1. Key Concept
Not all fungal strains produce the same resin quality or aroma profile. Selecting the right strain—or combination—is crucial for premium agarwood.
- Some strains stimulate rapid resin accumulation but lower aroma complexity
- Others produce highly aromatic compounds but slower or shallower resin
2. Strain Effects on Resin
| Strain Type | Primary Effect | Resin Characteristic | Aroma & Oil Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fusarium-based (e.g., FusaPrime™) | Strong defense activation | Deep resin veins, moderate speed | High-quality oil, woody & balsamic notes |
| Multi-strain consortium (e.g., Harmonia™) | Sustained & multi-pathway stimulation | Dense, layered resin | Complex, premium aroma; best for oud oil |
| Yeast / non-Fusarium microbes (part of MycoChem™) | Aroma enhancement | Moderate quantity | Rich sesquiterpenes & chromones; enhances fragrance intensity |
| Fast-colonizing aggressive fungi | Rapid resin initiation | Shallow or brittle resin | Often less aromatic, may reduce oil quality |
3. Factors Determining Aroma & Oil-Grade
- Fungal metabolism
- Different fungi produce different enzymes and metabolites
- Metabolites interact with tree compounds → unique aroma signature
- Colonization pattern
- Deeper xylem colonization → higher resin density → better oil yield
- Synergy with chemical stress
- Chemicals like FerroBoost™ + fungi → denser, richer resin
- Tree genetics & health
- Some trees respond better to specific fungal strains
4. Practical Guidance for Inoculation
- Use Fusarium strains (FusaPrime™) for deep, high-quality resin veins
- Use a fungal consortium (Harmonia™) for aromatic complexity and higher oil grade
- Combine chemical and biotic inoculants for best balance:
- Abiotic → triggers fast response
- Biotic → sustains resin formation and aroma diversity
5. Farmer-Friendly Analogy
“Think of fungi like chefs: one can make lots of food quickly (quantity), another can make gourmet dishes with complex flavors (aroma). Using the right team gives both quantity and premium quality.”