Natural resistance of seven woods to <i>Nasutitermes corniger</i> (Motsch.) termite under alimentary preference assay

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the natural resistance of seven woods to Nasutitermes corniger (Motsch.) subterranean termite under alimentary preference assay. The studied woods were Leucaena leucocephala, Cordia trichotoma, Mimosa tenuiflora, Croton sonderianus, Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, Azadirachta indica and Tectona grandis. Test samples measuring 5.00 x 2.00 x 0.64 cm (longitudinal x radial x tangential) were obtained in four positions in pith-to-bark  direction. The samples were submitted during 45 days to the termite action under laboratory condition. The loss of mass and waste caused in assayed woods were evaluated. The C. trichotoma, M. tenuiflora and M. caesalpiniifolia were the more resistant woods and the L. leucocephala, C. sonderianus and A. indica were the less resistants. There was little relationship between density and the wood resistance.