Here’s a clear guide on when not to harvest agarwood, with the biological reasoning and practical indicators:
1. Immature Resin Zones
Definition
- Resin that has begun forming but has not reached full chemical or physical maturity.
- Typically light brown, weakly aromatic, and poorly impregnated in the wood.
Why Not to Harvest
- Low yield: Resin content is insufficient; cutting reduces overall profitability.
- Poor quality: Low sesquiterpene and chromone levels, leading to weak fragrance.
- Wasted potential: Premature removal may prevent the tree from developing high-quality resin in subsequent years.
Indicators
- Light-colored streaks (yellowish-brown).
- Weak or faint aroma when scraped.
- Soft or slightly dense wood, not fully hardened.
2. Freshly Induced/Recently Inoculated Trees
Definition
- Trees that have been mechanically wounded or inoculated with fungi but resin formation has not yet progressed significantly.
Why Not to Harvest
- Resin needs time to accumulate around the induction site.
- Harvesting too soon may damage the tree, stopping further resin production.
- High-quality, commercially valuable resin may require months to years to develop, depending on inoculation method.
Indicators
- Small, localized discoloration or streaks at inoculation points.
- Weak or no fragrance.
- Core sampling shows thin or patchy resin layers.
3. Actively Infected or Decaying Tissues
Definition
- Wood that is heavily colonized by pathogenic fungi or bacteria, often beyond controlled induction.
Why Not to Harvest
- Resin quality is compromised: rotten or moldy wood has poor fragrance and color.
- Tree may have internal decay, reducing structural integrity.
- Harvesting can spread pathogens to other trees if equipment is not sanitized.
Indicators
- Soft, spongy wood, often grayish-black or black with a foul odor.
- Visible fungal growth or fruiting bodies on the bark.
- Core sampling shows decayed, crumbly, or water-soaked tissue.
4. Practical Guidelines for Growers
| Condition | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Immature resin | Do not harvest, monitor and allow growth | Low yield & weak fragrance |
| Freshly induced/inoculated trees | Wait 6–24 months (depending on method) | Resin has not fully formed |
| Actively infected tissues | Avoid harvest; consider removal or treatment | Poor quality & risk of pathogen spread |
| Structural/health compromise | Avoid cutting | Protect tree survival & future resin yield |
Key Principle:
Never harvest based solely on color or small patches of resin. Use a combination of visual inspection, olfactory cues, density assessment, and core sampling to confirm resin maturity before cutting.
If you want, I can make a decision flowchart for harvest readiness, showing “Harvest” vs. “Wait” vs. “Do not harvest” based on resin maturity, induction stage, and tissue health. This is perfect for training manuals or plantation SOPs.
Do you want me to create that flowchart?