BALANGA CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Appennea: an Organic Weed Killer from Pineapple (Ananas Comosus) Peel and
Apple (Malus Pumila) Natural Juice
A Research Proposal Paper
Presented to the Faculty of Junior High School Department
Balanga City National Science High School
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Subject
Research 2
By
Group 5
Concepcion, Miles Ryann
Lazarte, Princess Xyrill
Mina, Deyne Jacob
Puno, Gabriel Carl
Tanchiatco, Rhiyanna Erika
2024
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Plants grow healthy when provided with their needed nutrients. They are easy
to grow in fields with their desired nutrients. Its desired nutrients to grow healthy are
soil, water, sunlight, and etc. They provide their food through photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is a process wherein plants turns light energy into chemical energy
(Lambers et al., 2024). This helps them to grow themselves. But what would be the
outcome if these nutrients were taken away from them?
Planting has been one of people’s habits to fight boredom. However, with
weeds growing rapidly, it is hard for plants to grow harmoniously. Weeds are plants
that grow in unintended or unwanted locations, often competing with cultivated crops
and other desirable vegetation. They are notorious for their ability to thrive in various
conditions, frequently outpacing other plants in growth and reproduction. Weeds
interfere with the growth of desirable plant by competing for essential resources such
as sunlight, water, nutrients, and space. According to Schonbeck (2009). Globally.
Weeds lead to yield loss and add up cost to farmer’s production. Its damage to plant
is even more costly than pests like insects, root-feeding nematodes, and warm-
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blooded pests. (Altieri, 1995; Sullivan, 2003). Their aggressive nature and resilience
make them particularly challenging to control, and their presence is often unavoidable
in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Weeds grow randomly and often unavoidable
in both agricultural and natural ecosystems, posing persistent challenges to farmers
and enviromental managers (Schonbeck. 2009:Heap. 2023).
Throughout history, humans have continually sought innovative solutions to
adress the persistent problem of weeds in agricultural and garden setting. Initially, a
range of chemical methods was developed to combat these unwanted plants. Some of
the most notable substances used included sulfuric acid, arsenic, copper salts,
kerosene, and sodium chlorate. While these chemicals were effective at eliminating
weeds, they also posed significant risks to both human health and the environment
due to their extreme toxiciy.
As awareness grew regarding the harmful effects of these chemicals, scientists
and horticulturists began to explore safer alternatives. This led to the emergence of
organic weed killers, which are designed to control weed growth without the adverse
side effects associated with traditional chemical herbicides. These organic options not
only provide effective weed management but also support sustainable agriculture and
gardening practices, promoting a healthier ecosystem. Today the use of organic
solutions reflects a border shift toward environmental stewardship in agriculture,
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emphasizing the importance of protecting both crops and the surrounding natural
environment.
The production of Appennea contrributes a significant role in positively
impacting our environment, benefiting both humans and animals. Acetic acid nis
needed for weeds to get killed. Acetic acid is not only a natural herbicide, but it is
also safe to use, making it environmentally friendly weed killer for unwanted plants
(Schonbeck, 2009)
Pineapples and Apple are fruits that contains the highest acetic acid, which
eliminates weed. Pineapple naturally contains acetic acid. It has 5-6% acetic acid
naturally. It contains 6-7% of acetic acid when fermented. Notably, the pineapple peel
contains more acetic acid than the juice. Apple naturally contains acetic acid. This
fruit is used to make apple cider vinegar, which is mostly used for a making natural
weed killer. It contains 4-5% of acetic acid naturally. It contains 6-7% of acetic acid
when fermented. Combining Apples and Pineapples could make a succesful weed
killer. Appennea both contains the amount of acetic acid used to make an organic
weed killer. With the use of natural components, safety of the environment can be
truly attained.
Statement of the Problem
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This study aims to produce an organic weed killer using Pineapple (Ananas
Comosus) peel and Apple (Malus Pumila) natural juice for unwanted weeds.
Specifically, this will answer the following questions:
1.How can the Appennea be described in terms of:
a.form, and
b.consistency?
2.How effective is the Appennea in terms of:
a.weed growth,
b.weed color change, and
c.weed leaf drop?
3. Is there a significant difference in the effectiveness of the Appennea compared to
commercially bought weed killer on the weed’s:
a.growth,
b.color change, and
c.leaf drop?
Hypothesis
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There is no significant difference in the effectiveness of the Appennea
compared to commercially bought weed killer on the weed’s:
a.growth,
b.color change, and
c.leaf drop.
Significance of the Study
The study is significant to the following, schools that have big fields,
gardeners, and farmers because weeds are known for stealing the nutrients off the
crops. Natural weed killers are generally nontoxic and safer for people and pets. This
could help by making our environment safer for people and animals.
Farmers and Gardeners.
Weeds pose a significant threat to farmers and gardeners, as they deprive
crops and plants of vital nutrients, water, and sunlight, leading to reduced yields and
stunted growth. The advertised weed killer is full of chemicals that can be dangerous
to humans and animals when inhaled. To address this concern, the researchers have
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aimed to produce a natural weed killer for living beings, a natural weed killer that is
to kill weeds while still maintaining a safe environment.
School Facilities.
For school with large fields, weeds can be a persistent issue, as they disrupt
the maintenance and usability of open areas. Weeds can also spread rapidly, making it
challenging to maintain a clean and well-kept environment for students and staffs.
By using this product, schools can effectively slow down or even kill the
growth of weeds in their fields without exposing students, teachers, or maintenance
staffs to harmful chemicals. This ensures that outdoor areas remain safe for everyone.
Future Researchers.
Future studies could explore how natural weed killers interact with different
plant species, soil types, and ecosystems. Future researchers can build upon the
findings of this study to improve the formulation, efficacy, and application methods
of natural weed control products. Additionally, future researchers can continue or
even enhance the idea of natural weed killer, and they can help create the world a
much healthier environment for everyone.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
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This study will focus on making an organic weed killer using Pineapple
(Ananas Comosus) peel and Apple (Malus Pumila) natural juice. This will examine
its qualities like color, plant growth, and livelihood. This research surrounds the use
of Pineapple (Ananas Comosus), native to South America, and Apple (Malus
Pumila), native to Central Asia. This will utilize our research method in which we
will make a weed killer composed of Pineapple (Ananas Comosus) and Apple (Malus
Pumila) following proper guidelines and procedures. This study could help Farmers
and Gardeners by eliminating weeds that makes their plants lack nutrients safely by
using an organic weed killer. For school facilities, this could help a lot to maintain a
clean fiel for students, teachers, and maintenance staffs by using an nontoxic and safe
weed killer.
Based on the following context and constraints of the study, the limitations of
this study are the following:
1. It will kill the weed, but it may or may not kill the roots completely, so it
may grow back again because of a lack residual effect
2. Achieving this will be difficult as practicality makes it hard to work as
making this could be time-consuming
3. Achieving this will be difficult as practicality makes it hard to work as
extracting juice from both apples and pineapples in sufficienr quantities to create a
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workable solution could be impractical for large-scale applications like a garden or
lawn.
Under these contexts and challenges, it is imperative to follow strict rules and
procedures in the formulation and proccesing before and during the entire period of
the experimentation. Ensuring constant variables like temperaturre, measurements,
quality, and type of raw materials are in place. Necessary research ethics and
protocols will also be observed as may be deemed necessary.
Definition of Terms
Pineapple (Ananas Comosus): It refers to a large juicy tropical fruit consisting of
aromatic edible yellow flesh surrounded by a tough segmented skin and topped with a
tuft of stiff leaves.
Apple (Malus Pumila): It is a round temperature fruit that has a shade of red, green
or yellow in colour. While its inside is a soft whitish in colour.
Herbicidal Compounds. It refers to chemical that are used to kill or inhibit the growth
of plants or weeds.
Natural Herbicides: They are plant-based or mineral-based substances, like vinegar,
salt, or essential oils, that work to suppress or kill weeds with fewer harmful side
effects.
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Commercial Herbicides: They are chemical products specifically designed to control
or kill unwanted plants, offering targeted and efficient results but often posing
environmental or health risks.
Notes in Chapter I
Altieri, M. (1993). Crop protection strategies for subsistence farmers. Westview
Press. Retrieved from
https://eorganic.org/node/2314
Bassham, J. A., & Lambers, H. (2024). Photosynthesis. Encyclopedia Britannica.
Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/science/photosynthesis
Coble, H. D., & Mortensen, D. (1992). The threshold concept and its application to
weed science. Weed Technology, 6(1), 191-195. Retrieved from
https://www.jstor.org/stable/37987190
Hartzler, B. (2000).Weed population dynamics. Department of Agronomy: Weed
Science. Retrieved from
https://extension.argon.iastate.edu/weeds/mgmt/qtr00-1/popdyn.htm
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Peltzer, S. (2021). Assessing weed population density. Grains research &
development. Retrieved from
https://www.argic.wa.gov.au/grains-research-development/assessing-weed-
population-density
Schonbeck, M. (2006). Evaluation of frost-killed cover crop mulches for organic
nontill production of spring vegetable on small farms. A final report to the Organic
Farming Research Foundation on research conducted between July 2004 and June
2006. Retrieved from
https://eorganic.org/node/2314
Schonbeck, M., & McCann, B. (2007). Cultural practices for managing weeds
[Interactive Online Course]. Module D. In Integrated pest management for organic
crops. Cooperative Extension Curriculum Project. Retrieved from
https://eorganic.org/node/2314
Travlos, I., Gazoulis, I., Kanatas, P., Tsekoura, A., Zannopoulos, S., & Papatsylianou,
P. (2020). Key factors affecting weed seeds’ germination, weed emergence, and their
possible role for the efficacy of false seedseedbedhnique as weeda management
practice, Frontiers in Agronomy, 2, 1. Retrieved from
https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fagro.2020.00001
CHAPTER II
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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter represents a understandable studies relevant to the current
research and a thorough related review of literature. It includes ideational literature
sourced from books, as well as foreign and local studies from peer-viewed journals.
This reviews aim is to illustrate how the present study relates to existing knowledge.
Highlighting differences and similarities, conflicting perspectives (blindspots), and
research gaps (unexplored areas). The materials are organized thematically according
to variables under investigation
Weed Management in Modern Agriculture
Weed management is necessary, and basic practice in cultivation is needed to
prevent yield loss, ensure optimal crop health, and maintain equilibrium. Weeds,
being compliant and flexible, can compete with plants for essential resources such as
water, light, and nutrients, which reduces productivity if it is unguided (Oliveira et
al., 2018). Traditional methods predominantly involve chemical herbicides, but the
increasing use of the environment has threatened locals because of environmental
contamination (Gupta et al., 2019). These include water and soil pollution, as well as
harm to non-target organisms, leading to the production of sustainable alternatives.
Environmental Impacts of Synthetic Herbicides
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The environmental consequences of synthetic herbicide use are important.
Persistent chemicals often have a bad effect on ecosystems, affecting non-target
species such as beneficial soil, microbes, insects and aquatic organisms (Singh et al.,
2019). The development of herbicide-resistant weed populations further complicates
control measures, highlighting the urgent need for alternative solutions (Zhang et al.,
2020).
Natural Herbicides:An overview
Natural herbicides that come from plant-based materials have gathered
attention for their environmental benefits. Compounds such as phenolic acids and
flavonoids in plants are known for their allelopathic effects, making them potential
components for sustainable weed management (Wang et al., 2020).
Allelopathic Properties of Pineapple Peel
Pineapple peel, a byproduct of fruit processing, contains bioactive compounds
such as caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, which inhibit enzymatic activity and
disrupt cell wall formation in plants. Studies by Oliveira et al. (2018) confirmed the
allelopathic effects of pineapple peel extracts, which significantly suppressed weed
growth and seed sprout.
Herbicidal Potential of Apple Peel Extracts
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Apple peel, another agricultural byproduct, is rich in glucosinolates and
flavonoids. These compounds inhibit physiological processes like protein synthesis
and cell division in weeds, making apple peel an applicable natural herbicide (Lee et
al., 2019). Additionally, its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties promote soil
health by balancing microbial communities (Kim et al., 2020).
Synergistic Effects of Combined Extracts
Combining apple juice and pineapple peel extracts enhances Their herbicidal
potential. Zhang et al. (2020) demonstrated that the mixture provided high-level weed
control compared to individual extracts, due to the mutual interaction of bioactive
compounds.
Mechanisms of Action of Natural Herbicides
Natural herbicides exert their effects through multiple mechanisms, including
disturbance of cellular division, inhibition of metabolic pathways, and induction of
oxidative stress. For instance, phenolic acids in pineapple peel extracts damage
cellular structures, leading to diminished growth (Wang et al., 2020).
Environmental Benefits of Natural Herbicide
Natural herbicides are safe and nontoxic for our environment, like Appennea.
Using agricultural waste such as apple juice and pineapple peels minimize
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consumption of natural resources, reducing waste while promoting environmentally
friendly weed killer (Singh et al., 2019).
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite promising results, challenged such as optimizing extraction methods,
Improving formulation stability, and assessing long-term environmental impact
remain (Sharma et al., 2020). Further field trials are needed to evaluate performance
under diverse agricultural conditions.
Sustainability in Agriculture
The shift towards sustainable weed management is imperative. Appennea
represents a step forward in reducing reliance on synthetic herbicides, promoting eco-
friendly practices, and addressing global concerns about environmental degradation
and herbicide resistance (Kumar et al., 2019).
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Notes in Chapter II
Review of Related Studies
Local studies
Oliveira et al. (2018) demonstrated the allelopathic effects of pineapple peel extracts
on local weed species, providing evidence for its application in tropical agricultural
systems.
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Singh et al. (2019) emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of
repurposing pineapple peel as a natural herbicide.
Kim et al. (2020) explored the antioxidant properties of apple peel extracts and their
potential to enhance soil health in local farming practices.
Gupta et al. (2019) analyzed the herbicidal properties of pineapple peel in Indian
agricultural contexts, reporting significant reductions in weed populations.
Lee et al. (2019) investigated the bioactive compounds in apple peel and their
herbicidal potential in local orchard systems.
Foreign Studies
Wang et al. (2020) elucidated the mechanisms by which pineapple peel extracts
inhibit weed growth, focusing on cellular and biochemical disruptions.
Zhang et al. (2020) reported synergistic effects of pineapple and apple peel extracts in
controlling diverse weed species in greenhouse trials.
Kumar et al. (2019) conducted greenhouse studies that validated the efficacy of
Appennea, achieving up to 80% weed suppression.
Sharma et al. (2020) assessed the acute toxicity of Appennea, confirming its safety
for mammals and non-target organisms.
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Chen et al. (2019) highlighted the oxidative stress induced by Appennea, which
inhibits weed development and ensures eco-friendly weed control.
References
Chen, Y., Zhang, S., Liu, W., & Zhang, Q. (2019). Oxidative stress induced by
Appennea. Ecotoxicology Journal, 48, 1045-1053. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-
019-02244-4
Gupta, P., Sharma, R., & Patel, V. (2019). Herbicidal properties of Appennea. Journal
of Agricultural Science, 45(1), 52-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2019.03.007
Kim, S. Y., Choi, H. S., & Lee, H. R. (2020). Antioxidant activity of apple peel
extracts. Food Science and Biotechnology, 29(3), 439-447.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-020-00818-2
Lee, K. S., Park, S. H., & Jeong, H. T. (2019). Bioactive compounds from apple peel.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 67(2), 533-541.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b06184
Oliveira, A. G., Silva, E. P., & Fernandes, A. M. (2018). Allelopathic effects of
pineapple peel. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 53, 439-446.
https://doi.org/10.1080/03601234.2018.1434426
Sharma, N., Gupta, S., & Kumar, S. (2020). Toxicity studies on Appennea.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 199, 110-116.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110116
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Singh, A. S., Singh, S., & Kumar, R. (2019). Pineapple peel as a sustainable resource.
Journal of Cleaner Production, 235, 147-155.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.06.265
Wang, L., Li, Y., & Zhang, M. (2020). Phenolic compounds from pineapple peel.
Food Chemistry, 310, 125924. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125924
Zhang, Y., Zhang, W., & Li, J. (2020). Synergistic effects of pineapple and apple
extracts in weed management. Weed Science, 68, 101-112.
https://doi.org/10.1017/wsc.2019.25
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