Fungal–Chemical Interaction Control in Agarwood Resin Induction – Balancing Biotic and Abiotic Signals for Optimal Resin Formation
In the BarIno™ system, resin induction relies on both fungal colonization (biotic) and chemical/abiotic stimulation. Effective control of this interaction is critical to:
- Maximize resin density and quality
- Prevent over-infection or tissue damage
- Ensure tree survival
1. The Interaction
- Fungal inoculants (FusaPrime™, Harmonia™) trigger defense responses and supply precursors (sesquiterpenes)
- Chemical elicitors (AgarStart™, ResinRush™) induce oxidative priming, ROS bursts, and cambial activation
- Together, these synergize to accelerate resin polymerization and densification
Challenge:
- Too much fungal activity combined with high chemical stress → over-infection, tissue necrosis
- Too little chemical support → suboptimal resin formation
2. Control Strategies
A. Sequencing
- Start with chemical priming (AgarStart™) to activate cambium and stress pathways
- Follow with fungal inoculation (FusaPrime™) for localized colonization
- Apply dual-action products (FusaTrinity™, MycoChem™) once the tree shows early defense and resin indicators
Principle: Controlled timing avoids overlapping stress peaks.
B. Dosage & Density Adjustment
- Adjust fungal inoculant volume according to DBH and tree age
- Adjust chemical application based on sap flow and seasonal conditions
- Avoid simultaneous maximum doses of both fungal and chemical agents
Rule of Thumb:
Apply moderate fungal load with controlled chemical stress rather than maximum of both.
C. Monitoring Tree Response
- Observe early indicators: sap thickening, resin streaks, cambial elasticity, and scent
- Check for signs of over-stress: excessive sap exudation, dark necrotic patches, or leaf drop
- Only proceed with densification (FusaBlaze™, ResinRush™) if tree is handling initial induction well
D. Seasonal & Environmental Considerations
- Wet season: chemical stress can be diluted, fungal growth can be aggressive → reduce fungal dose
- Dry season: slower sap flow, chemical stress more pronounced → moderate chemical dose
- Optimal window: mild abiotic stress + controlled fungal colonization = predictable resin formation
3. Farmer-Friendly Summary
- Fungi = trigger / precursor supplier
- Chemicals = amplifier / primer
- Control = timing, dose, observation
Think of it as a balanced dance: too aggressive on either side → tree stress; properly balanced → dense, aromatic, high-value agarwood.
4. BarIno™ Principle
Controlled fungal–chemical interaction is the key to predictable, high-quality agarwood.
Sequencing, dosage, and monitoring ensure synergy without stress overload.