1. Why Stress Matters
Agarwood resin is a defense product.
The intensity of stress determines how the tree responds:
- Too little stress: tree ignores the wound → little or no resin
- Moderate stress: tree produces high-quality resin
- Excess stress: tree may die → no resin at all
2. Types of Stress
| Stress Type | Examples | Effect on Tree |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Drilling, nailing, bark removal | Triggers wound response |
| Biological | Fungi, bacteria inoculation | Activates immune response |
| Chemical | Salts, acids, oxidizers, stress ions | Boosts oxidative stress and secondary metabolites |
| Natural | Lightning, wind, insects | Long-term, gradual defense |
3. Stress vs Resin Quality Curve
Stress Intensity → Resin Quality
Low ──► Weak / minimal resin
Moderate ──► Dark, fragrant, heavy resin (optimal)
High ──► Tree damage / death → resin loss
- Low stress: little polymerization, light color, weak aroma
- Moderate stress: strong resin polymerization, dark color, rich aroma
- Excess stress: vascular blockage, tissue necrosis, tree death
Practical Farmer Guidelines
- Start small: apply moderate stress to a few holes
- Monitor: watch for leaf health, resin zone development
- Combine methods carefully: mechanical + microbial + mild chemical
- Give time: resin polymerization improves quality
- Avoid over-induction: more holes or chemicals ≠ more resin
5. Farmer Key Message
“Stress is the key — too little, no resin; just enough, high-quality resin; too much, the tree dies.
Success is knowing the right balance.”