Chemical characterization of pyrolysis liquids from Dyera costulata and evaluation of their bio-efficiency against subterranean termites, Coptotermes curvignathus

Kadir R., Sarif Mohd Ali M., KARTAL S. N., Elham P., Mohd Ali N. A., Awang A. F.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS, vol.80, no.1, pp.45-56, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 80 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00107-021-01732-z
  • Journal Name: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Chimica, Compendex, ICONDA Bibliographic, INSPEC, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.45-56
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Wood degradation caused by fungi and insects is a major problem for the rubberwood industry. This study evaluated the potential of using pyrolysis liquids (wood vinegar) from Dyera costulata as a natural biocide against termites. The infestation rates of Coptotermes curvignathus on filter paper samples treated with 0.5%, 1.0%, 5.0% and 10.0% of Dyera costulata wood vinegar were observed in laboratory conditions. The effects of D. costulata wood vinegar treatment depended on the concentration. Filter paper samples treated with 10% D. costulata wood vinegar had the highest resistance against C. curvignathus attack, with the lowest relative mass loss, followed in rank order by the 5% and 1% treatments. Results from tests on Hevea brasiliensis wood treated with wood vinegar also showed a similar trend. The results suggest that D. costulata wood vinegar acts as a wood preservative against termites, provided proper concentration is used.