Termite resistance of the less known tropical woods species grown in West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

This research focused on the natural durability of twenty one lesser known tropical wood species planted in West Java, Indonesia against subterranean termite (Coptotermes curvignathus). It was observed that both heartwood and sapwood of Kiara payung (Filicium decipiens); heartwoods of Nangka (Arthocarpus heterophyllus), Mahoni (Swietenia macrophylla) and Simpur (Dillenia grandifolia); and sapwood of Bungur (Lagerstroemia speciosa) were rated as resistant (natural durability class II) according to Indonesian standard SNI 01.7207.2006 (BSN 2006). Both heartwood and sapwood of Salam (Syzigium polyanthum), Pasang (Lithocarpus sundaicus), Bisbul (Diospyros discolor), Rukam (Flacourtia rukam) and Trembesi (Samanea saman); heartwood of Puspa (Schima walichii), Bungur, Tanjung (Mimusops elangi) and Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus) were rated as moderately resistant (natural durability class III). Both heartwood and sapwood of Sungkai (Peronema canescens), Pine (Pinus merkusii), Mangium (Acacia mangium) and Afrika (Maesopsis eminii); sapwoods of Mahoni, Puspa and Tanjung were rated as poorly resistant (natural durability class IV). Both heartwood and sapwood of Agathis (Agathis dammara), Durian (Durio zibethinus), Ki sampang (Evodia latifolia) and Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba); sapwoods of Nangka and Angsana were rated as very poorly resistant (natural durability class V). This reserach showed that woods with lower resistance against C. curvignathus attack (natural durability class IV and V) tend to have lower termite mortality values compared to woods with higher resistance against C. curvignathus attack (natural durability class II and III). Results of the study will provide some valuable information on termite resistance of twenty one lesser known tropical wood species planted in Indonesia.