Induction | Dual Systems | UnderGrad Thesis | MycoChem™ | FusaTrinity™ | Physico-Chemical | Pathogen Infections
UNDERGRADUATE THESIS PROPOSAL
Title: “Evaluation of Dual Induction Systems for Agarwood Resin Formation in Aquilaria malaccensis: A Combined Biological and Chemical Approach“
1. Introduction
Agarwood is a highly valuable aromatic resin formed as a defensive response in Aquilaria species following injury, stress, or microbial infection. Natural agarwood formation is rare, unpredictable, and may take decades, resulting in supply shortages and unsustainable harvesting pressures.
To address these challenges, artificial induction methods have been developed, primarily categorized as biological induction (using microbes) and chemical induction (using inorganic or organic elicitors). While each method has shown success, limitations remain in resin consistency, chemical complexity, and long-term tree health.
Recent studies suggest that Dual Induction Systems, which combine biological and chemical stimuli, may enhance resin yield, accelerate formation, and improve chemical authenticity by synergistically activating multiple defense pathways. However, systematic evaluation of such systems remains limited, particularly at the undergraduate research level.
2. Statement of the Problem
Single-method agarwood induction techniques often result in:
- Inconsistent resin formation
- Limited chromone diversity
- Reduced aromatic complexity
- Increased tree stress or localized damage
There is insufficient experimental data on the effectiveness of dual induction systems in producing chemically superior and sustainable agarwood resin.
3. Objectives
General Objective
To evaluate the effectiveness of dual induction systems in inducing agarwood resin formation in Aquilaria spp.
Specific Objectives
- To compare resin yield between single and dual induction methods
- To assess resin formation rate under different treatments
- To analyze chemical profiles of induced resin using GC-MS
- To determine the effect of dual induction on sesquiterpene and chromone production
- To evaluate tree health response following induction
4. Significance of the Study
- Provides scientific validation for advanced induction systems
- Supports sustainable agarwood cultivation practices
- Contributes to quality grading and chemical fingerprint databases
- Benefits farmers, researchers, and the agarwood industry
- Strengthens ethical and market acceptance of induced agarwood
5. Scope and Limitations
Scope
- Focus on Aquilaria spp. grown under plantation conditions
- Evaluation of biological, chemical, and dual induction treatments
- Chemical analysis limited to GC-MS profiling
Limitations
- Short observation period compared to natural resin aging
- Limited number of induction agents
- Environmental variability in field conditions
6. Review of Related Literature (Summary)
Previous studies show that fungal pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum induce sesquiterpene biosynthesis, while chemical elicitors promote rapid resin deposition. Dual induction approaches may activate both microbial defense pathways and oxidative stress responses, resulting in enhanced resin complexity. However, comparative experimental data remain scarce.
7. Methodology
7.1 Research Design
Experimental research using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD)
7.2 Materials
- Aquilaria malaccensis trees
- Biological agents:
- Fusarium oxysporum
- Lasiodiplodia theobromae
- Chemical inducer (approved agarwood elicitor)
- Sterile drilling and inoculation tools
- GC-MS equipment
7.3 Treatments
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| T1 | Mechanical injury only (Control) |
| T2 | Biological induction only |
| T3 | Chemical induction only |
| T4 | Dual induction (Biological + Chemical) |
| T5 | Untreated control |
7.4 Induction Procedure
- Standardized drilling at selected trunk points
- Application of microbial inoculum
- Introduction of chemical inducer after a defined interval
- Sealing of inoculation points
- Monitoring over 6–12 months
7.5 Data Collection
- Visual assessment of resin formation
- Resin yield measurement
- Tree health indicators
- GC-MS chemical profiling
- Relative abundance of key sesquiterpenes and chromones
8. Data Analysis
- Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
- GC-MS chromatogram interpretation
- Comparative chemical fingerprint analysis
9. Expected Results
- Dual induction treatments will produce higher resin yield
- Increased chromone diversity and sesquiterpene complexity
- Faster resin formation compared to single induction methods
- Acceptable tree health and survivability
10. Ethical and Biosafety Considerations
- Use of controlled microbial strains
- Minimal tree damage
- Compliance with institutional biosafety protocols
- Environmentally responsible induction practices
11. Proposed Timeline
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Literature review | 1 month |
| Preparation of agents | 1 month |
| Induction application | 1 month |
| Resin development | 6–9 months |
| Chemical analysis | 1 month |
| Thesis writing | 2 months |
12. Expected Output
- Undergraduate thesis manuscript
- GC-MS chemical fingerprint dataset
- Practical recommendations for agarwood induction
13. Conclusion
This study aims to demonstrate that Dual Induction Systems offer a scientifically sound and sustainable approach to agarwood production by integrating biological and chemical defense mechanisms, resulting in improved resin quality and consistency.