Agarwood ― Science Behind the Fragrance

This book gives readers new information to understand the mechanism of agarwood induction and therefore eradicate the myths surrounding agarwood formation. One of the challenges in conserving agarwood resources is species identification. In this book, taxonomy and systematics of agarwood-producing trees from historical and recent perspectives is discussed, and tips are given for identifying cultivated species. In addition, color illustrations are given to highlight vegetative and reproductive characteristics as well as anatomical features, for identification purposes of both plant and agarwood sources. Another challenge that planters are facing is in acquiring the correct method for agarwood induction, thus development of agarwood induction technologies will be reviewed. A chapter dedicated to bioinduction is included. The book will comprise a chapter on the use of non-destructive technology as a management tool for cultivating agarwood. The book also discusses issues relating to agarwood grades. The absence of an international standard that is acceptable by producer and consumer countries further complicates the issue. Other useful information includes a systematic revelation of agarwood constituents and their complex chemistry, and highlights on a specific pharmaceutical property.

Rozi Mohamed is Associate Professor at the Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia. She received her trainings from the Oregon State University, USA, in the fields of forest biotechnology and plant pathology.

Her research on Agarwood started in 2006. Agarwood is a non-wood product from the endangered Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees, highly prized for its use in fragrances and medicines. Her research projects were designed to answer questions such as identifying the triggers behind Agarwood formation. She applies molecular, genomics and tissue culture approaches to study the mechanism of Agarwood synthesis in Aquilaria. Special attention is given to the role of diverse fungi and bacteria, which is known to be useful pathogens for Agarwood inducement.

Being a forester and an ecologist herself, Rozi is especially interested in developing new methods for rapid detection of Aquilaria as a means to circumvent illegal Agarwood trade. Her work on Agarwood has been recognized globally, as evident from the invitations she received to review manuscripts on Agarwood by various international journals. Recently, she organized the 1st International Scientific Symposium on Agarwood (ISSA 2013) at UPM, which received vast responses from the international Agarwood community, scientists and traders alike. Following this success, she will organize its sequel, the highly anticipated 2nd ISSA in 2016.