TERMICIDAL PROPERTIES OF Schizachyrium exile (Hochst) EXTRACTS ON Daniellia oliveri AND Parkia biglobosa WOOD SAMPLES

Abstract

Schizachyrium exile was investigated for its termicidal properties on Daniellia oliveri and Parkia biglobosa woods using test woods processed into 2x2x6 cm dimensions. Root and stem s of S. exile extracted in three solvents N-hexane, methanol, and ethyl acetate separately were used for the trial. Root and stem extracts of S. exile at 1.2 %, 0.6 % and 0.3 % cconcentrations were used to treat woods by immersion for 24 hours. The trial was set-up in a termitarium using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates. The trial consisted of a total of 12 treatments with each solvents as positive checks and untreated wood samples as the control. Results showed that D. oliveri had significantly higher percentage absorption of extracts (46.53 and 45.27 %) using both root and stem extracts of S. exile while it was lower (45.27 % and 36.51 %) in P. biglobosa wood samples. Higher percentage retention of extracts (5.90 % and 6.34 %) was observed in D. oliveri treated with root and stem extracts compared to P. biglobosa with lower retention (4.94 % and 4.99 %) for both root and stem extracts respectively. Termites' infestation on D. oliveri and P. biglobosa wood samples commenced one and two months' post treatment respectively. Percentage weight loss in wood samples was highest (100 %) in D. oliveri and P. biglobosa wood samples treated with only solvents (positive check) and untreated wood samples (control). Percentage weight loss was lower in wood treated with 1.2 % concentrations. The study revealed that 1.2 % concentration of all extracts were the most effective against termite infestation.