Natural durability of 25 species of Indian timbers has been discussed, based on data collected from test panels exposed in Goa waters (west coast of India. for a period of 7 months. All the timber species, except Cleistanthus collinus, were heavily destroyed within 7 months on account of the combined attack by Martesia striata (Linnaeus) and Lyrodus pedicellatus (Quatrefages). Cleistanthus collinus, though harboured numerous Martesia striata, did not suffer internal damage (only less then 2%), as the growth of borers was very much restricted. This is attributed to the presence of certain lignan-lactone glycosides like Cleistathin-C and Cleistathin-D in the wood. Similary, species like Wrightia tomentosa and Lannea coromandelica were destroyed exclusively by Martesia striata, indicating the presence of chemicals poisonous to shipworms. The results have been compared and discussed with those reported by previous workers.

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