Vol.07. Nos.3 - 4 (2008) pp.271-280
Title:

Field performance of treated green bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl. var. vulgaris Hort.) with extracts from neem.

Authors:Antwi-Boasiako, C; Abubakari, A

Abstract:Bamboo is highly prone to bio-degradation. Most of the conventional inorganic wood preservatives, employed to prolong its service life, are of major environmental concern, as their use continues to generate substantial global awareness. Thus, preservatives safe to the ecosystem are increasingly being sought. This present study examines the efficacy of extracts from an eeo-friendly organic source, neem (Azadirachta indica) on the durability of green bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris var. vulgaris.) using the graveyard/field test. A batch of seventy B. vulgaris stakes (250x50xlOmm) were pressure-treated with 0.5 and 1 per cent A indica extracts from bark, leaves, roots and seeds. Seventy other untreated stakes served as the control. Stakes were exposed to termites and other bio-degraders for sixteen weeks. Deterioration of the bamboo stakes was assessed using their percentage losses in mass and hardness as well as visual durability ratings. The control stakes performed worse against termite attack than those treated. However, stakes treated with 1 per cent extract from seed resisted attack better than those with 0.5 per cent concentration. In general, extracts from A indica seeds eonferred better durability on the treated stakes than those impregnated with extracts from the vegetative parts.

Keywords:durability; extracts; preservatives; stored products pes

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