Mitigating Climate Change Effects Using Eco-Friendly Wood Preservatives

Abstract

Climate change, due to global warming has serious environmental phenomena, which result into loss of biodiversity. In view of the depleting effect of climate change on renewable forest resources, particularly woody species, it becomes necessary to consider strategies of preserving the limited wood resources using local preservatives. Consequently, a study was conducted to assess the effects of eco-friendly locally developed wood preservatives on the resistance of Triplochiton scleroxylon (Obeche) to termites attack. The research was carried out in 3 different locations, with 4 different treatments in Bassa L.G.A. of Plateau State. Thus, 3 termites’ mounds were randomly isolated and labeled as locations A, B, and C. For each of the locations, 80 wood specimens were prepared for the field trail. Sixty (60) of the samples were treated with the various preservatives as follows: neem oil (20 pieces), mahogany oil (20 pieces), and shea butter oil (20 pieces). The remaining 20 pieces served as control. All the 240 wood specimens were spread on the sites where the presence of the termites was endemic for 24 weeks. Thereafter the degree of attack was estimated by measuring the length of furrow, and recording loss in weight of the wood samples. The data obtained were subjected to ANOVA to test for the level of significance between the locations and treatments. Results of the experiment showed that all the locally extracted wood preservatives significantly resisted the termites attack in treated wood samples. Neem-oil treated wood samples recorded the highest significant resistance, having the least (0.01cm) mean length of furrow and the least () mean weight loss. This is trailed alongside by mahogany oil (0.0017kg) and shea butter-oil () treated wood samples showing significant resistance against termites’ invasion. Thus neem-oil extract is recommended as an eco-friendly protection against termite attack. Further studies can still be researched, on the most effective concentration(s) of neem-oil extract against termites’ infestation and other biodegrading organisms.

Key words: Obeche wood, Termites, Neem-oil, Mahogany-oil, Shea butter-oil.