Abstract

The nature and causes of deterioration of cashew wood stored outdoors and the effect of some protective treatments were studied. Damage was caused primarily by insect borers, and fungal damage was negligible. The 3 borer species found were the cerambycid Batocera rufomaculata, the scolytid Xyleborus similis and the bostrichid Sinoxylon anale. B. rufomaculata caused the greatest damage, followed by S. anale. Monthly or fortnightly application of HCH at 0. 5 or borax-boric acid (2 boric acid equivalent) to the exposed surfaces of the stacks did not give adequate protection against the pests. However, debarking the billets before stacking gave satisfactory protection against B. rufomaculata and reduced infestation by X. similis. More frequent prophylactic application of insecticide is recommended to reduce the chances of attack by S. anale