Research on Inducing Agarwood Formation in Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex. Lecomte Trees Using Fungal and Chemical Methods in South of Vietnam
Đinh Trung Chanh
Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Pham Hong Diep
International University, Vietnam National University HCMC, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Bui Thanh Hoa
International University, Vietnam National University HCMC, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Tran Van Minh *
International University, Vietnam National University HCMC, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: The agarwood tree, also known as the incense tree (Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lecomte), is a valuable specialty tree that grows naturally in Vietnamese forests. It is classified as a rare and precious timber tree (Group 1A) requiring conservation and prohibited from exploitation.
Aim: Traditionally, people cultivate agarwood trees from seeds; however, not all trees grown from seeds produce agarwood. Discovering, researching, and developing agarwood-producing agarwood varieties, combined with agarwood-inducing treatments, is a method to improve the effectiveness of agarwood cultivation.
Results: Sensory analysis showed that treatment with chlorine yielded high results in two out of three locations. Treatments with fungi and chemicals showed typical changes in the wood around the wound, especially chloride. The list of isolated fungi contained many imperfect and exogenous species. Analysis of agarwood essential oil revealed diverse compounds with ketone, alcohol, and aldehyde bases.
Conclusion: Fungal and chemical treatment preparations stimulate the agarwood formation process.
Keywords: Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex. Lecomte, agarwood oil, black fungus, endangered species, fungal and chemical treatment, incense scent, sesquiterpenes, white fungus