Evaluation of honey bee propolis as wood preservative using weight loss

Abstract

Propolis, a natural product of Honeybees was evaluated as wood preservative. The need for this study arises as a result of the toxicity of conventional preservatives. Propolis Extract (PE) was obtained through ethanol extraction. The extract, diluted with absolute ethanol was prepared into four concentration levels using volume to volume method. Test blocks of Triplochiton scleroxylon measuring 5.0 x 2.5 x 1.5 cm were oven-dried at 103^oC for 18h and treated by dipping in the four concentrations for 4 minutes. The treated and untreated test blocks were incubated in culture jars containing active growth of Coriolopsis polyzona and Coniophora puteana grown on Potato dextrose agar for 16 weeks. The efficacy of PE, in inhibiting fungal growth, was evaluated using Weight Loss (WL). Data obtained were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, 2 - way Analysis of Variance and LSD test for mean separation. Results were significant at p<0.01. The PE was observed to inhibit the test fungi at higher concentrations after incubation. Post mortem analysis revealed the Killing Point Concentration (KPC) of PE against C. polyzona at 50 % and Coniophora puteana at 75 %.

Keywords: Propolis, Wood preservative, Coriolopsis polyzona, Coniophora puteana, Weight loss