From the hidden heartwood of Aquilaria trees emerges one of nature’s most mystical transformations — Agarwood resin, the fragrant soul of the forest. Behind its divine aroma lies a complex biological process, born of stress, microbiology, and time.
The Agarwood Biotechnology & Resin Induction Science Course bridges ancient mystery and modern science, empowering participants to understand and harness the cellular and microbial pathways that give birth to Oud. Developed under Oud Academia, this course unites biotech innovation, mycology, and ecological stewardship, shaping a new generation of agarwood scientists dedicated to sustainable and ethical resin formation.
Tagline: “Decoding Nature’s Alchemy — The Science Behind Sacred Oud.”
Duration: 5–7 Days (Lectures + Laboratory + Field Practicum)
Target Participants: Biotechnologists, researchers, foresters, plantation managers, and perfumery technologists
Course Modules
Module 1 – Fundamentals of Agarwood Biogenesis
Duration: 1 Day
Topics:
- The biology of Aquilaria species
- Natural and artificial resin formation processes
- Anatomical and biochemical structure of heartwood and resin zones
- Overview of resin yield factors: genetics, age, stress, and infection
Outcome: Participants grasp the scientific basis of agarwood formation and its natural triggers.
Module 2 – Microbial Ecology & Induction Mechanisms
Duration: 1 Day
Topics:
- Key microbial agents (e.g., Fusarium oxysporum)
- Microbe–host interaction and induced defense response
- Metabolic pathways of sesquiterpenes and chromones
- Laboratory isolation and culture of resin-inducing fungi
Outcome: Participants gain microbiological and biochemical insight into resin induction mechanisms.
Module 3 – Biotechnological Applications in Agarwood Production
Duration: 1 Day
Topics:
- Organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis in Aquilaria spp.
- Plant tissue culture and cloning techniques
- Bioreactor systems for cell suspension and callus culture
- Genetic selection and propagation of high-resin phenotypes
Outcome: Participants understand biotechnological propagation and controlled induction systems.
Module 4 – Resin Induction Protocols & Innovations
Duration: 1 Day
Topics:
- Comparative analysis of physical, chemical, and biological induction methods
- Dual-action formulations (e.g., MnO₂ + Fusarium oxysporum blends)
- Factors influencing resin yield and quality
- Protocol optimization for sustainable inoculation and harvest cycles
Outcome: Participants can design and implement optimized resin induction protocols for field use.
Module 5 – Analytical Chemistry & Quality Assessment
Duration: 1 Day
Topics:
- Extraction and identification of volatile compounds (GC-MS, HPLC)
- Quality grading of agarwood resin and oil
- Biochemical markers of high-grade Oud
- Laboratory practical: sampling, extraction, and chromatographic profiling
Outcome: Participants gain laboratory proficiency in agarwood resin analysis and evaluation.
Module 6 – Sustainability, Biosafety & Regulatory Standards
Duration: 0.5 Day
Topics:
- Environmental biosafety and containment practices
- Bioethical considerations in microbial inoculation
- CITES and national regulations for research and trade
- Integration of ESG principles in biotechnological innovation
Outcome: Participants understand biosafety, ethics, and compliance in agarwood biotechnology.
Module 7 – Capstone Practicum: Field Induction & Data Analysis
Duration: 0.5–1 Day
Activities:
- On-site resin induction using controlled microbial inoculants
- Data logging of tree response, resin spread, and post-inoculation care
- Analysis and interpretation of induction success metrics
Outcome: Participants gain hands-on mastery of resin induction science from lab to field.
Certification
“Certified Agarwood Biotechnology & Resin Induction Specialist (CABRIS)”
Issued by Oud Academia, this certification recognizes advanced competence in agarwood tissue culture, microbial induction, and resin analysis.
Key Features
- Hybrid model: lectures, lab training, and field practicum
- Includes case studies from CAPI, COPI, and AGAP field research
- Optional certification assessment and internship program
- Ideal preparation for R&D, plantation biotech, and extraction industries