Evaluation of castor bean oil on Acacia nilotica as wood preservative against Odontotermes obesus (Ramb.) (Termitidae: Isoptera)

Abstract

The sap and heart wooden stakes of Acacia nilotica var. indica, after seasoning and castor bean (Ricinis communis) oil application for exposure to workers of the termites, Odontotermes obesus (Ramb.), were placed in soil pits in completely randomised design with three replications. In each of seasoning and oil application, per cent weight loss of the wooden stakes were recorded and statistically analysed. Minimum per cent weight loss of sap and heart wooden stakes was observed in maximum period of seasoning (100°C for 15 days in oven drying and 60 days in sun drying method) and highest concentration of castor bean oil (20%) by vacuum pressure application. These results are discussed in relation to seasoning and castor bean oil application for wood protection against subterranean termites.