What Is Oxidative Stress? (Simple Meaning)
Oxidative stress happens when the tree senses serious danger.
This danger can come from:
- Wounds
- Fungal infection
- Chemical or mineral stress
- Long-lasting injury
Inside the tree, this creates reactive oxygen (think of it like internal “rusting pressure”).
This stress forces the tree to defend itself.
Why Oxidative Stress Is Important for Agarwood
Oxidative stress is the main switch that tells the tree:
“Stop normal growth. Start making resin.”
Without oxidative stress:
- No strong immune response
- No heavy resin formation
This is why controlled stress is necessary in resin induction.
What Happens Inside the Wood (Step-by-Step)
- Tree is wounded or infected
- Oxygen and microbes enter the wood
- Tree produces reactive oxygen molecules
- Defense chemicals are released
- Resin starts forming around the damage
These chemicals include:
- Sesquiterpenes (fragrance)
- Chromones (color & density)
What Is Resin Polymerization? (Very Simple)
Polymerization means:
👉 Small resin chemicals slowly join together to become bigger, thicker, and darker.
Think of it like:
- Honey becoming thicker over time
- Wet wood slowly hardening
Why Time Is Very Important
- Fresh resin = light, soft, weak smell
- Aged resin = dark, heavy, strong smell
As time passes:
- Oxygen reacts with resin
- Molecules join together
- Resin becomes stable and valuable
👉 Rushing harvest stops polymerization
Too Much Oxidative Stress Is Dangerous
| Stress Level | Result |
|---|---|
| Too little | Weak resin |
| Controlled | High-quality agarwood |
| Too much | Tree dies / rotten wood |
This is why:
- Over-drilling
- Too strong chemicals
- Too many inoculations
…can destroy the tree.
Farmer Key Message
“Stress starts resin.
Oxygen matures resin.
Time perfects resin.”
What This Means for Farmers
✔ Induce carefully
✔ Do not over-stress
✔ Allow time for resin to mature
✔ Harvest only when resin has hardened and darkened