EXTENDED ESSAY
BIOLOGY
A comparison between soda’s and pesticides' effect on aphids.
To what extent is coca-cola effective against aphids then compared to
regular pesticides?
April 2024
Word count: 1084
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Table of contents
1. Introduction 3
1.1 Background context 3
1.2 Research question 3
1.3 Worthiness 3
1.4 Hypothesis 3
1.5 Variables 3
2. Methodology
2.1 Materials 4
2.2 Experimental design 4
2.3 Ethical considerations 4
3. Results
4. Discussion
5. Bibliography
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1. Introduction:
1.1 Background context:
The study of effective pest control methods is crucial in agricultural practices to ensure crop
health and yield. Aphids, being common pests, pose a significant threat to crop productivity.
Traditional pesticides have been widely used to combat aphid infestations. However, with
increasing concerns about the environmental impact and health risks associated with these
chemicals, alternative and sustainable pest control measures are being explored. This research
aims to investigate the effectiveness of Coca-Cola as a potential alternative to regular
pesticides in controlling aphids.
This extended essay examines the extent to which Coca-Cola is effective against aphids
compared to regular pesticides. The essay will explore the chemical composition of Coca-
Cola and its potential impact on aphids, considering factors such as mortality rates and
deterrence. Additionally, the study will compare the efficacy of Coca-Cola with traditional
pesticides commonly used for aphid control. The argument will unfold by presenting the
research question, analyzing relevant source material, outlining the experimental design,
discussing the results, and drawing conclusions.
1.2 Research question:
The research question of this study is: To what extent is Coca-Cola effective against aphids
compared to regular pesticides?
1.3 Worthiness
This research question is worthy of investigation due to the potential implications for
sustainable pest control practices. If Coca-Cola proves to be effective against aphids, it could
offer an eco-friendly and easily available alternative to traditional pesticides. Moreover,
investigating the efficiency of household products in pest control helps to expand our
understanding of unconventional solutions to agricultural challenges, contributing to the
development of innovative practices.
1.4 Hypothesis
Based on prior knowledge and sources, it can be hypothesized that Coca-Cola, with its acidic
and sugary composition and properties, may have detrimental effects on aphids. It is expected
that Coca-Cola will demonstrate some level of effectiveness in reducing aphid populations
and/or repelling aphids when compared to traditional pesticides.
1.5 Variables:
The key variables in this study are:
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Independent Variable: The type of treatment applied (Coca-Cola or regular
pesticides).
Dependent Variables: Aphid mortality rates and aphid distribution (repellency) in
choice chambers.
Control Variables: Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), aphid species,
sample size, and duration of exposure.
2. Methodology
2.1 Materials
Experiment 1: Mortality Rate Comparison
Containers (e.g., Petri dishes or vials) with lids
Coca-Cola
Regular pesticide
Controlled environment setup (e.g., growth chambers or controlled temperature room)
Data recording sheets or software
Experiment 2: Repellency Assessment
Choice chambers or arenas
Coca-Cola
Regular pesticide
Controlled environment setup (e.g., growth chambers or controlled temperature room)
Data recording sheets or software
Experimental Procedures:
2.2 Experimental Design
Experiment 1:The study will employ a controlled laboratory experiment to assess the
effectiveness of Coca-Cola against aphids. Two groups will be formed: one exposed to Coca-
Cola and the other to regular pesticides. The aphids will be exposed to the respective
treatments, and the mortality rates will be recorded. The experiment will include multiple
replicates to ensure reliable results.
Experiment 2: This study will employ another experiment to reassess the effectiveness of
Coca-cola. A group of aphids will be dropped into a chamber with one side being sprayed
with Soda, while the other with pesticide. The aphids will choose which side they feel more
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comfortable in, hence, showing us their preference. The experiment will include multiple
replicates to ensure reliable results.
Experiment 1: Mortality Rate Comparison
a. Divide the aphids into three groups: Group A (exposed to Coca-Cola), Group B (exposed
to regular pesticide), and Group C (control group, no treatment).
b. Place each group of aphids in separate containers.
c. Apply the designated treatment to Group A (Coca-Cola) and Group B (regular pesticide)
according to recommended dosages.
d. Monitor the aphids daily and record the mortality rate in each group over a specific period
of time.
e. Analyze the data using appropriate statistical methods to compare the mortality rates
between the groups.
f. Draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of Coca-Cola in controlling aphids compared
to the regular pesticide.
Experiment 2: Repellency Assessment
a. Set up multiple choice chambers or arenas that allow for controlled observation of aphid
behavior.
b. Divide the choice chambers into two sections: Section A (exposed to Coca-Cola) and
Section B (exposed to regular pesticide).
c. Place a known number of aphids in the center of the choice chambers.
d. Allow the aphids to freely move and choose between Section A (Coca-Cola) and Section B
(regular pesticide).
e. Record and analyze the data to determine the distribution of aphids among the sections and
any preferences shown for a particular treatment.
f. Draw conclusions regarding the repellent effect of Coca-Cola compared to the regular
pesticide.
2.3 Ethical Considerations
Ethical treatment of aphids:
a. Ensure the aphids used in the experiments are common laboratory strains and not
endangered or protected species.
b. Minimize the stress and discomfort experienced by the aphids during the experiments.
c. Use appropriate observation periods and sample sizes to avoid prolonged exposure and
unnecessary harm to the aphids.
d. Provide a suitable environment with adequate food and moisture sources for the aphids
during the experiments.
e. Dispose of aphids responsibly after the experiments to prevent unintentional release into
the environment.
Ethical use of substances:
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a. Adhere to safety guidelines and protocols when handling and applying Coca-Cola and the
regular pesticide.
b. Follow the recommended dosages and application methods to minimize potential harm to
the environment and non-target organisms.
c. Dispose of any unused substances properly and according to local regulations.
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6. Biliography
1. Kim, Y. J., Uefuji, H., Ogita, S., & Sano, H. (2006).
Transgenic tobacco plants producing caffeine: a
potential new strategy for insect pest control.
Transgenic Research, 15(6), 667–672.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11248-006-9006-6
2. Mittler, T. E. (1967). EFFECT OF AMINO ACID AND
SUGAR CONCENTRATIONS ON THE FOOD
UPTAKE OF THE APHID MYZUS PERSICAE.
Entomologia Experimentalis Et Applicata, 10(1), 39–
51. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1570-
7458.1967.tb00043.x
3. Ludvik, G. F. (1949). The insecticidal properties of
some esters of phosphorus acids. University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
4. Ganchev, D. (2022). Insecticidal action of beer
towards different aphid species. Agricultural Science
and Technology, 14(4), 43–48.
https://doi.org/10.15547/ast.2022.04.048
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