Chemical Induction | OxyShock™ | OxyShock™ Formulation | OxyShock™ Development | OxyShock™ Profile
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a powerful oxidizing agent and a natural signaling molecule in plants. In agarwood induction, it is used as a chemical elicitor to trigger oxidative stress, leading to resin biosynthesis in Aquilaria species.
Mechanism of Action
Hydrogen peroxide plays a role in:
- Inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which mimic pathogen attack
- Activating secondary metabolism, especially the phenylpropanoid pathway
- Stimulating the production of sesquiterpenes and chromones—main components of agarwood resin
H₂O₂ is naturally produced in plants during stress or injury. By externally applying it, you amplify the tree’s defense response, often without the need for live pathogens.
Formulation & Application
Typical Formulation
- Hydrogen peroxide concentration: 1%–3% (v/v) solution
- Higher concentrations (>5%) may cause tissue necrosis
- Additives for synergistic effect:
- Salicylic acid (SA) – 100–200 mg/L
- MnO₂ – 0.5–1 g/L (enhances ROS)
- Glucose or sucrose – 0.5% (as metabolic primer)
- Optional: Fusarium oxysporum spores (for dual-action)
Formulation is typically adjusted to pH 5.5–6.0
Application Protocol
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Tree Selection | Use healthy Aquilaria trees aged 4+ years |
| 2. Drilling | Bore holes 2–4 cm deep at 20–30 cm intervals around the trunk |
| 3. Injection | Inject 10–20 mL of the H₂O₂-based inoculant per hole using syringe or gravity drip |
| 4. Sealing | Optionally seal holes with wax or tape to retain moisture and pressure |
| 5. Monitoring | Observe resin development after 3–6 months |
Research Insights
Studies (e.g., Ng et al., 2021; Mohamed et al., 2014) demonstrate that H₂O₂-treated Aquilaria trees:
- Produce early visible resin lines
- Show higher expression of sesquiterpene synthase genes
- Perform better when H₂O₂ is used in combination with fungal elicitors
Handling & Safety
| Aspect | Notes |
|---|---|
| Storage | Use fresh 3% solution; store in dark, cool container |
| Application Timing | Early morning or late afternoon for minimal evaporation |
| PPE | Gloves and eye protection advised during application |
| Phytotoxicity | Avoid high concentrations; test on small area before full-scale use |