Recent Advancement in Agarwood Induction Technology: A Comprehensive Review for the Transformation of Artificial Agar Resin Induction Methods

Abstract

Agarwood is a high valued resinous wood containing aromatic constituents of sesquiterpenes and phenyl-ethylchromones. They are typically found in the wood tissue of Thymalaeaceae family trees such as Aquilaria and Gyrinops species once they have been physically or chemically damaged or diseased by microbial pathogens. However, the natural occurrence based agarwood production is inadequate to fulfill the worldwide market demand as it never reach to the potential yield. As a result, recent advancements in artificial agarwood induction technology have led to the efficient production of agarwood resin, surpassing conventional methods. These technologies include mechanical, biological, and chemical methods, as well as combinations of these techniques such as fungal inoculation, nailing, drilling, partly trunk pruning, aeration method, agar-wit, C-A kits, Agar-sit, Bottle dipping, ChemJet, Pinhole infusion, Automated transfusion, Agar-Bit and Bamboo stick method. While interdisciplinary approaches have pros and cons, chemical inducers have shown rapid invasion inside particular tree species trunks to produce superior agarwood resin at consistent rate. Therefore, diverse forms of inducers can be utilized to develop this finest fragrance resinous wood in cultivated trees within a short period of time compared to the natural approach and almost similar in the quality compared to the natural agarwood formations. The objective of this review paper was to presents a comprehensive collection of agarwood resin inducing methods and their potential to enhance the total production and the quality of agarwood in the final harvest. The application of these techniques has significant implications to the agarwood industry as it seeks to meet the growing global demand for this highly sought-after and valuable product leading to a high profitable business. Therefore, this review article serves as a valuable collection of resource for the researchers and industry professionals who are ambitious to develop their agarwood industry to a new level.