Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) propagation is essential for sustainable cultivation and commercial production. There are three main propagation methods: seed germination and tissue culture (micropropagation). Each method has its own advantages, depending on scale and purpose.
Why Choose the Right Propagation Method?
Ensures high survival rates of seedlings.
Reduces reliance on wild agarwood populations (CITES compliance).
Improves resin yield & quality for commercial production.
Supports long-term sustainability of agarwood plantations.
Seed Germination (Sexual Propagation)
✔ Best for large-scale plantations and maintaining genetic diversity.
✔ Seeds are viable only for a short period (2–3 weeks) after collection.
✔ Germination Rate: ~50-80% under optimal conditions.
Seed Germination Process
Step 1: Collect fresh, ripe seeds from healthy trees.
Step 2: Remove seed pulp & wash in clean water.
Step 3: Soak in lukewarm water for 24 hours to break dormancy.
Step 4: Sow in nursery beds with well-drained, organic-rich soil.
Step 5: Provide 50–60% shade and keep soil moist.
Step 6: Transplant seedlings after 6–12 months once they reach 30–50 cm height.
Advantage: Maintains natural genetic diversity.
Disadvantage: Slow growth and low germination rate if seeds dry out.
Micropropagation – Advanced Method
✔ Best for large-scale commercial production.
✔ Produces disease-free, fast-growing clones.
✔ Ensures genetic uniformity in plantations.
Micropropagation Process:
1. Explants Selection – Use shoot tips or nodal segments from elite trees.
2. Sterilization – Clean explants using sodium hypochlorite or ethanol.
3. Culture Initiation – Transfer to Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium with growth hormones.
4. Multiplication – Subculture every 4–6 weeks to produce multiple shoots.
5. Rooting & Acclimatization – Transfer plantlets to greenhouse conditions before field planting.
Advantage: High multiplication rate, uniform quality.
Disadvantage: Requires specialized lab setup & expertise.