Liquid injection is a precise method to deliver microbial inoculants, chemical elicitors, or stress ions directly into the tree. It is widely used in professional and hybrid resin induction systems.
1. What Is Liquid Injection?
- Definition: Introducing a liquid solution into drilled holes or vascular tissues of the tree.
- Purpose:
- Ensures direct delivery of microbes, chemicals, or minerals
- Reduces wastage compared to surface application
- Stimulates resin formation efficiently
2. Types of Liquids Commonly Injected
| Type | Purpose | Farmer Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Microbial suspensions | Introduce Fusarium, Lasiodiplodia, Aspergillus, or consortium inoculants | Use freshly prepared, tested cultures |
| Chemical elicitors | Salts, acids, oxidizers, stress ions (Mn, Fe) | Dilute to safe concentration; avoid overuse |
| Nutrient solutions | Optional support for tree health | Use compatible with resin induction |
3. How Liquid Injection Works
- Drill small holes in trunk or branch (2–3 cm deep, 5–8 mm diameter)
- Fill syringe or injector with inoculant/solution
- Inject slowly into the hole to avoid pressure damage
- Seal the hole with clay, wax, or stopper
- Leave tree to respond → resin forms around injection site
4. Advantages of Liquid Injection
✔ Direct delivery → faster, localized resin induction
✔ Reduces chemical or microbial wastage
✔ Compatible with hybrid induction systems
✔ Allows controlled dosing and monitoring
5. Risks & Precautions
- Over-injection → vascular blockage or tissue necrosis
- Unsterile liquid → contamination or rot
- Too frequent injections → stress overload
- Use only safe, tested microbial strains and chemical doses
6. Farmer Key Message
“Liquid injection puts the ‘message’ directly into the tree —
it tells the tree to defend itself, and the tree makes resin.”
7. Practical Tips
✔ Use clean syringes or injection devices
✔ Monitor tree health after 1–2 weeks
✔ Combine with mechanical wounding for better response
✔ Keep records: date, tree ID, inoculant type, dose
✔ Do not exceed recommended intervals (2–3 months per site)