Efficacy of Eucalyptus camadulensis (Dehnh.) Wood Vinegar as a Bio-Preservative against Subterranean termite attack on Triplochyton scleroxylon and Terminalia superba Wood Species

Abstract: This study examines wood vinegar extracted from Eucalyptus camaldulensis through the process of pyrolysis at various temperatures as an eco-friendly wood preservative, particularly against subterranean termite attacks on Triplochyton scleroxylon and Terminalia superba. Wood vinegar of Eucalyptus camaldulensis wood at the three temperatures (300°C, 400°C, and 500°C) were prepared into three concentration levels (50, 75 and 100%) and then tested for its preservative qualities. To assess its efficacy, treated wood samples were also incubated in a timber graveyard exposed to natural termite populations for 12 weeks. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α_0.05.The treated wood samples demonstrated enhanced resistance to termite damage; notably, those treated with wood vinegar from pyrolysis at 500°C showed no signs of termite activity or damage with weight loss of 0.4% and 1.8% for Triplochyton scleroxylon and Terminalia superba respectively, whereas samples treated with a 50% diluted solution from 300°C and 400°C exhibited only light termite attack with weight loss in the range of 0.8-5.7% , in stark contrast to the untreated controls which sustained significant damage with weight loss of 92%. This study not only underscores the benefits of using wood vinegar as an eco-friendly alternative but also encourages further exploration into its application across the wood preservation industry to promote environmental sustainability especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.