Abstract

A preliminary study on the preservative treatment of rattans by simple diffusion process shows that treatment is more efficient when stem is immersed vertically than horizontally. Dry salt retention is about 215 greater in the former method than in the late. This study suggests the need for further research on the treatment of full length canes with varying treatment periods and concentrations of treating solutions. Between-species differences in treatability are discussed in relation to anatomical characteristics. Size, distribution and condition of vessels (protoxylem, more importantly metaxylem), phloem destribution, size of secretory cavities and intercellular spaces, perforation plates, lateral wall pits and tylose like structures may influence the permeability. Lateral penetration is restricted by the lack of ray cells. The major factors influencing treatability are therefore species, void volume, stem position (periphery/centre) permeability and moisture content