Fungal Inoculation | FusaPrime™ | Formulation | Development | Profile
When Aquilaria malaccensis is inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum, a fungal pathogen, the chemical profile of the agarwood resin undergoes significant changes. The inoculation induces oxidative stress and defensive response mechanisms that promote the production of high-quality resin with complex aromatic compounds. Fusarium has been shown to trigger wounding, immune responses, and metabolic shifts that lead to the accumulation of bioactive compounds in the resin.
Key Features:
- High-Quality Resin Production: The inoculation of Fusarium oxysporum triggers an accelerated defensive response from the tree, which leads to a rich aromatic resin ideal for high-end agarwood products.
- Complex Aroma Profile: The resulting resin features a blend of spicy, woody, balsamic, and sweet fragrances due to the high concentration of sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds.
- High Resin Yield: Fusarium inoculation often leads to abundant resin production, ensuring long-term commercial viability.
- Cellular Breakdown and Defense Mechanisms: The fungus-induced oxidative stress accelerates the formation of resin, which provides the plant with a defense mechanism against the pathogen.
This inoculation method results in premium-grade agarwood resin due to the induction of wound healing, stress response, and defense mechanisms. Fusarium oxysporum is known to enhance both the quantity and quality of the resin produced, making it a preferred method for high-value agarwood cultivation.
Chemical Analysis of Agarwood Resin Induced by Fusarium oxysporum Inoculant
| Compound Category | Presence and Role |
|---|---|
| 2-(2-Phenylethyl) Chromones | Very high concentration – key marker for high-quality agarwood. Enhances woody, balsamic fragrance. |
| Sesquiterpenes | Very high levels – diverse compounds such as agarofurans, α-guaiene, β-elemene. Contributes to rich and complex fragrance. |
| Phenolic Compounds | Rich variety – vanillin, eugenol, syringaldehyde, and guaiacol. Important for aroma depth and antioxidant properties. |
| Flavonoids and Tannins | High presence – flavonoids like kaempferol and quercetin provide antioxidative properties and complex fragrance. |
| Terpenoid Derivatives | Present – agarofurans, patchoulol, santalol, all contributing to the signature agarwood aroma. |
| Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) | Significantly increased – ROS metabolism triggers cellular breakdown leading to resinification. |
| Acidic and Alkaline Metabolites | Present – Helps balance the oxidative stress and supports chemical stability of the resin over time. |
| Resin Yield and Quality | Very high resin yield – High-quality dark brown to black resin with a strong, complex fragrance. |
| Resin Maturation | The resin produced is matured faster, with increased aromatic complexity, suitable for luxury-grade agarwood production. |