Efficacy of Eucalyptus camadulensis (Dehnh.) Wood Vinegar as a Bio-Preservative against Subterranean termite attack on Triplochyton scleroxylon and Terminalia superba Wood Species
This study examines wood vinegar extracted from Eucalyptus camaldulensis through the process of pyrolysis at various temperatures as an eco-friendly wood preservative, particularly against subterranean termite attacks on Triplochyton scleroxylon and Terminalia superba. Wood vinegar of Eucalyptus camaldulensis wood at the three temperatures (300°C, 400°C, and 500°C) were prepared into three concentration levels (50, 75 and 100%) and then tested for its preservative qualities. To assess its efficacy, treated wood samples were also incubated in a timber graveyard exposed to natural termite populations for 12 weeks. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05.The treated wood samples demonstrated enhanced resistance to termite damage; notably, those treated with wood vinegar from pyrolysis at 500°C showed no signs of termite activity or damage with weight loss of 0.4% and 1.8% for Triplochyton scleroxylon and Terminalia superba respectively, whereas samples treated with a 50% diluted solution from 300°C and 400°C exhibited only light termite attack with weight loss in the range of 0.8-5.7% , in stark contrast to the untreated controls which sustained significant damage with weight loss of 92%. This study not only underscores the benefits of using wood vinegar as an eco-friendly alternative but also encourages further exploration into its application across the wood preservation industry to promote environmental sustainability especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
