Biological performance of Liquidambar orientalis Mill. heartwood

New approaches for wood protection based on green technologies have increased interest in using heartwood portions of certain wood species for the effects (toxic and antioxidant properties, chelate formation, hydrophobicity) of extractives located in heartwood. This study evaluated the biological performance of heartwood of Liquidambar orientalis Mill., trees well-known for production of balsam. Heartwood specimens were subjected to soil-block decay tests based on the American Wood Protection Association standard method using two brown-rot and two white-rot fungi. Specimens were also subjected to two different laboratory termite resistance tests. Additionally, heartwood specimens were tested for mold growth and resistance to furniture beetle larvae. Laboratory fungal decay resistance tests showed that the heartwood of the tree was not resistant against the fungi tested; however, the wood was resistant against termites and furniture beetle larvae in laboratory conditions. Mold tests revealed that the wood also showed resistance to mold growth. Complete biological resistance was not achieved in this study, suggesting that heartwood extractives do not directly correspond to resistance to wood-degrading fungi.

► We evaluate biological performance of Liquidambar orientalis heartwood.
► The heartwood of the species was resistance against termites, mold fungi, and the larvae of furniture beetle.
► Indoor applications where fungal decay risks are absent can be considered for L. orientalis wood.