Prevention and Control of Insect Borers and Fungal Stains and Decay of the Timber of Malaboda (Myristica Dactyloides Gaerth)

MALABODA is a large statelv tree rather common in distribution in the wet evergreen forests of the south-western quarter of the Island. It regenerates itself fairly readily and naturally following exp1oitation of such forests. The timber merits more extended use but is non-durable and subject to borers under ordinary conditions. In the course of these investigations concerned with the prevention of insect borers and fungal decay 7 different species of beetles and one fungus have been identified as being mainly responsible. Experiments of surface coating logs, barked or unbarked with selected preservatives have shewn that none are really of any use. Stacking logs well above ground was found to give no advantage. Unbarked logs are more heavily infested by borers than barked logs. All logs no matter how treated decayed beyond possibility of their being put to any use whatsoever within 6 months of felling When left under forest conditions. Logs kept immersed in water remained sound and free of any borers or decay only so long as they remained in the water. They became so affected When removed and exposed to infection even after a period of six months in water.