Assessment of untreated Papua New Guinea timbers against subterranean termites. Final report
IRG/WP 93-10041
H C Konabe, M Rokova
Four years after the exposure of eight timber species of varying density against subterranean termites in a field trial, Kwila was still generally sound while Taun, Malas and PNG Walnut were beginning to be attacked slightly to moderately. Calophyllum, Kamarere, PNG Beech and White Cheesewood were severely attacked and failed. Results after the period of exposure shows that Kwila rates highly as the only durable timber while the durability of the other timber species were inconsistent with their density. The termites found to attacking the exposed timbers were Nasutitermes novarum hebriderum, Coptermes obiratus, Coptotermes acinaciformes and Microcerotermes repugnans.