The research aimed to evaluate the efficiency of neem (Azadirachta indica) and castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) oils to improvement of Ceiba pentandra wood resistance to Nasutitermes corniger xilophogous termite under forced food assay. The neem and castor oil plant oils were extracted with absolute ethyl alcohol and employees in the preparation of oil solutions. Wood samples with dimensions of 2.0 x 2.54 x 0.64 cm (radial x longitudinal x tangential) were treated to reach a nominal retention of 10 to 16 kg of solution/m³ of wood. A part of treated samples was submitted to the weathering test (volatily and leaching tests). The treated samples were submitted to termite action under forced food assay. The neem and castor oil plant oils, on employed retention, did not contribute to improvement of Ceiba pentandra wood resistance to xylophogous termites. Among the tested solutions, the pure castor oil plant oil was more efficient. The weathering test of samples did not influence the wood resistance. The neem and of pure castor oil plant oils and their solutions, even presenting some repulsive effect to termites, their effect are not durable, indicating that they should not be used in wood treatment in order to improve its resistance to xylophogous termites.
Neem; castor oil plant oils; wood treatment; weathering; xylophogous termites