Natural Durability of Three Selected Ghanaian Lesser Used/Known Timber Species Using Accelerated Laboratory Test
Keywords:
Blighia sapida, Coriolopsis polyzona, Decay, Gilbertiodendron limba, Lannea welwitschiiAbstract
Dwindling stocks of primary timber species poses a threat to the wood industry and the focus is gradually shifting towards lesser used/known species in an attempt to broaden the wood resource base in the country. Blighia sapida, Gilbertiodendron limba and Lannea welwitschii are among the lesser used/known timber species being promoted for commercial utilization in Ghana and beyond. The natural durability of heartwood and sapwood of three timber species were tested using the white rot fungus Coriolopsis polyzona using accelerated laboratory method in accordance with ASTM D 2017-05 standard. 540 wood blocks each measuring (14mm x 14mm x 14mm) were used. Mass loss, decay resistance rating and decay susceptibility index were the properties determined after 16 weeks of exposure to Coriolopsis polyzona. Blighia sapida, recorded mean mass loss of 36.07%, whereas Gilbertiodendron limba recorded 19.24% and Lannea welwitschii recorded 24.36% in that order. The results indicate that the mass loss of Gilbertiodendron limba was the least, although none of the species was classified as highly resistance. At 5% level of significance, the section, portion and the species as well as their interactions had significant effects on the decay resistance of the timber species.
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