1. General Waiting Period
- Typical range: 12–36 months after inoculation before resin is ready for harvest.
- Resin formation depends on tree species, age, induction method, and environmental conditions.
2. Factors Affecting Waiting Time
| Factor | Effect on Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Tree species | A. malaccensis may take longer (18–36 mo); A. crassna or hybrids can be faster (12–24 mo). |
| Tree age | Older trees (>5 yrs) respond faster; young trees take longer to accumulate detectable resin. |
| Induction method | Dual-action inoculants (fungus + MnO₂) or fungal + mechanical induction can shorten time (~6–18 mo). Mechanical induction alone often requires longer (18–36 mo). |
| Wound size & placement | Larger or deeper wounds induce faster resin formation; spacing affects spread. |
| Environmental conditions | Adequate moisture, nutrients, and sunlight improve tree response; stress or drought delays resin accumulation. |
| Monitoring & care | Regular monitoring, sealing wounds, and proper fertilization support faster resin development. |
3. Recommended Monitoring Intervals
| Months Post-Inoculation | Focus of Monitoring |
|---|---|
| 3–6 months | Early wound response, discoloration, moisture retention, contamination check |
| 6–12 months | Initial resin formation; small color changes, faint fragrance |
| 12–18 months | Resin accumulation noticeable; heavier wood, darker streaks, aroma more pronounced |
| 18–24 months | Mature resin forming; fragrance intensity increases; assess density and color |
| 24–36 months | Resin fully mature; ready for harvest; evaluate tree health for next inoculation cycle |
4. Harvesting Considerations
- Early harvest (<12 mo): Resin may be incomplete; lower quality and aromatic complexity.
- Optimal harvest (12–36 mo): Resin has developed adequate density, color, and fragrance.
- Late harvest (>36 mo): Risk of over-infection, decay, or spread of undesired fungi; resin quality may degrade if tree is stressed.
5. Best Practices for Timing
- Use monitoring indicators (color, scent, density) rather than calendar time alone.
- Document each inoculated tree with wound date, method, and observed progress.
- Combine with resin testing (small core samples) if quality assessment is critical.
- Plan staggered inoculations to maintain continuous resin production in the plantation.