Hygroscopic properties following drying affects wood consumption by Odontotermes obesus
Author
Ahmed, Sohail
Abbas Naqvi, Syed Khawar
Akbar Sherazi, Ali
Hassan, Babar
Asam Riaz, Muhammad
Zeeshan Majeed, Muhammad
Abstract
The relationship between drying and hygroscopic ability of Crateva adansonii and Populus deltoides woods to resist feeding by Odontotermes obesus was studied. Woods were dried under the sun and in the oven for a range of 5-25 days and then these were exposed to termites for 25 days in underground pits in Randomized Complete Block Design pattern with five replications. Results showed that lowest moisture gain was observed at a short time for drying with each method. Weight loss after termites’ exposure was more in less dried sap and heartwood of either plant species. The practical implication of these results is discussed.