Phaeoacremonium parasiticum is a darkly pigmented (dematiaceous) filamentous fungus that has gained attention in agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) resin induction research due to its role as a biotic stress agent.
Agarwood-focused profile you can directly use for R&D notes, SOP annexes, or farmer education (simplified where appropriate).
1. Basic Profile
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota
- Growth form: Slow-growing, woody-tissue–colonizing fungus
- Pigmentation: Dark (melanin-rich cell walls)
- Natural habitat: Wood, vascular tissue, wounded tree xylem
2. Role in Agarwood Formation
In Aquilaria trees, P. parasiticum acts as a biotic trigger that:
- Invades wounded xylem tissues
- Causes localized vascular stress
- Activates the tree’s defense metabolism
- Stimulates sesquiterpene and chromone biosynthesis
- Contributes to dark resin deposition around infection sites
👉 The fungus itself does not produce agarwood — the tree produces resin in response to fungal stress.
3. Why It’s Used in Agarwood Inoculation
Compared to aggressive pathogens, P. parasiticum is valued because it:
- Colonizes slowly and controllably
- Creates sustained stress, not rapid tree death
- Promotes uniform resin spread when properly dosed
- Works well in consortium-based inoculants (not solo)
This makes it suitable for professional, managed induction systems like:
- MycoChem™
- FusaPrime™
- FusaTrinity™-type formulations
4. Best Use Strategy (Industry Practice)
Never used alone. Best results occur when combined with:
- Other resin-associated fungi (e.g. Fusarium, Lasiodiplodia)
- Abiotic primers (iron, mineral stressors)
- Controlled drilling + dosing protocols
This creates a balanced biotic–abiotic induction system:
Stress → Defense → Resin → Maturation
5. Culturing Notes (High-Level, Non-Technical)
- Grows on PDA, rice, or enriched organic substrates
- Prefers woody carbohydrate sources
- Slow growth = lower contamination risk
- Requires clean handling and controlled inoculum density
(Technical culturing parameters should remain internal/proprietary.)
6. Safety & Compliance Notes
- Not edible
- Not for open environmental release without permits
- Should be handled under controlled inoculation programs
- Best deployed via licensed Contract Inoculation Services
7. How to Position It in BarIno™ Line (Suggested)
Function:
Resin maturation & depth enhancer
Tagline example:
“Guiding the tree’s defense into deep, lasting resin.”