What Is Microbial Inoculation?
Microbial inoculation means introducing selected microorganisms into a wounded agarwood tree to trigger resin formation.
It copies what happens in nature when:
- insects carry fungi into the wood
- microbes enter through broken branches
This is the most effective way to produce high-quality agarwood when done correctly.
Why Microbes Work Better Than Wounding Alone
- Wounds heal fast
- Microbes keep the tree’s immune system active
- Continuous defense = continuous resin production
Microbes turn short stress into long-term resin formation.
What Types of Microbes Are Used?
Common Groups (Conceptual)
- Fungi (most important)
- Selected endophytes
These microbes:
- Live in the damaged wood
- Slowly spread
- Continuously irritate the tree
Not all fungi are safe — only trained or tested strains should be used.
Simple Inoculation Process (Farmer Level)
- Drill a small hole
- Apply microbial inoculant (liquid or solid)
- Seal the hole (wax, clay, or stopper)
- Leave the tree to respond
Do not reopen the hole too often.
Good Signs After Inoculation
✔ Wood darkens around hole
✔ Fragrance develops slowly
✔ Tree remains healthy
Bad Signs
✘ Rotten smell
✘ Soft, collapsing wood
✘ Sudden leaf loss
Balance Is the Key
| Too Little | Controlled | Too Much |
|---|---|---|
| Weak resin | Strong resin | Tree death |
Microbial inoculation must be:
✔ Correct dose
✔ Proper spacing
✔ Good timing
Farmer Key Message
“Microbes keep the tree defending itself —
defense makes resin.”
Best Practices for Farmers
✔ Use trusted inoculant sources
✔ Keep tools clean
✔ Seal inoculation holes
✔ Give time for resin to mature
Common Mistakes
✘ Using wild molds
✘ Over-inoculation
✘ Inducing weak or young trees
✘ Expecting fast harvest