Chemical Induction | FerroBoost™ Inoculant | FerroBoost™ Formulation | FerroBoost™ Development | FerroBoost™ Profile
General timeline of Agarwood resin development following FeCl₃ (Ferric Chloride) inoculation in Aquilaria spp., based on available field and academic data on abiotic stress-induced Agarwood formation. Keep in mind that specific outcomes can vary depending on tree age, health, species, environmental conditions, and FeCl₃ concentration.
Timeline of Agarwood Resin Development Using FeCl₃ Inoculant
Day 0 – Inoculation
- FeCl₃ solution injected into drilled holes (usually 5–10% w/v).
- Causes oxidative and chemical stress, triggering tree defense response.
- Initial localized browning at the injection site.
Week 1–2: Initial Stress Response
- Tree recognizes chemical injury and initiates ROS (reactive oxygen species) signaling.
- Cell death (necrosis) starts to appear around inoculation zones.
- Early phenolic exudates and browning expand gradually from the wound area.
Week 3–4: Metabolic Activation
- Enhanced production of secondary metabolites begins.
- Sesquiterpene and chromone precursors (early agarwood resin compounds) start to form.
- Clear zone of discoloration visible around injection hole (yellow-brown).
Month 2–3: Visible Resin Zone Formation
- Darkening of wood tissue becomes prominent around inoculation points.
- Sticky or oily texture may develop near infected xylem layers.
- Microscopic resin canals start to fill with oleoresins.
Month 4–6: Continued Resin Deposition
- Resin formation expands radially and vertically from the injection point.
- Color deepens to dark brown or black as resin concentration increases.
- Best time to conduct interim sampling for internal inspection.
Month 9–12: Mature Resin Pocket Formation
- Well-developed agarwood resin pockets may be harvested at the inoculation site.
- Aroma compounds like agarospirol and jinkoh-eremol start accumulating.
- FeCl₃ rarely promotes deep penetration, but produces high-quality, localized agarwood.
Notes on FeCl₃ Inoculation
- Mode of Action: Induces oxidative and metal ion stress, leading to cell death and defense metabolite accumulation.
- Advantages:
- Sterile and easy to apply
- Strong initial response
- Compatible with non-biological protocols
- Limitations:
- Limited depth of resin penetration
- Risk of excessive necrosis if overused
- Not self-propagating like fungal inoculants