Abstract

A survey was undertaken to find out timber defects commonly associated with teak raised in plantations. Logs from representative samples of trees from 1987-88 final felling coupes (FFCs) of Nilambur, Ranni, and Konni Forest Divisions were examined for defects like, heartrot, butt-rot, decay, curvature, flute, knots, etc. Based on the recommendations of the Indian Standard, defect units were assigned to the logs. The logs were further graded based on the specifications of Indian Standard for veneers and logs. Five wood industries were visited and the defects occurring on veneers and sawn wood recorded. Among the 15 types of defects observed, the most serious defects occurring on logs were knots, curvature and flute. Logs from Konni showed increased incidence of butt-rot. However, when the average defect units/m3 of log was considered, Konni logs were best (2. 87 defect units/m3), followed by logs from Nilambur (4. 77 defect units/m3) . When the percentage of logs (2. 5 m