Methods & Techniques

This module covers the different methods used to induce agarwood formation in Aquilaria trees. Understanding these techniques helps growers maximize resin yield, ensure sustainability, and produce high-quality agarwood for commercial use.

Traditional Inoculation Methods (Natural Wounding)

1. Mechanical Wounding

• Cutting or drilling holes into the tree to trigger a stress response.
• Can be done manually or using specialized tools.
• Resin forms slowly and inconsistently over several years.

Risk: Can lead to excessive tree damage and lower-quality agarwood.

2. Girdling

• Removing a ring of bark around the tree trunk.
• Causes stress, leading to resin formation in response.
• Used in small-scale agarwood farms.

Risk: Can weaken the tree and lead to premature death.

3. Bamboo Peg & Wood Chip Insertion

• Small wooden or bamboo pieces are inserted into cuts in the tree.
• Allows natural microbial exposure, leading to resin formation.
• Common in wild agarwood harvesting.

Risk: Takes longer and is less effective for commercial production.

Fungal Inoculation (Biological Method)

How It Works

• Introduces specific fungi (e.g., Phaeoacremonium parasitica) into the tree.
• The fungi trigger a defense response, leading to agarwood formation.
• Produces high-quality and more consistent resin.

Application Process

1. Drill small holes in the tree trunk.
2. Inject fungal spores into the wounds.
3. Cover holes to prevent contamination.
4. Monitor resin formation over 12-24 months.

Requires lab-prepared fungal cultures and strict environmental control.

✔ Best for: Sustainable, high-quality agarwood production.

Microbial & Enzyme-Based Induction (Advanced Biotech Method)

How It Works

• Uses bacteria, enzymes, or biochemicals to stimulate resin formation.
• Activates the tree’s defense system without major physical damage.
• Can shorten the resin formation period to 1-2 years.

Application Process

1. Prepare a microbial inoculant or enzyme solution.
2. Inject or spray the solution onto targeted tree areas.
3. Seal the wound to protect from contamination.
4. Monitor resin quality over time.

✔ Best for: Commercial-scale agarwood plantations looking for faster, consistent resin formation.

Requires lab-prepared formulas and investment in technology.

Stress-Based Induction (Environmental Factors)

How It Works

• Uses environmental stress to trigger natural resin formation.
• Mimics extreme conditions like drought, high temperatures, or nutrient deficiency.

Application Techniques

✔ Drought Stress – Reduce watering to induce dehydration and resin formation.
✔ Temperature Stress – Expose trees to fluctuating temperatures (hot & cold cycles).
✔ Soil Nutrient Manipulation – Modify soil conditions to trigger stress response.

Less predictable and requires long-term environmental control.

✔ Best for: Farmers who want a more natural, hands-off approach.

Choosing the Right Inoculation Method