The susceptibility of neolithic waterlogged beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) to destruction by Reticulitermes lucifugus Rossi

Abstract

The article presents the results of a test on the resistance of Neolithic waterlogged beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) to destruction by sReticulitermes lucifugus Rossi. Methodology consistent with the AS TM D 3345-08 Standard was applied in the experiment. In the coercion test, the modern beech wood was destroyed at an intermediate stage between light att ack and moderate attack with penetration, whereas the pine sapwood was heavily d amaged. Under the same conditions, the waterlogged beech wood was seriousl y damaged or completely destroyed by the termites. However, unlike the modern pine and beech wood, all the termites died after feeding on the waterlogged b eech wood. In spite of the complete destruction of the waterlogged beech wood i n the coercion test, it seems that under natural conditions where there is a poss ible choice between different wood species, the infestation by termites of waterlo gged wood uncovered in archaeological work does not necessarily happen. Wo od containing few nutritional substances and substantial lignin, as w ell as having a high moisture content facilitating the development of parasitic mic roorganisms, will deter termites.