Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Timber vulnerability to teredenid (Mollusca: Bivalvia) infestations at Mangalore.

Volume 21 Issue 1&2

K. Chandramohan, B. H. Manohara Ram and C. H. Krishna Bhai

Abstract

Five species of timber commonly used in marine environs along the Dakshin Kannada Coast viz.. Teak ( Tectona grandis), Jack (Artocarpus integrifolia), Aini (Pterocarpus hirsuta), Sampige (Michaelia champaka) and Neralu (Eugenia sp.) have been evaluated for their vulnerability to teredenid infestations, when submerged for 360 days in the sea at Hoige Basar fish landing jetty, Mangalore. The timber Species were graded in respect of their susceptibility to shipworm attack, in the order Teak (least susceptible) Jack, Sampige, Aini and Neralu (most susceptible). Intensity of infestation on the exposed panel surfaces were found to be more along the bottom followed by the top and the side. Submergence of timber for certain duration in sea water was found to be necessary for the onset of teredenid settlements.

Date : 31-12-1979