Incidence and effects of the dampwood termite, Porotermes adamsoni, in two Tasmanian east coast eucalypt forests

Summary

Damage caused by Porotermes adamsoni and its effect on log quality were investigated in coastal lowland eucalypt forests in eastern Tasmania. In two study areas, 60 per cent and 43 per cent of trees sampled had been damaged by P. adamsoni. All eucalypt species (6) were attacked and there was no significant difference between species in the proportion of trees so affected. The incidence of damage increased directly with diameter class and 90 per cent of trees over 105 cm stump diameter were found to be affected. The pattern of damage within attacked trees is described.

The main effect of damage by P. adamsoni was excessive centre defect (‘pipe’ in the heart of the tree, with concentrically arranged galleries, sometimes associated with decay) resulting in downgrading of potential sawlog to pulpwood or waste. Sixty per cent of assessed sawlogs were rejected after cutting due to excessive defect and 43 per cent of all potential pulpwood logs were graded as optional pulpwood.