Cultivation & Plantation | Inoculation & Resin | Harvesting & Processing | Product Manufacturing | Distribution & Export
Inoculation is the critical process of inducing resin formation in resinous tree species—particularly Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.)—by simulating a stress response that triggers the production of oleoresin, the valuable substance harvested for perfumery and medicinal use.
1. Tree Maturity & Selection
- Age Requirement: Ideal for trees aged 6–8 years or when DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) reaches 15–20 cm.
- Health Status: Select healthy, pest-free trees with strong root systems.
- Pre-inoculation Assessment: Document tree location, DBH, and general condition for tracking resin development.
2. Inoculation Methods
A. Biological Method (Preferred for Sustainable Practice)
- Pathogen Used: Fusarium oxysporum (naturally occurring endophyte).
- Formulation: Use BarIno FusaTrinity™ – a dual-action inoculant combining F. oxysporum with Manganese Dioxide (MnO₂) as an oxidative catalyst.
- Application:
- Drill holes (1–1.5 cm diameter, 5–7 cm deep) at 20–30 cm vertical intervals around the trunk.
- Inject 2–5 mL of fungal suspension or paste per hole.
- Seal holes with sterile cotton or paraffin wax.
B. Chemical Method (Less Preferred)
- Reagents: Sodium chloride, ethanol, or sulfuric acid derivatives.
- Risks: Can harm tree health and reduce long-term productivity.
C. Physical Method (Optional or Complementary)
- Techniques: Nailing, bark wounding, burning, or partial girdling.
- Function: Stimulate resin flow as a response to mechanical stress.
3. Post-Inoculation Management
- Monitoring Frequency: Every 3–6 months to evaluate:
- Signs of infection (color change, odor, resin exudation).
- Resin spread via coring or bark inspection.
- Environmental Support:
- Maintain optimal soil moisture and tree nutrition.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
- Re-inoculation: After 12–18 months, only if resin development is poor and the tree remains healthy.
4. Resin Formation Timeline
- Initial Reaction: Begins 2–4 weeks post-inoculation.
- Resin Accumulation: Substantial build-up within 12–24 months.
- Maturity for Harvest: Generally ready for initial harvest by 18–30 months post-inoculation.
5. Documentation & Traceability
- Maintain inoculation records:
- Tree ID, date of inoculation, type of inoculant used, dose, and method.
- Track resin yield and quality per tree.
- Photos and resin test results (color, density, GC-MS data if available) for quality grading.
6. Risk Management
- Over-inoculation: May kill the tree or limit future harvests.
- Contamination: Use sterile tools and inoculants to avoid pathogen spread.
- Wildfire or Insect Risk: Monitor induced trees more closely due to stress vulnerability.