Evaluation of the chemical composition and natural durability of natural and plantation grown African Mahogany Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. in Ghana

2016

English

Little information exists on the properties of tropical tree species that are now being used in plantations in different tropical countries including Ghana. In this study, the variation in chemical composition and natural durability of both plantation grown and natural African Mahogany harvested in Ghana were evaluated using TAPPI standards, ASTM D 1758-06 (2008) and AWPA E-7-07 (2008). The total extraneous materials in plantation grown Africa Mahogany was relatively higher than the natural stands. Results showed that the alcohol extractives in plantation and natural samples were 2.7 and 1.8% respectively. However, the natural samples recorded higher cellulose, holocellulose and lignin contents of 39.2, 32.2%; 66.4, 61.4% and 17.3, 15.2%. After 26 weeks of assessment of the natural durability under the graveyard test, the bottom portions of both types of mahoganies were rated as moderately attacked, the middle portion rated as moderate to severe attack while the top portion rated as severely attacked. Moreover, both the plantation grown and naturally grown mahoganies were rated as moderately to severely attacked after 26 weeks exposure in the field. It is recommended that as plantation of indigenous species are encouraged, their properties should be evaluated to enhance their acceptance and utilization.

Tekpetey, S.L.; Essien, C.; Appiah-Kubi, E.; Opuni-Frimpong, E.; Korang, J.