1. Why Safety & Biosecurity Matter
- Fungal inoculants (e.g., Fusarium oxysporum) can be pathogenic to humans if mishandled.
- Chemical inducers (MnO₂, ethanol, etc.) are toxic in concentrated forms.
- Plant health can be compromised by contamination, pests, or over-inoculation, reducing resin yield.
- Biosecurity ensures tree longevity, quality resin, and plantation sustainability.
2. Personal Safety Protocols
| Risk | Safety Measures |
|---|---|
| Fungal exposure | Wear gloves, masks, and protective clothing; avoid inhaling spores; wash hands after handling cultures. |
| Chemical handling (MnO₂, ethanol) | Use gloves, goggles, and aprons; prepare solutions in well-ventilated areas; store chemicals safely. |
| Wound tools (drills, chisels) | Sterilize tools before and after use; use guards; handle sharp instruments carefully. |
| Infection risk | Avoid inoculating immunocompromised personnel; keep first aid kit on site. |
3. Tree & Plantation Biosecurity
- A. Pre-Inoculation
- Use healthy, disease-free trees only.
- Sterilize inoculation tools (drills, syringes, chisels).
- Prepare fungal/chemical inoculants under aseptic conditions.
- Avoid inoculating during rainy conditions to reduce contamination.
- B. During Inoculation
- Minimize open wounds exposure time.
- Work systematically to avoid spreading pathogens between trees.
- Label inoculated trees with date, method, and inoculant type.
- C. Post-Inoculation
- Seal wounds to prevent environmental contamination.
- Monitor trees for unintended fungal growth or decay.
- Implement quarantine for infected trees if disease is detected.
- Rotate inoculation areas to reduce tree stress.
4. Equipment & Facility Hygiene
- Disinfect work surfaces with 70% ethanol or bleach solution.
- Autoclave or properly dispose of spent fungal cultures.
- Clean tools between trees to prevent cross-contamination.
- Store chemicals and fungal cultures separately, in labeled, secure containers.
5. Waste Management
- Collect waste wood, fungal media, and chemical residues separately.
- Treat biological waste via autoclaving or incineration.
- Neutralize chemical waste before disposal.
- Avoid leaving contaminated water or soil near trees.
6. Emergency Protocols
- Spill response: Contain and clean immediately using gloves and absorbent materials.
- Exposure: Rinse skin or eyes thoroughly; seek medical attention if fungal exposure occurs.
- Tool injury: Clean, disinfect, and dress wounds immediately.
- Tree damage: Remove infected portions or isolate the tree to prevent spread.
7. Record-Keeping for Biosecurity
- Maintain logs for:
- Fungal strain batch numbers and preparation date
- Chemical stock and concentration
- Tree inoculation details
- Any pest, disease, or contamination events
- These records help with:
- Tracking potential risks
- Quality control of resin yield
- Compliance with local agricultural and forestry regulations
8. Best Practices Summary
- Always wear PPE when handling fungi or chemicals.
- Sterilize tools and inoculants before and after use.
- Seal and monitor wounds to prevent contamination.
- Maintain detailed logs for trees, inoculants, and incidents.
- Train all personnel on safety, biosecurity, and emergency procedures.