Natural Durability and Biodeterioration Resistance of Two Fast-Growing Tropical Tree Species: A Comparative Assessment of Acacia mangium and Leucaena leucocephala

Abstract

This study compared the natural durability and termite resistance of wild small-diameter Acacia mangium and Leucaena leucocephala wood under tropical field conditions. Specimens (30 cm × 2.5 cm) were exposed for 12 weeks in a graveyard test following ASTM D1758-06 standards at the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Jeli Campus. Decay and termite damage were assessed through visual ratings, weight loss analysis, and termite identification. Results showed that A. mangium exhibited significantly lower weight loss (30.54%) than L. leucocephala (51.95%) (p < 0.05), indicating higher natural resistance. The dominant termite species identified was Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren. The superior durability of A. mangium is attributed to its higher content of extractives such as tannins and phenolics that inhibit fungal and termite activity. Findings classify A. mangium as moderately durable (Class II–III) and L. leucocephala as less durable (Class III–IV), emphasizing the need for preservative treatment in tropical applications.

Kewords: Acacia mangium; Leucaena leucocephala; natural durability; termite resistance; biodeterioration