Evaluation of natural durability of ficus sur and cola gigantea from two ecological zones of Ghana

2015

English

Dwindling stocks of primary timber species poses a threat to wood industry and the focus is gradually shifting towards lesser used species (LUS) in an attempt to broaden wood resource base in the country. Cola gigantea and Ficus sur are among the lesser used species (LSU) being promoted for commercial utilization. For effective promotion and utilization of these two timber species, their natural durabilities among other wood properties have to be assessed in order to determine their commercial value. The natural durability of the two species from dry semi-deciduous (DSDZ) and moist semideciduous ecological zones (MSDZ) were tested using the white rot fungus Coriolopsis polyzona under the accelerated laboratory method in accordance with the ASTM D 2017-05 standard. A total of 360 wood blocks each measuring (14mm x 14mm x 14mm) from transverse and longitudinal sections of the wood were used for the study. Both species were found to be moderately durable with average weight loss of 36.1% and 33.6% for F. sur and C. gigantea respectively. Wood samples of F. sur from DSDZ with average weight loss of 30.2% were found to be less susceptible to the test fungus than samples from MSDZ with a mean weight loss of 37.0%. In order to prolong the service life for outdoor use, both species have to be treated with recommended wood preservatives.

Mensah, J. K.; Apetorgbor, M. M.; Owusu, F. W.