Induction | Fungal | Fusarium | FusaPrime™ | FusaTrinity™
Fungal induction is one of the most effective, sustainable, and scientifically advanced methods for stimulating agarwood resin production in Aquilaria trees. This method mimics natural infection processes, where specific fungi invade the tree, triggering its defense mechanism and leading to high-quality agarwood formation.
How Fungal Inoculation Works
1. Selecting the Right Fungal Species
Certain fungi have been scientifically proven to induce agarwood resin formation. The most commonly used species include:
1. Phaeoacremonium parasitica (Key agarwood-inducing fungus)
2. Fusarium oxysporum
3. Aspergillus niger
4. Trichoderma spp. (Enhances tree immunity and accelerates resin secretion)
These fungi stimulate a defensive biochemical reaction in the tree, leading to resin deposition in the heartwood.
2. Induction Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Tree Selection
- Choose Aquilaria trees that are mature (5+ years old) and healthy.
- The tree should have a minimum trunk diameter of 10 cm for effective inoculation.
Step 2: Drilling Holes
- Drill small holes (1-2 cm in diameter, 3-5 cm deep) into the tree trunk.
- Spacing: Holes should be 10–15 cm apart, ensuring even fungal spread.
- Multiple vertical rows of holes can be created for larger trees.
Step 3: Fungal Application
- Introduce the selected fungal spores or liquid culture into the drilled holes.
- Two common application methods:
Liquid Inoculation – Inject fungal spores suspended in water.
Solid Inoculation – Insert fungal-infused wooden plugs or sawdust. - Cover the holes with cotton, wax, or clay to retain moisture and prevent contamination.
Step 4: Resin Formation & Monitoring
- Over the next 6 to 24 months, the tree gradually produces agarwood resin in response to fungal infection.
- Regularly monitor tree health and check for dark resin formation in the inoculated areas.
Step 5: Harvesting & Processing
- Once sufficient resin has formed, the tree is carefully harvested for agarwood chips or essential oil extraction.
Benefits of Fungal Induction
| Factor | Fungal Induction | Traditional Wounding & Chemical Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability | High – Uses natural biological agents | Low – Tree damage & chemical residue |
| Resin Quality | Superior – Strong fragrance & higher oil content | Variable – May contain impurities |
| Induction Speed | Moderate – 6 to 24 months | Fast (Chemical) / Slow (Traditional) |
| Tree Longevity | Low stress – Trees can survive multiple cycles | High stress – Trees often die |
| Market Value | High – Preferred for luxury oud products | Medium – Market preferences vary |
How to Optimize Fungal Induction for Maximum Yield
- Use a combination of fungal species – Some fungi work synergistically to enhance resin formation.
- Ensure proper environmental conditions – High humidity (60-80%) and moderate temperature (25-30°C) support fungal growth.
- Monitor trees regularly – Prevent excessive fungal spread that might weaken the tree.
- Apply fungal inoculation in stages – Multiple controlled inoculations over time enhance resin production without killing the tree.