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The management of Lyctus africanus, one of the major dry wood pests in the tropical region is difficult due to its secluded habits and long lifecycle and therefore, its control measures are limited to the usage of insecticides. The insecticides particularly the metal salts are effective, but in some cases their leaching leads to concerns about environmental pollution. Nanometal particles are found to be more effective than metal salts. Presently available metal nanoparticles are synthesized using physical or chemical methods and their production results in toxic by-products and are costly. The current investigation deals with synthesis and use of metal nanoparticle for wood protection in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way. The plant extracts that are reported to have wood preservative properties were used for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using leaf extracts of Lantana camara. The efficacy of the synthesized Lantana camara leaf extract and copper oxide or zinc oxide nanoparticle formulation as a wood protectant was tested against Lyctus africanus as per BIS 4873 Part 2. The formulation of copper oxide nanoparticle and Lantana camara leaf extract effectively protected the treated rubberwood blocks from Lyctus africanus attack, when compared to zinc oxide nanoparticle Lantana camara leaf extract formulation and can be developed into a stable, ecofriendly wood preservative.

Nanoparticles have addressed many challenges in science and technology and wood science research is one such field that has benefitted from application of metal nanoparticles. The metal nanoparticles that are commercially available for wood protection are synthesised by physical and chemical methods which produces toxic by-products and are expensive. The current study deals with a new approach for utilization of metal nanoparticle for wood protection in an ecofriendly and cost effective way. Metal nanoparticles were synthesised using plant extracts that are known to have wood preservative properties. The synergistic effects of the intrinsic property of plant extracts along with the biocidal property of metal nanoparticles were utilized. Copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesised using leaf extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata), Lantana (Lantana camara) and extract of orange peel (Citrus reticulata). The effectiveness of the synthesised plant extract and copper oxide nanoparticle formulation is tested against wood decay fungi using agar mixed with the test substance. Graveyard test is employed to assess the effect of the copper oxide nanoparticle formulation against termites. Preliminary results are promising and studies are progressing to develop a stable and environmentally benign wood preservative formulation of metal nanoparticles and plant extracts.