Understanding the difference between wound response and immune response is key to knowing why some induction methods work better than others.
Wound Response (Short-Term Reaction)
What It Is
The wound response is the tree’s immediate reaction to physical damage.
Causes:
- Drilling
- Nailing
- Cutting
- Insect bites
What the Tree Does
- Seals the wound
- Produces callus tissue
- Tries to heal as fast as possible
Result in Agarwood
- Light discoloration
- Little or no long-term resin
- Weak or no fragrance
Farmer Reality
Drilling alone often heals too fast.
Immune Response (Defense Mode)
What It Is
The immune response is the tree’s active defense against infection.
Causes:
- Fungal invasion
- Microbial colonization
- Persistent biological stress
What the Tree Does
- Activates defense genes
- Produces secondary metabolites
- Deposits resin inside the wood
Result in Agarwood
✔ Dark resin zones
✔ Strong fragrance
✔ High-quality agarwood
Farmer Reality
Infection keeps the tree “alert.”
Simple Comparison Table
| Feature | Wound Response | Immune Response |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Physical injury | Infection / microbes |
| Speed | Fast | Slow but continuous |
| Purpose | Healing | Defense |
| Resin production | Low or none | High |
| Duration | Short-term | Long-term |
| Fragrance | Weak or none | Strong |
⚖️ 4️⃣ Why Resin Needs the Immune Response
- Resin is expensive for the tree to make
- The tree only makes it when danger does not go away
- Microbes keep triggering the immune system
👉 No immune response = no serious resin
Best Induction Strategy
Successful resin induction uses BOTH:
- Wound response (to open the door)
- Immune response (to keep resin forming)
This is why combined or hybrid induction methods work best.
Farmer Key Message
“Wounds start the reaction.
Infection sustains the resin.”