Pectinase Enzyme

Microbial Enzyme | Cellulase | Laccase | Xylanase | Pectinase | Peroxidase

Pectinase – A Cell Wall–Softening Enzyme for Enhanced Agarwood Inoculation

Pectinase is a group of enzymes that break down pectin, a structural polysaccharide found in the middle lamella and primary cell walls of plant tissues. In the context of Aquilaria (agarwood) cultivation, pectinase can be used to loosen wood tissues, thereby facilitating deeper fungal penetration and improved resin diffusion.

Scientific Overview

• Enzyme Class: EC 3.2.1.15 (polygalacturonase) and related enzymes
• Substrates: Pectin, polygalacturonic acid
• Products: Galacturonic acid, oligogalacturonides
• Sources:
  • Fungi: Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus spp.
  • Bacteria: Bacillus spp.
  • Commercial use: Fruit juice extraction, fiber processing

Role in Agarwood Inoculation

Function	Effect on Tree
Degrades pectin in cell walls	Weakens parenchymal and cambial cells
Facilitates fungal colonization	Opens up vascular and ray cells for fungal/mycelial growth
Promotes wounding signal spread	Improves resin formation radius
May trigger plant defense	Breakdown products (oligogalacturonides) act as elicitors of defense enzymes like peroxidase and PAL (phenylalanine ammonia lyase)

Application Strategies

• As Pre-Inoculation Softening Agent
  • Use pectinase to soften wood tissues 6–12 hours before applying fungal or abiotic inoculant

• As Part of Multi-Enzyme Resin Enhancer
  • Combine with cellulase and xylanase for total wall disintegration
  • Add to BarIno™ formulations for synergistic activity

Field Protocol for Pectinase Use

Pectinase Solution (per tree)

Component	Amount
Pectinase enzyme	10–20 mg (≥500 U/g activity)
Sterile buffer (pH 4.5–5.5)	20 mL
Application volume	2–4 mL per hole

Steps:

1. Drill 3–5 holes (2–3 cm deep) around trunk base
2. Inject 2–4 mL pectinase solution per hole
3. Allow 6–12 hours for enzymatic activity
4. Inject Fusarium inoculant or BarIno™ product
5. Seal holes with wax, clay, or parafilm

Benefits in Agarwood Production

Feature	Benefit
Wood softening	Facilitates uniform colonization
Enhanced diffusion	Resin forms in wider radius
Elicitor role	May induce natural plant defenses
Faster activation	May shorten induction time (2–3 weeks for discoloration)

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