Phenol extractives are naturally synthesized compounds taken from several trees. It is well demonstrated that the presence of phenol compounds is positively correlated with the durability of wood. This property is very interesting for outdoor uses of wood with a limited treatment. Phenol compounds may also be used in the formulation of glue. In the aim to improve the knowledge on Mediterranean trees, we studied the concentration of condensed tannins in 6 species commonly present in the Tunisian countryside: Juniperus phoenicea, Pistacia lentiscus, Pistacia Atlantica, Ceratonia siliqua, Rhus tripartitum, Punica Granatum. The study was limited to leaves, bark, roots and fruit in order to avoid cutting the trees and preserve them for future industrial uses. Phenolic compound were analysed by the Folin Ciocalteu method, Proanthocyanidin by the vanillin method and GC analysis. Biocide performance on agar-agar was tested with fungi rot. The total phenol concentration of the samples were between 1,8% (bark of Pistacia atlantica) and 15% (bark of Punica granatum). Poranthocyanidin represented 41 % of the Punica granatum bark. Biocide tests confirm positive correlation between extractive contents and fungi rot growth limitation for the bark of fruit of the Punica granatum.

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