The wood preservative potential of long-lasting Amazonian wood extracts

• Published in: International biodeterioration & biodegradation Vol. 75; pp. 146 - 149
• Main Authors: Rodrigues, Alice M.S., Stien, Didier, Eparvier, Véronique, Espindola, Laila S., Beauchêne, Jacques, Amusant, Nadine, Leménager, Nicolas, Baudassé, Christine, Raguin, Lucien
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Andira; Biodegradation; Chemical Sciences; Degradation; Durability; Durable wood extracts; Effectiveness; Formulations; Fungi; Gloeophyllum trabeum; Handroanthus serratifolius; Manilkara; Organic chemistry; Preservatives; Rotting fungi; Trametes versicolor; Wood; Wood preservation; Durable wood extracts; Wood preservation; Handroanthus serratifolius; Rotting fungi
• ISSN: 0964-8305; 1879-0208
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2012.03.014

Investigations were carried out on the efficacy of extracts from seven Amazonian woods (Bagassa guianensis, Manilkara huberi, Sextonia rubra, Vouacapoua americana, Andira surinamensis, Handroanthus serratifolius, and Qualea rosea) with varying natural durability to reduce soft-rot degradation in a 6-wk soil-bed test. Six of the wood extracts had shown efficacy against soft-rot fungi. In particular, the preservation efficacies of B. guianensis, H. serratifolius, and S. rubra extracts were highly significant up to retention levels of 23, 25, and 12 kg m−3, respectively. Three extracts (A. surinamensis, H. serratifolius, and Q. rosea) were then tested against Gloeophyllum trabeum (brown rot) and Trametes versicolor (white rot), in an agar-block test. H. serratifolius wood extract was very efficient at protecting P. sylvestris samples at 5.1 kg m−3 against the brown rot. This extract could be used as a basis for new wood protectant formulations.
► Handroanthus serratifolius and Andira surinamensis extracts are antifungals. ► These wood extracts efficiently protect sensible woods against wood-rotting fungi. ► Long-lasting woods inspire the discovery of less toxic wood preservatives.