Wood Protection by <I>Pongamia pinnata</I> Seed Oil Through Heating Process

Abstract

Pongamia pinnata (L) Pierre is thought to be a native of India and is found throughout Asia. Pongamia oil is considered to possess anti-fungal and insecticidal activity but this property is not fully tapped and is under utilized. The present study was carried out to evaluate the potential of pongamia oil against wood decaying fungi. The oil was tested at different concentrations against Oligoporus placentus and Trametes versicolor by Potato dextrose agar bioassay. Results revealed that oil at concentration levels of 15 and 10% recorded considerable growth inhibition of both the test fungi. However, at lower concentrations the oil was found ineffective. The oil was further evaluated for its efficacy against the test fungi by soil block bioassay method. Poplar and chir pine sapwood specimens treated with pongamia oil at 180 and 200 °C, recorded considerable reduction in weight loss as compared to control against test fungi. Heating resulted in colour change of oil as well as that of wood. Preliminary study shows that Pongamia pinnata oil can be explored for wood protection.