933. The response of corn earworm moths to various
sugar solutions. J. Econ. Entomol. 26: 109-115.

FAO, 2003. ONIONS: Post-Harvest Operation. Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations. pp. 2-15.

Fernald, H. T., 1914, The armyworm Heliophila unipuncta (Haw.). Massacusettes State
Bd. Agric., 22 : 1-13.

Frost, S. W. 1926. Bait pails as a possible control for the oriental fruit moth. J. Econ.
Entomol. 19: 441-450.

Frost, S. W. 1928. Continued studies of baits for oriental fruit moth. J. Econ. Entomol.
21: 339-348.

Frost, S. W. 1929. Fourth contribution to a study of baits, with special reference to the
oriental fruit moth. J. Econ. Entomol. 22: 101-108.

Gately, I. 2008. DRINK: a cultural history of alcohol. eISBN:978-1-4406-3126-9. Pp. 10-

11.

Gerogiev G (2005) Bioecological characteristics of Bracon intercessor Nees

(Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as a parasitoid of the poplar clear wing moth,
Paranthrene tabaniformis (Rott.) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) in Bulgaria. J. Pest Sci.
78: 161-165.

Hannan, T Humayun, M. Hussain, M. Yasir and S. Sikandar, "In vitro antibacterial

activity of onion (Allium cepa) against clinical isolates of Vibrio cholera", J Ayub
Med Coll Abbottabad, vol. 22 no. 2, pp. 160163, 2010.

Hatch, J. 2018. Best ways to get rid of maggots. GETRIDOFTHiNGS.com. A do-it-

yourself-guide to common problems. Retrieved at: https://www.getridofthings.
com/get-rid-of-maggots/ Retrieved on: May 13, 2018.

Health Promotion Agency. 2016. Alcohol & you; facts & effects. Retrieved at
https://www.alcohol.org.nz/sites/default/files/field/file_attachment/AL002_Facts_
%26_effects_LR_May%202016.pdf Retrived on February 20, 2018.

Jayaraj, S., 1983, Ecology based integrated control of Spodoptera litura on cotton. Paper
Presented. In : ICAR Summer Institute on Microbial Control of Insects and Pest
Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, June 1-25.

Kamel, A. A. M. and Shoeb, A., 1958. The chemical control of the greasy cutworm.
Agric. Res. Rev., 36 : 24-39.
 48

Landolt, P.J. 1995. Attraction of Mocis latipes (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to sweet baits in
traps. Florida Entomologist Volume 78 No. 3. Pp. 523-530.

Parasuraman, S., Jayaraj, S., Gopalan, M. and Kumaraswamy, T., 1985, Attraction of
Spodoptera litura Fabr. larvae to baits. Indian J. Agric. Sci., 55 : 773-774.

PSA. 2014. Crops Statistics of the Philippines. Philippine Statistics Authority (Bureau of
Agricultural Statistics). September 2014. ISSN-2012-0487

Pszczolkowski M.A., Matos L.F., Zahand A. & Brown J.J. 2002b: Effect of monosodium
glutamate on apple leaf consumption by codling moth larvae. - Entomol. Exp.
Appl. 103: 91-98

Zaki FN, Saadani ELG, Gomma A, Saleh M (1998) Increasing rates of parasitism of the
larval parasitoid Bracon brevicornis (Hym., Braconidae) by using kairomones,
pheromones and a supplementary food. J. Appl. Entomol. 122: 565-567.