By: OWOYEMI J. M.; KAYODE J. O.; OLANIRAN O. S.;
Abstract:
This study examined the natural resistance of Gmelina arborea wood to termites’ attack. Untreated Gmelina wood of ages 10, 15, 20 and 25 years respectively were exposed to termites at the timber graveyard. Visual examination according to American Society for Testing Materials was carried out for a period of 18months. The result showed that Gmelina arborea wood attained a visual rating of 3.5 and 2.8 for ages 25 and 20years in the 18th month, 15-year old wood attained a visual rating of 0 at the 18th month while the 10-year old wood attained a rating of 0 at the 12th month. This result showed that the visual rating for the ages examined were tending towards zero or completely failed before the 18th month. The result indicated that Gmelina arborea wood is not naturally resistant to termites. However, the study revealed the effect of age (maturity) on the ability of the wood to withstand attack. It is therefore necessary that Gmelina arborea wood be treated with preservative irrespective of the age at which it is procured to extend its service life beyond the level of its natural durability
Keywords: Gmelina arborea, age, termites, durability, natural resistance
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