ISSN: 0973-7510
E-ISSN: 2581-690X
Studies were conducted on the proximate, mineral and phytochemical constituent of Brachystegia eurycoma (Harms) wood extracts. The termicidal and antifungal properties of aqueous and ethanol extract were determined. The survival of Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri on wood shavings of B. eurycoma for seven days was also investigated. The growth of Fomes heterobasidium, Polyporus coridus and Daedalea daedaleopsis was inhibited by the extracts. The test for the termicidal effect of B.eurycoma revealed that ethanol extract was more active. Survival rate of termites on B.eurycoma was 0% after the end of a seven day no-choice food experiment, while the consumption rate of the wood was 0.3%. Phytochemical studies of the wood sample revealed the presence of oxalate (12.83 ± 0.08mg/100g), hydrocyanic acid (22.62± ± 0.08 mg / 100g), tannin (8.10 ±0.89mg/100g) and phytic acid (3.01± 0.00mg/100g). Magnesium had the highest value of 875.0± 0.01 ppm while lead had the lowest value of 1.67± 0.01 ppm. Cobalt was not detected.
Brachystegia eurycoma, fungi, termite, survival
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