RESISTANCE NATURAL RESISTANCE OF BAMBUSA VULGARIS TO TERMITE AND POWDER-POST BEETLE ATTACK

Abstract

Deterioration is the major setback to the utilisation of bamboo products. To enhance bamboo utilisation, an understanding of the level of resistance to degradation is important. In this study, natural resistance of Bambusa vulgaris to attack by termites and powder-post beetle were evaluated. Bamboo aged 2, 3 and 4 years old were subjected to attack by subterranean termites and powder-post beetles for six month in a short span field tests. After exposure to attack by selected degrading insects, the weight loss was determined. There was significant variation in termite resistance among the three age classes, while no variation occurred along the culm length. In contrast to termite resistivity, resistance to powder-post beetles infestation varied significantly along the culm length from base to the top, while resistance among the three age classes were similar. Age 4 exhibited highest resistance to termites and were therefore placed in ‘resistant’ class, while age 3, basal and middle portion were moderately resistant. The resistance of B. vulgaris from all the age classes and culm portion against powder-post attack was poor. The findings showed that termite resistance depend on culm age while that of powder-post is indifferent to age or the culm portion.