Fusarium oxysporum is a strong starter for agarwood induction, but when you blend it with other fungal strains, you can enhance:
- Resin quantity
- Resin quality (especially chromone production)
- Speed of resin formation
- Depth of wood infection
Other fungi strains commonly blended or co-inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum for better agarwood induction:
Fungal Strains to Blend with Fusarium oxysporum:
| Fungal Species | Role in Agarwood Induction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phaeoacremonium parasiticum | Strongly stimulates resin canals formation and chromone production. | Often co-isolated with wild agarwood. |
| Lasiodiplodia theobromae | Rapid cell wall breakdown → quick resin induction. | Very common in traditional inoculation systems. |
| Penicillium species | Produces enzymes (pectinase, cellulase) to weaken wood tissues. | Enhances sesquiterpene accumulation. |
| Aspergillus species | Triggers strong oxidative stress → higher resin yield. | Needs careful dosage; can be aggressive. |
| Alternaria alternata | Induces early wound healing response rich in resin. | Good for fast results but needs control. |
| Trichoderma harzianum | Biocontrol + gentle cell wall degradation. | Adds health management benefits too. |
| Cytospora rhizophorae | Linked to premium quality chromone-rich agarwood. | Slower but excellent for high-grade resin. |
| Phomopsis sp. | Boosts aromatic sesquiterpene pathways. | Found naturally in old, resinous trees. |
Example of a Powerful Blend:
Fusarium oxysporum + Phaeoacremonium parasiticum + Lasiodiplodia theobromae
➔ Balanced for speed, depth of infection, and high-quality fragrance profile!
Why Use Multiple Strains?
- Synergistic Effects: Different fungi produce different enzymes, toxins, and metabolic signals that together push the tree harder to form resin.
- Complete Tissue Degradation: Some fungi break cellulose, others lignin or pectin — full tissue weakening allows better resin accumulation.
- Higher Aroma Complexity: More secondary metabolites = richer fragrance profiles.
Important Reminder:
- Strain Compatibility: Always check if the strains can co-exist without one overpowering the others (lab compatibility test is ideal).
- Inoculation Timing: Some protocols inject Fusarium first, wait 1–2 months, then add secondary strains like Lasiodiplodia for layered induction.
Pro Tip:
You can even experiment with fungal consortiums in a suspension broth — adjusting ratios like:
- 70% F. oxysporum
- 20% P. parasiticum
- 10% L. theobromae
to tune the speed vs. quality balance depending on your market needs (fast turnover vs. premium chips/oil).