Donnish Journal of Agricultural Research

May 2017 Vol. 4(1), pp. 005-008 ISSN: 2984-8938

ISSN: 2984-8938

Copyright © 2017 Donnish Journals

Original Research Article

Evaluation of the Woody Stem of Alstonia boonei for some Physical Properties

Otoide Jonathan Eromosele

Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

Corresponding Author's Email: jonathan.otoide@eksu.edu.ng

Accepted 24th April, 2017.

Abstract

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Some of the physical properties of the woody stem of Alstonia boonei which includes wood density (g/cm3) and percentage moisture content (%) were evaluated following recommended standard procedures. Pool means of 572.93 ± 191.25 and 125.18 ± 54.73 were the respective wood density and percentage moisture content of the stem. Evaluation along the axial axis of the stem showed pool means of 539.75 ± 42.49, 541.10 ± 191.54 and 637.95 ± 263.94 as densities at the base, middle and top regions of the stem respectively. In the same vein, the percentage moisture content (%) of the stem at the base, middle and top regions were 121.04 ± 15.38, 139.29 ± 66.71 and 115.20 ± 66.25 respectively. There were no significant variations (P ≤ 0.05) in wood density and moisture content at the base, middle and top regions of the stem. Conversely, significant variations at P ≤ 0.05 existed in the two properties when evaluated along the radial direction of the stem. Reduction of the moisture content of the stem of this species by drying was opined so as to increase the mechanical property thereby rendering the wood useful for construction purposes. It was also opined that drying of the stem might not be necessary if the intended end use is for herbal preparations like concoctions (a process that mostly requires water). Various opinions were corroborated with the previous assertions of authorities in the same context.

Keywords: Alstonia boonei, Axial and radial axes, Density, Evaluation, Moisture, Physical properties.

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Cite This Article:

Otoide Jonathan Eromosele. Evaluation of the Woody Stem of Alstonia boonei for some Physical Properties. Donnish Journal of Agricultural Research 4(1) 2017 pp. 005-008.