Here’s a detailed guide on common defects in harvested agarwood, how to identify them, and their impact on quality:
1. Soil/Sand Contamination
Description:
- Dust, mud, or sand adhering to resin-rich wood during harvesting or handling.
Identification:
- Visible dirt on wood surface or within chips.
- Gritty texture when touched or rubbed.
Impact:
- Reduces market value, especially for high-grade chips or powdered resin.
- Complicates oil extraction and processing.
- Can introduce microbial contamination.
Prevention:
- Elevate logs on pallets, planks, or tarps.
- Avoid dragging wood on the ground.
- Brush off debris immediately after cutting.
2. Mold & Moisture Bloom
Description:
- White, green, or black mold appearing on logs, chips, or shavings.
- Moisture bloom: wood surface looks damp or sticky.
Identification:
- Visual spotting or fuzzy growth on surface.
- Musty or off aroma.
Impact:
- Degrades resin aroma and chemical composition.
- Reduces market quality and shelf life.
Prevention:
- Dry wood in shade with good airflow.
- Maintain 40–60% relative humidity in storage.
- Inspect logs periodically for mold and remove affected sections.
3. Sapwood Mixed with Resinous Heartwood
Description:
- Light-colored, low-resin sapwood included in chips, shavings, or powder.
Identification:
- Contrast in color: light sapwood vs. dark resin streaks.
- Less aromatic and lighter in density.
Impact:
- Reduces aromatic quality and perceived grade.
- Lowers value for high-grade products.
Prevention:
- Carefully remove sapwood during processing.
- Use visual inspection, scent, and density tests.
4. Bitten or Insect-Damaged Areas
Description:
- Damage from beetles, termites, or other wood-boring insects.
- Can include tunnels, holes, frass, or degraded wood.
Identification:
- Tiny holes, tunnels, or powdery deposits.
- Wood may be soft or hollow in affected areas.
Impact:
- Structural damage to logs or chips.
- Reduces yield and value.
- May introduce secondary fungal contamination.
Prevention:
- Inspect logs before storage or processing.
- Elevate wood off the ground; maintain dry conditions.
- Apply non-toxic pest repellents if long-term storage is required.
5. Summary Table of Defects
| Defect | Identification | Impact on Quality | Prevention Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil / Sand contamination | Dirt or grit on surface, gritty feel | Reduces market value; complicates oil extraction | Elevate logs; brush off debris; avoid dragging |
| Mold & moisture bloom | White/green/black spots, musty odor | Degrades aroma; reduces shelf life | Shade drying; controlled humidity; inspect logs |
| Sapwood mixed with heartwood | Light-colored wood, low scent | Lowers perceived grade and aroma | Careful sapwood removal; visual/scent check |
| Bitten / insect-damaged areas | Holes, tunnels, frass, soft wood | Structural damage; reduces yield and quality | Inspect logs; elevate storage; pest control |
Key Principle: Early identification and prevention of defects preserves the aromatic, chemical, and structural integrity of agarwood, ensuring maximum value for buyers.
I can also create a diagram showing a log cross-section with defects labeled (soil, mold, sapwood, insect damage), perfect for training manuals or quality control SOPs.
Do you want me to make that diagram?