Evaluating the efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seed oil treatment for Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. against Pycnoporus sanguineus (L. ex Fr.) Murr. using static bending strength properties

In this study, split‐bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl.) were converted to specimens for static bending strength tests (SBST) in conformity with modified ASTM D‐143–94 and treated by soaking two sets differently in mechanically extracted neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seed oil at an ambient room temperature of 25 ± 2°C for 24 h (A) and 60°C for 4 h (B) with samples not treated with the oil as control. The oil‐treated (soaked and heat treated) and those that were not oil‐treated (control samples) were all inoculated with cultured Pycnoporus sanguineus (L. ex Fr.) Murr., incubated for 12 weeks and then subjected to SBST. Results obtained showed that Modulus of Rupture was lower for control (7941 ± 46 N cm^?2) but higher for A (8954 ± 55 N cm^?2) and B (8129 ± 70 N cm^?2). Modulus of Elasticity was also lower for control (677 116 ± 3070 N cm^?2) and higher for A (725 016 ± 3468 N cm^?2) and B (724 391 ± 3204 N cm^?2). Energy at maximum load, load at yield and extension at yield also followed similar trend. Data obtained were statistically analysed using basic descriptive tools and anova , while Fishers’ least significant difference was applied as a follow‐up test to compare means (p < 0.05).