Author(s): Umar MR, Andrew D and Jatau DF

Abstract: The study compared the efficacy of Khaya senegalensis extracts and solignum as wood preservatives. Extracts were prepared from the seed and bark of Khaya senegalensis and compared with solignum. A total of 30 sawn wood samples of Gmelina arborea was used for the experiment. The wood samples were first oven dried at 85 °C to constant moisture content and weight of each recorded. Five sets of wood samples were soaked in the aqueous extract from the bark of Khaya senegalensis, five sets were soaked in the seed extract (oil), five sets were soaked in solignum, five sets were then soacked in equal proportion of seed and bark extract, another five sets soaked in equal proportion of solignum, seed and bark extract and the last five sets were left without any form of treatment. The type of the extract used, their mixtures and combination with solignum significantly influenced the degree of resistance of the wood (Gmelina arborea) to termite attack (p<0.O5). Wood samples treated with seed extract were susceptible to termite attack but their level of resistance to attack was 13.41% better than untreated wood samples Bark extract was classified as effective when compared to seed extract. Combination Khaya senegalensis extract with solignum offered the most discernible level of protection. Thus the findings of the study further confirm the claim by wood experts that the non-application of wood preservatives of wood makes it prone to termite infestation and deterioration. The possibility of using Khaya senegalensis extracts (seeds, bark extract) as a preservative provides a window for its adaptation as an alternative wood preservative that is safe for human handling and to the environment.

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