Protection of Mahogany Wood (Swietenia macrophylla King) from Dry Wood Termite (Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light) Using Permethrin Dipping Treatment

Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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Abstract

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) wood from community forests is widely utilised in construction and furniture manufacturing due to its aesthetic qualities and strength. However, its moderate natural durability (class II–III) makes it susceptible to dry-wood termite infestation. Preservative treatment is therefore required to enhance its resistance. Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, demonstrates strong insecticidal properties and potential for wood preservation. This study investigated the effects of permethrin concentration and dipping duration on the protection of mahogany against dry wood termites (Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light). Mahogany samples (5 × 5 × 5 cm) were immersed in 36.8% permethrin solution. A completely randomised factorial design was employed to test two factors: permethrin concentration (0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%) and dipping duration (1, 3, 5, 7 minutes). Following treatment, samples were air-dried and exposed to 50 termites in a glass tube for 30 days. Preservative absorption, retention, termite mortality, weight loss, and degree of wood damage were measured. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level. Permethrin concentration significantly affected absorption, while dipping duration influenced retention. No significant interaction was observed between the two factors. Treatment with 0.5% permethrin for 1 minute effectively protected mahogany from termite attack.