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Resin Development Timeline for Magnesium Chloride (MgCl₂) inoculation in Aquilaria spp. trees (Agarwood). MgCl₂ functions as a mild abiotic stress agent, often used in conjunction with sugars or microbial co-inoculants. It creates osmotic and ionic stress that can initiate moderate resin formation.
Resin Development Timeline – MgCl₂ Inoculant
Day 0: Inoculation
- MgCl₂ solution (2–5% w/v) injected into boreholes.
- Causes osmotic imbalance and ionic stress in cells.
- May be mixed with brown sugar to support microbial colonization (if used with fungi).
Week 1–2: Mild Stress & Tissue Response
- Minimal necrosis compared to MnO₂ or FeCl₃.
- Early defense signaling begins—calcium and ROS pathways activated.
- Brown discoloration appears around boreholes (light and shallow).
Week 3–4: Early Resin Synthesis
- Tree begins producing phenolics and sesquiterpene precursors.
- If used with microbes (e.g., Fusarium oxysporum), colonization enhances this phase.
- Light resin smell detectable near treated zones.
Month 2–3: Resin Thickening
- Slow but steady darkening of xylem tissue begins.
- Resin ducts or cavities enlarge; phenolic content increases.
- Color changes to light brown or amber.
Month 4–6: Resin Expansion
- Observable expansion of the resin zone 3–10 cm around boreholes.
- Scent improves—sweet, slightly spicy aroma may emerge.
- In microbial co-inoculation, mycelial activity enhances depth.
Month 9–12+: Resin Maturity
- Some sections begin converting to blackish agarwood.
- Higher levels of aromatic sesquiterpenes and chromones develop.
- Suitable for sampling, partial harvest, or full core extraction.
Summary Table
| Time Frame | Key Events | Tissue Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 | Injection, osmotic stress begins | No visible change |
| Week 1–2 | Mild necrosis, defense activation | Light brown ring around hole |
| Week 3–4 | Early resin formation | Faint scent, yellowish resin |
| Month 2–3 | Resin thickening and phenolic production | Amber-brown tissue |
| Month 4–6 | Resin expands, aroma improves | Dark brown streaks |
| Month 9–12+ | Maturation, high-grade agarwood forms | Black resin zones, harvestable |
Notes on MgCl₂ Inoculation
- Best used as:
- A standalone mild stress inducer, or
- Carrier agent in dual-inoculant systems (e.g., with Fusarium or MnO₂).
- Advantages:
- Safer and slower induction for high-value trees
- Compatible with microbial co-inoculants
- Less necrotic damage to the tree
- Limitations:
- Slower and shallower resin development on its own
- Not sufficient for deep core agarwood unless combined