Qualification Level: TESDA NC I – Sustainable Plantation Management
Crop Focus: Aquilaria spp. (Agarwood)
Objective: Understand how Agarwood produces resin, factors influencing formation, and the role of cultivation practices
I. INTRODUCTION
Agarwood resin, or “Oud”, is a secondary metabolite produced by the tree in response to biotic or abiotic stress.
It accumulates in heartwood and xylem tissues and is responsible for the plant’s economic value in perfumery and traditional medicine.
Key Points:
- Resin is not present in healthy, unstressed wood.
- Production is stress-induced, triggered by pathogens, wounding, or microbial inoculation.
- Sustainable induction relies on controlled stress, healthy tree growth, and proper microbial inoculants.
II. RESIN BIOLOGY
1. Induction Stimuli
| Stimulus | Effect on Tree |
|---|---|
| Mechanical wounding | Activates defense pathways; initiates resin secretion |
| Fungal inoculation (e.g., Fusarium oxysporum, BarIno FusaTrinity™) | Triggers localized immune response; stimulates secondary metabolite production |
| Insect attack / stem borers | Natural stress response; promotes resin formation |
| Environmental stress (drought, nutrient deficiency, salinity) | Mild stress can enhance resin deposition, but excessive stress reduces tree vigor |
2. Physiological Response
- Signal transduction: Wounding or infection activates phytohormones (e.g., jasmonic acid, salicylic acid)
- Phenylpropanoid pathway: Produces aromatic compounds in resin
- Lignification: Strengthens xylem and contains infection
- Accumulation in heartwood: Resin forms as dark, aromatic deposits in wounded areas
3. Role of Tree Age and Health
- Seedlings (≤1 yr): Low resin potential; focus on root and canopy development
- Young trees (1–3 yrs): Begin resin induction with microbial inoculants
- Mature trees (≥3 yrs): High resin potential; controlled stress and inoculation maximize quality
III. MICROBIAL AND BIOFERTILIZER INFLUENCE
| Product | Role in Resin Formation |
|---|---|
| BarIno FusaTrinity™ | Fusarium oxysporum-based inoculant; induces defense response and resin deposition |
| Mycoboost | Mycorrhizal fungi improve nutrient uptake, root health, and resilience |
| VitaSoil / EcoZyme | Enhance microbial activity and organic matter decomposition, supporting tree stress tolerance |
| Biogrow / BioKelp | Strengthen growth and phytohormone balance for controlled resin induction |
Key Principle: Healthy, well-nourished trees produce higher quality resin when stimulated by inoculants or controlled wounding.
IV. STAGES OF RESIN FORMATION
- Wounding / Infection – Mechanical cut or microbial inoculation triggers defense response
- Immune Activation – Production of enzymes, phenolic compounds, and phytoalexins
- Resin Deposition – Accumulation in heartwood; forms distinct dark streaks
- Maturation – Resin compounds polymerize over months to years; quality depends on tree age, inoculant, and environmental conditions
V. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Soil fertility – Adequate N, P, K and organic matter improve vigor
- Water management – Moderate stress enhances resin; avoid excessive drought or waterlogging
- Temperature and sunlight – Optimal growth promotes strong defense response
- Pest and pathogen balance – Controlled microbial inoculation is preferable to random pathogen attack
VI. BEST PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE RESIN INDUCTION
- Ensure tree health and nutrition before resin induction
- Apply microbial inoculants (BarIno FusaTrinity™, Mycoboost) according to SOP
- Control wounding to avoid excessive tree stress or death
- Maintain moderate soil moisture for microbial activity
- Monitor for pests and pathogens to prevent unintended damage
VII. TESDA NC I PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Learner must demonstrate ability to:
- Explain the biological mechanisms of resin formation
- Identify factors influencing resin quality and quantity
- Apply inoculants and controlled stress in a sustainable manner
- Monitor tree response to resin induction
VIII. FARMER-FRIENDLY CHECKLIST
☐ Trees are healthy and well-nourished before inoculation
☐ Appropriate age trees selected for resin induction
☐ Microbial inoculants applied as per SOP
☐ Mechanical wounding controlled and targeted
☐ Soil moisture maintained for microbial activity
☐ Pests and diseases monitored and managed
Key Takeaway: Resin formation in Agarwood is a defense response, influenced by tree age, health, microbial inoculants, and controlled stress. Integrating biofertilizers and sustainable management practices maximizes resin yield and quality.