Abstract

Raw materials for the pulp and paper industries stored out of doors are subject to deterioration caused by insects or rot-producing organisms. In this study, the nature and causes of deterioration of cashew wood and reeds (Ochlandra spp.) were investigated in 1980-81 in Kerala, India, with a view to developing suitable control measures. Cashew timber was damaged mainly by the cerambycid Batocera rufomaculata (Deg.), the bostrichid Sinoxylon anale Lesneand the scolytid Xyleborus similis Ferr., and notes are given on the observed biology of each. The 1st 2 species caused the most serious damage, especially in December and January, and the 3rd species attacked only in the 1st 2 months of outdoor storage (October and November), causing superficial injuries. Logs from which the bark had been removed suffered less damage than did logs stored with the bark. Monthly spraying with 0.5 HCH (BHC) or a 2 solution of boric acid and borax (a fungicide with some insecticidal action) did not give effective protection, and more frequent applications appear to be necessary to prevent the beetles from becoming established. It is suggested that the logs should have the bark stripped off before stacking and should be treated thereafter with HCH at fortnightly intervals. It was noted that the degree of insect damage could not be measured by the weight of the logs, which fluctuated with the ambient moisture conditions and increased in the monsoon period even after pest attack. Reeds were damaged only by fungi on thestorage site and no insect attack was observed, although Dinoderus spp. are known to infest stored reeds