Infection Depth, Spacing & Density for Agarwood Induction – Optimizing Resin Yield and Tree Health
The success of agarwood induction depends on how inoculation wounds are placed and managed. Too shallow, too close, or too dense, and you risk poor resin formation, stress overload, or tree death.
1. Infection Depth
Definition: How deep the inoculant penetrates the xylem.
BarIno™ Guidelines:
- Target the xylem tissue just below the cambium
- Typical depth range: 2–5 cm, depending on DBH and age
- Avoid penetrating too deep, which can:
- Damage the vascular core
- Cause sap flow interruption
- Increase mortality risk
Field Indicators:
- Shallow cut → insufficient fungal colonization → weak resin
- Deep cut → risk of vascular collapse → over-infection
Tip: Adjust depth according to DBH class (larger trees tolerate slightly deeper inoculations).
2. Infection Spacing
Definition: Distance between inoculation points along the trunk.
BarIno™ Guidelines:
- Small trees (DBH < 15 cm): 5–10 cm between points
- Medium trees (DBH 15–20 cm): 10–15 cm spacing
- Large trees (DBH > 20 cm): 15–25 cm spacing
Purpose:
- Prevent over-infection by limiting fungal overlap
- Ensure uniform resin distribution
- Maintain tree vitality
Field Check: Visualize a spiral or staggered pattern along the trunk for even colonization.
3. Infection Density
Definition: Number of inoculation points per tree.
BarIno™ Guidelines:
| DBH Class | Recommended Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10–14 cm | 1–2 | Only activation, light inoculation |
| 15–19 cm | 3–5 | Standard FusaPrime™ induction |
| 20–24 cm | 5–8 | Full BarIno™ induction cycle |
| ≥25 cm | 8–12 | High-value or dual-phase induction |
Notes:
- Too few points: weak, patchy resin
- Too many points: excessive stress, over-infection, poor survival
Tip: Always combine point number with spacing and depth for optimal induction.
4. Product-Specific Adjustments
| Product | Depth | Spacing | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| AgarStart™ | 2–3 cm | 10–15 cm | Low (initiation only) |
| FusaPrime™ | 3–4 cm | 10–20 cm | Medium (primary induction) |
| FusaTrinity™ | 3–5 cm | 15–25 cm | Medium-high (dual stimulation) |
| Harmonia™ | 2–4 cm | 15–25 cm | Distributed, staggered |
| ResinRush™ / FusaBlaze™ | 3–5 cm | 15–20 cm | Medium-high (densification) |
5. Field Implementation Checklist
Before inoculation:
- Measure DBH and tree health
- Check sap flow, cambium vitality, and moisture status
- Map inoculation points according to depth, spacing, and density guidelines
- Record inoculation pattern for monitoring
6. BarIno™ Principle
Proper depth, spacing, and density ensure controlled colonization, maximize resin formation, and protect tree survival.
Think of it as precision farming at the microbial level.