The post-vegetative stage of agarwood seedlings (Aquilaria malaccensis) marks the transition from vigorous leaf and root growth (vegetative stage) toward structural maturity and potential reproductive development, depending on age and growing conditions.
Post-Vegetative Stage Overview (Typically from 1.5 to 3+ years)
1. Hardening Phase (1.5 – 2 years)
- Growth Focus: Trunk thickening, root system expansion, lignification of tissues.
- Goal: Strengthen the plant’s physical structure to support future resin development or flowering.
- Management:
- Begin applying balanced organic fertilizers (e.g., bone meal, composted manure, seaweed extract).
- Reduce nitrogen-heavy feeding to slow down soft growth.
- Increase potassium and calcium to promote woody tissue and immunity.
2. Pre-Reproductive Phase (2.5 years onward)
- Growth Focus: Slow vertical growth; internal biochemical maturation.
- Onset of Resin Readiness: Trees start to develop the ability to respond to stress or inoculation.
- Management:
- Introduce controlled stress techniques (e.g., pruning, mechanical scoring) to initiate immune response.
- Apply microbial or chemical inoculants (like Fusarium oxysporum, FeCl₃, MnO₂) to stimulate resin development.
- Maintain tree health with organic foliar sprays and protect from pests.
3. Optional Early Blooming Stage (3+ years, depending on conditions)
- Not all trees will flower early, but with proper care and ideal environmental cues, early inflorescence may occur.
- Useful for cross-pollination studies or seed production, not resin development.