Fungal inhibition in wood treated with Lantana camara L. Extract

Abstract

Wood is a sustainable, strong, economical and renewable organic material. However, under certain conditions of exposure it deteriorates rapidly due to a combination of biological, chemical and physical processes. Wood decomposition by fungal micro-organisms has adverse effects and is a major source of losses to wood. Therefore, the present investigation has been carried out to ensure protection from the fungal decay and to enhance the durability of wood. Although treatment with synthetic chemical preservatives is an effective method to induce biological resistance in wood but it causes environmental pollution. Thus the use of plant based environmental-friendly formulations as biopreservatives is emphasized. Lantana camara L. belonging to family Verbenaceae, known worldwide as an obnoxious weed, possesses antifungal properties. The wood samples of three species viz., Pinus roxburghii Sargent, Celtis australis L., and Bombax ceiba L. were dip treated for 72 h with methanol extract of Lantana camara L. leaves at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% (w/v) concentrations. These treated samples were assessed for fungal inhibition. The results revealed significant inhibition in the fungal growth in wood treated with 1.5 and 2% concentrations of Lantana camara L. extract.