Durability of three tropical timber species growing in Bangladesh to white-rot fungi

The present study aimed to determine the durability of three tropical timber species (Dipterocarpus turbinatus, Artocarpus chaplasha, Michelia champaca) growing in Bangladesh against three white-rot fungi, such as Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Ceriporiopsis subvermispor and Trametes versicolor. The durability was examined by mass loss of tested wood samples. In addition, the extractive content and wood density were determined. The sapwood mass loss was significantly higher than the heartwood in each case. The heartwood mass loss in D. turbinatus was significantly higher against P. chrysosporium than T. versicolor and C. subvermispora. On the other hand, the heartwood mass loss in A. chapalasha and M. champaca was significantly higher against T. versicolor and P. chrysosporium compared to C. subvermispora. The sapwood was moderately durable in each case. However, the heartwood of D. turbinatus was durable against P. chrysosporium, whereas very durable against C. subvermispora and T. versicolor. Similarly, the heartwood of A. chapalasha and M. champaca was durable under P. chrysosporium and T. versicolor, and very durable against C. subvermispora. The results also revealed that the durability of these species was mainly related to the extractive content in wood. Therefore, the patterns of durability variation explore the potential of these species as a suitable substitute in the wood industry.