Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) trees are prone to pests and diseases that can affect their growth, resin production, and overall health. Instead of relying on chemical pesticides, adopting natural, organic, and biological control methods helps ensure sustainable and eco-friendly cultivation.
Goals of Natural Pest & Disease Control
✅ Prevent and minimize pest infestations naturally.
✅ Reduce the spread of fungal and bacterial diseases.
✅ Strengthen trees through healthy soil, proper pruning, and biodiversity.
✅ Promote eco-friendly and organic pest control solutions.
1️⃣ Common Pests & Natural Control Methods
1. Leaf-Eating Caterpillars & Beetles (Defoliators)
Damage:
✔ Feed on agarwood leaves, reducing photosynthesis and tree vigor.
✔ Severe infestations can stunt growth and delay resin formation.
Natural Control Methods:
✔ Introduce natural predators like ladybugs & parasitic wasps.
✔ Use neem oil spray (organic insecticide).
✔ Plant companion plants (e.g., marigold, basil) to repel pests.
2. Aphids & Scale Insects
Damage:
✔ Suck sap from leaves and stems, weakening trees.
✔ Secrete honeydew, leading to sooty mold growth.
Natural Control Methods:
✔ Release lacewings & ladybugs (natural predators).
✔ Spray with garlic extract or neem oil every 7–10 days.
✔ Use a strong water spray to remove aphids manually.
3. Termites & Bark Borers
Damage:
✔ Feed on agarwood bark & roots, causing internal damage.
✔ Can hollow out stems, reducing resin formation.
Natural Control Methods:
✔ Apply diatomaceous earth (DE) around tree bases.
✔ Introduce nematodes (beneficial worms) to attack termites.
✔ Use neem cake powder around roots to repel termites.
4. Stem Borers (Wood-Boring Insects)
Damage:
✔ Bore tunnels inside stems, weakening tree structure.
✔ Can reduce resin production by damaging the tree’s vascular system.
Natural Control Methods:
✔ Apply neem oil or turmeric paste to infected areas.
✔ Encourage woodpeckers or predatory insects (natural enemies).
✔ Inject Beauveria bassiana (a natural fungal pesticide) into infected wood.
2️⃣ Common Diseases & Natural Control Methods
1. Root Rot (Fungal Disease – Phytophthora spp.)
Causes:
✔ Overwatering & poor drainage lead to fungal growth.
✔ Infected trees have yellowing leaves & weak roots.
Natural Control Methods:
✔ Improve soil drainage to prevent waterlogging.
✔ Apply Trichoderma spp. (a beneficial fungus) to suppress root rot.
✔ Use fermented compost tea to strengthen root immunity.
2. Leaf Spot & Powdery Mildew (Fungal Disease – Colletotrichum spp.)
Causes:
✔ High humidity, overcrowding, and lack of airflow.
✔ Leads to brown or yellow spots on leaves.
Natural Control Methods:
✔ Spray baking soda solution (1 tsp baking soda + 1L water).
✔ Improve canopy airflow by pruning overcrowded branches.
✔ Apply copper-based organic fungicide during early infection stages.
3. Sooty Mold (Fungal Disease from Aphid Infestations)
Causes:
✔ Aphids produce honeydew, leading to mold growth.
✔ Blocks sunlight and reduces photosynthesis.
Natural Control Methods:
✔ Control aphids using neem oil or predatory insects.
✔ Wipe affected leaves with diluted vinegar solution.
✔ Improve tree airflow & sunlight exposure.
3️⃣ Integrated Pest & Disease Management (IPM) Strategies
1. Companion Planting (Natural Pest Repellent)
✔ Plant marigold, garlic, lemongrass, or basil near agarwood trees.
✔ These plants naturally repel harmful insects.
✔ Helps attract beneficial insects (ladybugs, wasps, spiders) that eat pests.
2. Beneficial Microbes & Natural Fungicides
✔ Use Trichoderma spp. to control fungal infections in soil.
✔ Apply Beauveria bassiana to control insect infestations.
✔ Spray fermented rice water (natural probiotic) to strengthen immunity.
3. Proper Water & Soil Management
✔ Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
✔ Ensure good soil drainage using organic mulch.
✔ Add compost & biochar to improve soil health and disease resistance.
4. Regular Pruning & Sanitation
✔ Remove infected branches to prevent disease spread.
✔ Collect and burn fallen leaves with fungal infections.
✔ Sterilize pruning tools before & after use to avoid contamination.