Short Communication: Variation in chemical constituent of Styrax sumatrana wood growing at different cultivation site in North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Iswanto AH, Siregar YS, Susilowati A, Darwis A, Hartono R, Wirjosentono B, Rachmat HH, Hidayat A, Fatriasari W. 2019. Variation in chemical constituent of Styrax sumatrana wood growing at different cultivation site in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 448-452. Kemenyan Toba (Styrax sumatrana) is known as endemic resin-producing trees that naturally grow in North Sumatra and distributed throughout five districts within the province. Different growing site may constitute to different characteristics of the species, e.g. morphological differences, chemical constituent, bioactive substances, etc. Different characteristics of wood chemical constituent are an important factor determining further utilization and potential use of wood in wider spectrums. Information about wood chemical constituent of Styrax sumatrana growing from different site has not been determined yet. Therefore, the objective of this research was to analyze the characteristics of chemical constituent of Styrax sumatrana wood originated from North Tapanuli and Pakpak Bharat according to axial direction of stem (bottom, middle, and top). Chemical properties such as hollocelulose, α-cellulose, hemicellulose, Acid Soluble Lignin (ASL), acid insoluble lignin (AIL), and non-structural component (extractive content in ethanol benzene 1: 2 and ash content) were observed. Results showed that different growth location would yield in different wood chemical constituent. The wood chemical constituent from North Tapanuli and Pakpak Bharat were 52.72 and 69.80% (hollocelulose), 25.94 and 39.87% (α-cellulose), 26.78 and 29.92% (hemicellulose), 5.49 and 4.33% (Acid Soluble Lignin), 4.37 and 20.43% (Acid-Insoluble Lignin), 10.95 and 2.42% (extractive content), 1.37 and 0.8% for ash content.

Short Communication: The resistance of Styrax sumatrana wood of varying growth sites and stem axial positions to subterranean termite (Coptotermes curvignathus) attack

“…In addition, the extractive content of the incense wood from North Tapanuli was also higher. Results from previous research conducted by Iswanto et al (2019) reported that the cellulose content and the extractive content of the incense wood from North Tapanuli were 25.94% and 39.87%, respectively, while those from Pakpak Bharat were 10.95 and 2.42% respectively. Cellulose is the main food source for termites.…”

“…Since habitat bio-physical conditions determine the morphological and physiological characteristics of the plants, an interesting phenomenon reported in a previous study by Rachmat et al (2017) showed that the S. sumatrana plants from North Tapanuli districts are very different compared with those from Pakpak Bharat District. A significant difference was also noted from the results of the chemical component analysis of the woods in varying growth sites in North Sumatra (Iswanto et al 2019).…”

“…Iswanto et al (2016) and Pasaribu et al (2013) conducted a study of incense wood's physical and mechanical properties. While the potency of its resin as an antioxidant and the chemical constituent has been reported by Hidayat et al (2018) and Iswanto et al (2019). Furthermore, Kiswandono et al (2016) carried out a study of the cinnamic acid content of incense resin originated from North Tapanuli while studying the phylogenetic study of incense grown in North Sumatra has been reported by Susilowati et al (2017b).…”

“…Studies on the variability of wood properties of S. sumatrana plant in varying growth sites and stem positions were previously conducted by Iswanto et al (2016;2019). These studies reported that differences in growth sites and stem position resulted in variations of chemical components of the wood as well as its physical and mechanical properties.…”

“…These studies reported that differences in growth sites and stem position resulted in variations of chemical components of the wood as well as its physical and mechanical properties. In the context of S. sumatrana plant, Iswanto et al (2019) stated that based on its chemical properties, the incense wood from North Tapanuli and Pakpak Bharat District had chemical and extractive compositions of 25.94 and 39.87% (α-cellulose), 26.78 and 29.92% (hemicellulose), 4.37 and 20.43% (acid-insoluble lignin), as well as 10.95 and 2.42% (extractive content) respectively. The variations in wood properties in turn will have an impact on the various values of the wood resistance to attack by destructive organisms, one of which is the subterranean termite species Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren.…”