Screening of azadirachta indica seed oil against sap-stain and mould fungi in imported tectona grandis and southern yellow pine wood through fumigation

Abstract

Discoloration due to the attack of sap-stain and mould fungi has been known to reduce the value and aesthetics of timber products and render them unfit for specific uses where the appearance plays a crucial role in determining its importance. The efficacy of seed oil from Azadirachta indica as a fumigant was tested against sap-stain and mould fungi in imported Tectona grandis and southern yellow pine wood at temperature 25 ± 2 °C and relative humidity 75 ± 5 %. It was observed that the neem seed oil was effective in inhibiting the growth of sap-stain and mould fungi cultured in potato-dextrose agar (PDA) medium. The inhibition in the growth of mould and sap-stain fungi on fumigated wood reveals the potential of neem seed oil as an eco friendly preservative in lieu of the existing toxic chemicals.