SCREENING OF <em>AZADIRACHTA</em> <em>INDICA</em> SEED OIL AGAINST SAP-STAIN AND MOULD FUNGI IN IMPORTED <em>TECTONA</em> <em>GRANDIS</em> AND SOUTHERN YELLOW PINE WOOD THROUGH FUMIGATION

Abstract

Discoloration due to the attack of sap-stain and mould fungi has been known to reduce the value and aesthetics of timber products and render them unfit for specific uses where the appearance plays a crucial role in determining its importance. The efficacy of seed oil from Azadirachta indica as a fumigant was tested against sap-stain and mould fungi in imported Tectona grandis and southern yellow pine wood at temperature 25 ± 2 °C and relative humidity 75 ± 5 %. It was observed that the neem seed oil was effective in inhibiting the growth of sap-stain and mould fungi cultured in potato-dextrose agar (PDA) medium. The inhibition in the growth of mould and sap-stain fungi on fumigated wood reveals the potential of neem seed oil as an eco friendly preservative in lieu of the existing toxic chemicals.