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Optimisation of resin extraction from an Australian arid grass ‘Triodia pungens’ and its preliminary evaluation as an anti-termite timber coating

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Amiralian, N., Annamalai, P. K., Fitzgerald, C. J., Memmott, P. and Martin, D. J. (2014) Optimisation of resin extraction from an Australian arid grass ‘Triodia pungens’ and its preliminary evaluation as an anti-termite timber coating. Industrial Crops and Products, 59 . pp. 241-247. ISSN 0926-6690

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Article Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.04.045

Publisher URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092666901400260X

Abstract

Spinifex grasses are the dominant vegetative component in Australian grassland habitats, covering approximately 26% of the Australian landmass. Our ongoing work explores the utility of both the cellulosic and resinous components of this abundant biomass for modern applications and a potential economy for our Aboriginal collaborators. This study is focused on the optimisation of a resin extraction process using solvent, and the subsequent evaluation, via a field trial, of the potential use and efficacy of the resin as an anti-termite coating material. Termiticidal performance was evaluated by re-dissolving the extracted resin in acetone and coating on pine timber blocks. The resin-coated and control blocks were then exposed to a colony of Mastotermes darwiniensis’ (Froggatt) termites, which are the most primitive alive and destructive species in subterranean area, at a trial site in northeast Australia, for six months. The results clearly showed that spinifex resin effectively protected the timber from termite attack, while the uncoated control samples were extensively damaged. By demonstrating an enhanced termite resistance, we here report that plant resins that are produced by arid/semi-arid grasses could be potentially used as treatments to prevent termite attack.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Horticulture and Forestry Science
Keywords:Spinifex resin Triodia pungens Mastotermes darwiniensis Protective coating Termite resistance Aboriginal economy
Subjects:Plant pests and diseases > Pest control and treatment of diseases. Plant protection
Forestry > Research. Experimentation
Live Archive:20 Jan 2015 01:26
Last Modified:03 Sep 2021 16:44

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