A Masters’ thesis on the topic was successfully completed and submitted in September 2024. The thesis reports on results obtained from exposure of five Papua New Guinea (PNG) timber species (obtained from secondary growth or plantation grown) after 218 days (31 weeks) in a marine environment in sub-tropical Queensland, Australia. The species studied were: Hopea iriana (Hopea, heavy), Vitex cofassus (Vitex, PNG), Homalium foetidum (Malas), Pometia pinnata (Taun) and Castanospermum australe (Blackbean). CCA-treated and untreated Pinus radiata (radiata pine) was used as a control species. The exposure was left in place until harvested in December 2024; 664 days (95 weeks) after initial installation (January 2023). Furthermore, the marine organisms present at the site were determined by exposing untreated radiata pine samples over an 11-month period. Samples were removed monthly over the exposure period and assessed. After 11 months, all radiata pine samples were severely attacked. Teredinidae, especially Bankia australis and Teredo spp. were the dominant species recovered. Pholadidae Martesia striata and Sphaeromatide Sphaeroma terebrans were other groups of marine borers found. At the end of the exposure, all PNG samples were heavily fouled and needed extensive cleaning. Radiata pine controls were destroyed, unpreserved PNG species suffered increasing (from 31 weeks) levels of attack and CCA preserved samples were mostly protected. The results from this study will provide additional information for more effective utilisation of the tested PNG species in marine application.

Download document (1.1 Mb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document