THE POTENTIAL USE OF CORCHORUS OLITORIUS (JUTE EXTRACT) AS AN

ALTERNATIVE ORGANIC FLYTRAP

SAINT ANTHONY’S COLLEGE INCORPORATED

LYVAN JUSTINE BATARA SAVELLANO

MARGARETTE SACRAMENTO MATA

TROY GABRIEL CASTILLO BROOK

JHONA FAITH VIERNES GAMBALA

PATRICK MANERA JR.

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

School canteens, karinderyas, public markets, and such places where there is lots of
flies roaming and flying around is a common problem that we encounter mostly every
day. Specially, people who are working in kitchens and food markets. Using chemical-
based flytraps are highly toxic and dangerous in environments where there is need of
proper care and hygiene, we don’t know if the chemical-based flytrap used can harm or
toxicate the food, vegetables, or fruits that is being sold.

So therefore, we hope to make an alternative flytrap that is safer to the environment as

well as commit an effective flytrap for everyone to utilize and safely use. For which it
applies the same purpose and effectiveness of the chemical-based flytraps.

Natural adhesives from plants such as starch and resins have been widely used in
society recently. However, under extreme conditions, these adhesives lack durability
(Imam et al., 2015). The mucilage is a water-soluble edible adhesive material that
constitutes carbohydrates and uronic acid units present in different parts of plants
including the mucous epidermis of the outer layer of seeds, bark, leaves, and buds.

Saluyot or jute (Corchorus olitorius) leaf is an edible leafy vegetable that is a member
of the genus Corchorus, which can almost grow anywhere in the Philippines (Alipio et
al. 2019 as cited in Nelz. 2016). (Potter, 2010) described it as a clear thickener in soups.
In fact, after extraction of saluyot leaves by (Montaño et al., 2014), they found out that
the relative viscosity of a 1.0% solution of the mucilage was determined to be 20
millipascal seconds at room temperature.

Additionally, jute fibers have tremendous opportunities for use as fibrous reinforcement
in polymeric composites. In recent years, their excellent compatibility with engineering
polymers has opened new potential applications as tribo-efficient composites for specific
applications. The chemical composition of Jute contains 60-64 % cellulose, 14-16 %
pentosan, 12-14 % lignin and other compounds like fats, pectin, ash content, moisture,
etc. (Woodhead Publishing Series in Composites Science and Engineering, 2013).

In spite of their versatility, one of the main problems with solvent-based adhesives from a
chemical grade or store-bought flytrap is that they are bad for the environment. They can
adversely affect the ecosystem and human health in numerous ways.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Figure 1.0 Conceptual Framework

 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using Corchorus Olitorius (Jute
Extract) as an alternative flytrap. Specifically, it will seek to answer the following:

1. What are the characteristics of Corchorus Olitorius (Jute Extract) as an alternative

flytrap in terms of:

(a) Texture
(b) Long-lasting
(c) Smell

2. What are the similarities and differences among the ratio of the factory and chemical
based flytraps in terms of:

(a) Texture
(b) Long-lasting
(c) Smell

3. What are the possible results of this organic base flytrap in low-income families and
industries?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will offer fresh perspectives on the effectiveness and safer advantages of
Corchorus Olitorius (Jute extract).

Through this study, the public will become more aware of the need of promoting natural
products for everyone to utilize, especially Jute Extract.

 Low-income families: Low-income families that can afford and buy this organic
flytrap that is also the same purpose to a factory-made flytrap and can prevent any
harmful mosquitos and flies that may carry diseases, but can offer cheaper and
affordable price for everyone and sustainable for the environment.

 Karinderya/Eatery and restaurant owners: This study may be useful for those
who has businesses that has food involved that attract other flying insects generally
flies. And to promote and maintain cleanliness and hygiene of their businesses.
 Public market/palengke: That our product may contribute to the public especially
vendors that sell wet goods for our community. To prevent flies from sticking to their
products and to provide safe and clean foods

 Regulatory organizations: By better understanding the efficacy and safety of

Corchorus Olitorius extract as an alternative organic flytrap, regulatory
organizations like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
can gain. This can assist them in creating guidelines, new ideas and procedures,
that guarantee the general public can use our product without risk.

 Society as a whole: Society as a whole can gain from the potential use or
Corchorus Olitorius as an alternative flytrap that is secure, efficient, ecofriendly
and economical for a variety of uses. This can lower family/business costs and
expenses while improving the safety of individuals and maintaining the cleanliness
and safety of the environment.

 Future researchers: Knowledge and evidence-based information gained through

the study of Corchorus Olitorius extract can help future researchers conduct
higher-quality studies and provide innovative products in the future

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

1. Corchorus Olitorius (Jute Extract)

1.1 The effectiveness of Corchorus Olitorius as alternative flytrap have related studies
but have different outcome to be overcome compared to this study. To gather further
information about Corchorus Olitorius, the researchers find related studies about it
to settle and lessen the questions and problems of the study. It can also help to
have justification for qualification of Jute Extract as alternative organic flytrap. To
define the source that is the reason in making this study, here are some reviews of
information:

1.2 Corchorus olitorius known as Jute mallow is a popular green leafy vegetable
consumed by various communities in many African countries including Nigeria
(Schippers 2002; Samra et al. 2007). Corchorus olitorius is a vegetable consumed
for its dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, protein as well as abundant β-carotene and
other carotenoids needed for good health (Schippers 2002). The leaf is also a rich
source of iron, protein, calcium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, foliate, and dietary fiber
(Oyedele et al. 2006; Samra et al. 2007). The slimy sticky sauce of its cooked
leaves is often considered as the best and more acceptable one than okra in
 western Nigeria even at social gathering for consumption of any starchy staples
served (Denloye et al. 20)

1.3 Saluyot leaves are very nutritious, it is rich in calcium, iron, protein, vitamin A, C and
E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and dietary fibers. Saluyot is usually cooked as
stew, forming a thick slimy syrup similar in consistency to okra usually taken with
rice or another starchy staple.

1.4 Saluyot can almost grow anywhere in the Philippines. Saluyot is a hardy plant that is
resistant to pests and requires little care. It can be found in the wild as it can also be
grown in a farm.
2. Saluyot or Jute Extract as an Alternative Glue

A group of researchers from Saint Columban College conducted this study about Saluyot
or Jute Extract. This synthetic glue helps people to reuse something that they already
used and help the environment too. A jackfruit is one of the fruit that have sticky sap that
can suit to make synthetic glue. This study aims to produce eco-glue out of Saluyot or
Jute extract. It aims to study about the comparison of the commercial glue to the eco-
glue. In the same way, the researcher wanted to determine the result of this study that
may able to give knowledge to the people that are living in the City of Pagadian.
(Lacuarin J. et al. 2022)

3. “The Potential of Allium sativum, Artocarpus heterophyllus Sap, and Magnifera

indica Sap as an Organic Fly Trap”

One characteristic of a fly trap is its stickiness. There are plants that contains sticky sap,
such can be used as an alternative adhesive for the fly trap. Therefore, the researchers
thought of ways on innovating the fly trap by using garlic, jackfruit sap, and Indian
mango sap. Thus, they come up with the study. (Dolo J. n.d)

4. The Innovation of Alternative Flytrap with the Use of Available Resources at

Home

A group of student researchers from the International Philippine School in Jeddah

conducted a study about the innovation of alternative flytrap with the use of available
resources at home. The researchers aim to make an effective flytrap using apple cider
vinegar, fruits or meat, plastic bottle, dishwashing soap, Ziploc bag, syrup or honey
(optional), and aluminum wire as their materials in innovating this study. Based on their
results, the efficiency of the fly trap can help in the lowering of density of the flies around
the school. This homemade or alternative Flytrap showed evident results based on the
number of flies caught in relation to the temperature. The ingredients and materials used
showed effectiveness in the utilization of the flytrap. (IPSJ march 2019)

5. The uses of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH)

METHODS

Research Design

This study will use experimental research under the quantitative research that will
determine the effectiveness of Saluyot or Jute extract as an alternative flytrap. The
researchers use quantitative research where it is the systematic, empirical investigation
of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques.
The researchers also use experimental research where research conducted with a
scientific approach, where a set of variables are kept constant while the other set of
variables are being measured as the subject of experiment.

Subject

Corchorus olitorius, commonly known as jute mallow or Egyptian spinach, is an annual,

herbaceous plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is cultivated in various regions
worldwide, primarily for its edible leaves, which are nutritious and used in cooking. The
plant typically grows upright with slender stems and features dark green, heart-shaped
leaves. Its fibrous stems yield strong, versatile jute fibers utilized in making textiles,
ropes, and other products. This plant thrives in warm climates and is known for its
resilience and adaptability to different environmental conditions.

Corchorus olitorius, or jute mallow/Egyptian spinach, has several uses such as its edible
leaves, medicinal purposes and many more. But in our case, we will focus on its texture
by creating an adhesive and make it into an organic flytrap.

Locale of the Study

This study will be conducted in the chemistry laboratory of the school, school canteens,
and areas where flies are commonly found inside the school of Saint Anthony’s College

Research Instrumentation

The researchers will use a semi-structured interview which is used when the researchers
have a list of broad questions that must be addressed in the interview. The researchers
will use a written interview guide to make sure that every question areas are covered
(Polit & Beck, 2012).

Furthermore, the researcher will use pen and paper to note in detail the respondent’s
non-verbal gestures; an audio recorder will be utilized in order to record spontaneous
responses, along with the use of webcam and the actual verbatim since semi-structure
interviews may develop unexpected responses.

DATA GATHERING
Materials

The following materials that were utilized for the manufacturing of the product in this
study are:

1. One kilogram of C. Olitorius

2. Approximately 400 ml of distilled water
3. One stainless cooking pot
4. One large-sized plastic bowl container
5. One cheesecloth, One large fine strainer
6. 80 g cornstarch, 16 g PVOH powder (Polyvinyl Alcohol),
7. Stopwatch
8. Powdered cinnamon
9. Banana leaves
10. Tools and utensils

General Procedure

A1. Preparation and Gathering of Materials

The materials needed for the study was gathered and prepared by the researchers
before proceeding in conducting the experiment. The researchers will gather the
apparatus and equipment necessary for the experiment at Saint Anthony’s College
Incorporated of Sta Cruz, Sta Ana, Cagayan. Some materials such as: distilled water,
cornstarch, and PVOH (Polyvinyl Alcohol) can be bought in markets and online shops,
while the Saluyot (Corchorus olitorius) fresh leaves were bought from Sta Ana
Commercial Center. After gathering at materials and equipment, the researchers will
then proceed to preparation, sanitation of materials as well as the thorough washing of
Saluyot leaves under running water will be done (Montaño et al., 2009).

A2. Preparation of PVOH powder

In a stainless cooking pot, 16g of PVOH powder will be slowly added to 400mL water at
around room temperature. To avoid formation of lumps, slowly stir the mixture for 30
minutes, as it becomes sticky and tends to form lumps, increase the temperature to
95°C till it becomes fully liquid

A3. Preparation of Cornstarch Mixture

50 grams of cornstarch powder will be mixed with 160 ml of hot water at a temperature
of 95°C. With this, the starch coming from the cornstarch will start to sowed and absorb
water, this will then get thicken overtime (Jampal, 2023) This 1:2 measurement yielded
180 ml of cornstarch mixture.

B. Extraction of Saluyot

500 grams of C. Oltorius leaves will be boiled in distilled water (400 ml) in a stainless
cooking pot while boiling and tends to be overcooked during the process. After cooling,
the sample was filtered using a strainer in order to remove and separate the leaves from
its extract and using a cheesecloth remove the leaf residue from the actual extract. This
will yield a solution of Saluyot (Corchorus olitorius) and this intended to be collected in a
bowl, ready to mix and combine.

D. Incorporating Polyvinyl Alcohol to the Extract

The researchers used the extract, that was retrieved from boiling the Saluyot (Corchorus
olitorius), to be mixed with an equal amount of PVOH (Polyvinyl Alcohol) and stirred
them at around room temperature. The Saluyot (Corchorus olitorius) extract will be
stored in a plastic container and kept refrigerated at -3°C until further use (Tosoc et al.,
2021)

DATA ANALYSIS

The researchers will use the statistical analysis tool to determine the percentage and
frequency of the ratings given by the respondents according to the effectiveness of the
created product in terms of its: texture, long-lastingness, smell, durability and efficiency.