Tree Physiological Readiness: Sap Flow, Cambium Vitality & Moisture Status – Ensuring Success in Agarwood Resin Induction
Successful agarwood induction requires healthy, responsive trees. Beyond DBH and age, three physiological indicators determine whether a tree can tolerate induction and produce quality resin:
- Sap Flow – measures nutrient and water circulation
- Cambium Vitality – indicates active growth potential
- Moisture Status – ensures proper stress-response capacity
1. Sap Flow: The Circulatory System of the Tree
Why It Matters
- Supplies water and nutrients to injured sites
- Carries stress signals and defense molecules
- Ensures resin precursors reach the induction zone
Field Indicators
- Healthy trees exude sap slowly when bark is wounded
- Morning sap flow should be visible but not excessive
- Absence of sap may indicate stress or disease
BarIno™ Implication
- Low sap flow → delay inoculation
- High sap flow → tree ready for AgarStart™ or FusaPrime™
Field Check
- Make a small, shallow cut at the intended injection site
- Observe sap color (clear/light brown) and rate (steady, not dripping)
2. Cambium Vitality: Growth Potential
Why It Matters
- The cambium is a thin layer of living cells between bark and xylem
- Active cambium ensures:
- Rapid wound healing
- Effective resin production
- Long-term tree survival
Field Indicators
- Bark is elastic, not brittle
- Green layer under bark when scratched
- No dry or dead patches along the trunk
BarIno™ Implication
- Dormant or dead cambium → poor resin formation
- Active cambium → tree ready for all induction phases
Field Check
- Remove a small piece of bark at DBH level
- Look for bright green cambial layer
- Avoid areas with dark or brown cambium
3. Moisture Status: Hydration for Defense
Why It Matters
- Adequate water allows the tree to:
- Respond to stress signals
- Maintain resin synthesis
- Excessive water or drought compromises defense and increases mortality risk
Field Indicators
- Soil is moist but well-drained
- Tree shows no leaf wilting
- Twigs are flexible, not brittle
BarIno™ Implication
- Dry soil → avoid induction (risk of tree collapse)
- Waterlogged soil → risk of fungal overgrowth or infection
Field Check
- Dig ~10 cm around base; soil should be damp, not dry
- Check for leaf turgidity and twig flexibility
4. Integrated Tree Readiness Assessment
| Indicator | Good | Caution | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sap Flow | Steady, light brown | Very low or too high | Delay or adjust induction |
| Cambium | Bright green, elastic | Brown, brittle, patchy | Delay induction |
| Moisture | Soil damp, leaves turgid | Dry or waterlogged | Irrigate / wait for optimal conditions |
5. BarIno™ Principle
A tree must be physiologically ready before any inoculation.
Sap flow, cambium vitality, and moisture status are your most reliable field indicators.