Empowerment of the Dahlia Farmers Group in the Introduction and Development of Lemongrass as a Mosquito Repellent for Dengue Fever Agents

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Kelompok Tani Dahlia Dalam Pengenalan Dan Pengembangan Serai Wangi Sebagai Reppelent Nyamuk Untuk Pencegahan penyakit DBD

Abstract

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a disease caused by the dengue virus, transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The high number of DHF cases is influenced by a weak immune system and high mosquito population density. People generally use synthetic insecticides to prevent mosquito bites, but long-term use, such as mosquito coils and lotions containing DEET, has the potential to cause side effects. Therefore, safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives are needed, such as botanical insecticides. Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus L.) is one plant that has the potential to be a mosquito repellent because it contains the compounds geraniol, citronellal, and citronellol. Although some members of the Dahlia farmer group have citronella plants in their yards, their use as a mosquito repellent has not been optimized. Community Service (PKM) activities are carried out through outreach and training on making bio-spray from citronella as a mosquito repellent for dengue prevention. This activity aims to educate the public, especially housewives who are members of the Dahlia farmer group, about the dangers of dengue fever, the risks of long-term use of chemical insecticides, and the development of plant-based bio-sprays as an alternative solution to reduce the number of dengue fever transmissions.