Bamboo is a very important forest resource that benefits the life of people in a myriad ways including meeting the need for structural uses like posts, pole fencing, scaffoldings, house building, etc. Although it is one of the strongest structural material available, often succumbs to fungal decay and biodeterioration by insects (termites and powder post beetles) during storage and usage. Studies were undertaken on the natural durability of some selected bamboo species against termites in the field condition and against decay under accelerated laboratory conditions. Also the efficacy of CCA treatment by two methods of applications and two organosphosphorous, three synthetic pyrethroid insecticides and cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) were evaluated for enhancing the durability of bamboo against subterranean termites. The studies indicated that the durability of different species varied greatly and flowered bamboos more durable than nonflowered bamboos against termites and fungi. Boucherie process of treatment with CCA was found more effective than sap displacement method. Among the insecticides evaluated Chlorpyriphos was found most effective in enhancing the durability. The findings were discussed in the present communication.

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