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- Title
EFFECT OF DENSITY ON THE NATURAL RESISTANCE OF TEN SELECTED NIGERIAN WOOD SPECIES TO SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES.
- Authors
OWOYEMI, Jacob Mayowa; OLANIRAN, Samuel Oluyinka; ALIYU, Dauda Ishola
- Abstract
The effect of density on the natural resistance of ten selected Nigerian wood species to subterranean termites was investigated. Wood samples obtained from mixed-conversion boards were used such that the samples contained both sapwood and the heartwood. They were sawn to 35x35x450mm stake and dried at 103 ±2°C till a constant weight was achieved. Density of the selected wood species was determined. Based on the observed average density, the wood species were classified into high, medium or low density. Graveyard test method was used to assess the natural resistance of the samples on a site dominated by Macrotermes sybhylinus, a family of subterranean termites. Weekly visual observations of the stakes were taken as specified in ASTM D3345-80 Standards for 24 weeks. The wood samples were withdrawn at the 24th week of exposure to termites and weight loss due to termites' attack was estimated. Result obtained showed the relationship between wood density, weight loss and the ASTM ratings. A strong but negative correlation (R²= -0.70) existed between weight loss and wood density while a strong positive correlation (R²=0.83) existed between ASTM values and wood density. These results indicated that wood species in the high density class had a better resistance to termites' attack. The influence of mixed conversion on the resistance of wood species to subterranean termites was also reported, since it is the most common method of conversion in the Nigerian sawmills. The sapwood of high density species are not durable as revealed in the study thus the preservative treatment is imperative for long service-life.
- Publication
Pro Ligno, 2013, Vol 9, Issue 1, p32
- ISSN
1841-4737
- Publication type
Academic Journal