Abstract

Vitex altissima was tested for its natural resistance against five decay fungi, three whiterotters and two brownrotters, adopting accelerated laboratory test. The wood of V. altissima is highly resistant. Though the test fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum was highly virulent against the reference blocks of Bombax ceiba, it caused the least weight loss in V. altissima. Polyporus versicolor caused the maximum weight loss. The density of V. altissima varied from 620 to 830 kg/m. This points out that the amount of extractives present in the wood also may vary considerably resulting in different response to different fungi