Anti-Termites Properties of Liquid Smoke from Bintangur Wood

Abstract

Wood and wood-based products are very vulnerable to termite attacks. One of the methods to control termite attacks is using chemical insecticide. However, the use of chemical insecticide is considered a negative effect on the environment. The aim of this research was to determine the anti-termite properties of liquid smoke against Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren. The liquid smoke derived from bintangur wood pyrolysis at 370°C, 400°C, and 430°C was assessed as an anti-termite activity. Anti-termite activities against C. curvignathus were conducted by using liquid smoke with the concentration of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% (v/v). Simple linear regression was used to measure the effect of liquid smoke concentration against C. curvignathus. The results showed that the liquid smoke concentration of 6% and 8% at the three pyrolysis temperatures effectively controlled the subterranean termite's attack and resulted in 100% termites mortality. The chemical content of bintangur wood vinegar has contained phenol (1.23–1.65%) and acid (4.33–6.68%). Keywords: acid content, antitermitic activity, bintangur wood, phenol content, wood vinegar