Leo Jordan

Abstract:

The objective of this study was to determine if eucalyptus oil could work as a repellent against bean bugs. This is important because pesticides used to get rid of bugs pollute the air and the environment. Previous studies have shown that eucalyptus oil repels spiders from house plants. I predict that when the bugs are exposed to eucalyptus oil they will be repelled and not eat the lettuce, as studies have shown that certain essential oils can repel spiders from common house plants. This was researched by setting up an observation chamber with 4 different areas. I will then put 4 pieces of lettuce in each chamber. Then I will spray one chamber with 3 drops of eucalyptus oil, one with 2 drops of eucalyptus oil, one with 3 drops of eucalyptus oil, and one with no eucalyptus oil. I will then put 10 bean bugs in the center and let them roam free to each container. I will then let them sit for 30 minutes and check on them every 5 minutes to check the amount of bugs in each container. I will add up the amounts and find the average amount of bean bugs per container. My data suggests that the bugs were repelled by the eucalyptus oil as the container with no eucalyptus oil had 3 bugs in it on average, which was the highest amount of bugs compared to the 2 bugs in container 2, 1 bug in chamber 3, and 1 bug in chamber 4.

Awards won: SI chemistry group award and 3rd place honorable mention