The effects of thermal modification on the resistance of Dendrocalamus asper against Microcerotermes losbañosensis were investigated after exposure to virgin coconut oil at 140-200 °C for 30-120 min. The results showed that heat treatment significantly improved bamboo's resistance to termites based on mass losses and visual observations. The enhancement was highest at 200 °C. Prolonged treatment had a positive effect on the resistance at lower temperatures only.
Keywords: Dendrocalamus asper; Microcerotermes losbañosensis; oil heat treatment; virgin coconut oil.