A.Research activities
B. Common activities
C. Scientific classification
D. Natural habitat
E. Selection of Species
F. Evolution and Conservation
The scientific name of the Agar plant is Aquilaria Malaccensis (Aquilaria agallocha was the old scientific name of this tree) and it belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family. Agar tree is an evergreen growing 35 to 40 meters tall and 2 to 3 meters in diameter. It is still seen in different parts of the world. The tree bears white, sweet-smelling flowers and then turns into a seed. The source of Agar oud and attar is mainly the agar plant. Agar oud has been used in China and the Middle East for about 2800 years or more. France has a long history of research work. Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Cambodia, China, and some other countries are also doing social forestry through the planting of agar seedlings on a large scale.
A. Research activities
At present, Agar oud is being researched in joint ventures at various government and private levels around the world. Bangladeshi researchers are converting the specific works of the past into improved methods and techniques by using indigenous technology to produce vaccines from readily available raw materials and using the latest technology to produce natural quality Agar oud.
French chemist Anselme Payen attempted to produce Agar oud in 1859 through the first chemical analysis of the agar plant. The fungal inoculation method was invented by the Tunstall method in 1929(20) and introduced in China in 1976. These methods require a longer time for Agar oud formation but result in low Agar oud yields. CA Kit was invented by Dr. Robert A. of the University of Minnesota, USA. These methods were tested in countries around the world, such as Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. Moreover, the method was applied in an agar garden owned by some individuals in the Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh, but the expected results were not obtained. As a result, Agar producers were discouraged from using the method. Bangladesh Forest Research Institute is conducting research on the effect of nanoparticles on Agar oud production. Nanoparticles of three types of chemicals have been prepared and applied to agar plants in a prescribed manner. Apart from this, research activities are ongoing on the effects of various chemical substances. “Agar Oud Society Bangladeshio culture” and different countries were not able to produce Agar oud to ensure the research activities.
Control Stick (Inoculation & Temperature) BANGLADESHIO S.A. Theory 2024NS, by attaching this theory, the production of Agar oud on agar plants is assured.
“Agar Oud Society Bangladeshio culture” is a family-based research institute. In the year 2005, the first journey of this organization started in “Shafi Nagar Tea Estate” named “Agar Oud Society Bangladeshio culture” with the aim of developing technology for the development and fair use of Agar and Agar national resources. Later, in view of the realization of the need to increase the Agar plant and Agar national resources, it was converted into a full-fledged Agar laboratory in Agar in 2021 by creating research work related to the Agar plant and Agar management.
B. Common activities
In the present world, research institutes are working in joint ventures at the government and private levels. We are thinking about how to make Bangladesh a center point for special research work in the production of the best quality Agar oud in the world.
The development of this industry through promotion and expansion to earn foreign exchange for the sake of the country requires taking initiatives through proper action plans and implementing them in the light of experience and expertise in terms of taking initiatives. Although this business has been practiced for 275 years in present-day Bangladesh. It has a history of 400 years. Inoculation and Nail are used in various ways around the world to produce Agar oud. The vaccine/microorganisms culture is applied by making holes in the agar plant. Also, agar tree contributes to Oud production as a sufficient quantity of pathogens enters the agar tree’s hole. Because these methods do not guarantee absolute quality during operation, the best quality yield is achieved by using control sticks in processed holes to produce Agar oud on agar plants. The Control Stick naturally facilitates the interaction between the vaccine, wood, and other components, compelling them to react effectively. The key active components involved in Agar oud production include sesquiterpenes, phenolic compounds, resin, chromones, agarospirol, alcohols, terpenoids, and oxidative enzymes.
It is prevalent in Bangladesh in the present world. In the public and private levels of different countries of the world, trying to produce Agar oud is becoming common.
It is the most valuable perfume in the world. Also, it is creating the highest employment and earning foreign exchange. Naturally, the production of Agar oud in an agar plant is time-dependent and the plant produces a very small amount of Agar oud at a proportional rate compared to time. But as time goes on in the present world, as the demand for oud is increasing so it is only the need of the time to encourage businessmen to produce cultivated and cloned oud through the inoculation method of agar tree to Agar oud production. Agar oud gives a touch of spirituality. Moreover, it is used with utmost importance to maintain the highest quality of any basic product for a long time. Not only used as a perfume of nobility and luxury. It plays an important role in the preparation of different medicines because of its medicinal properties. It is commonly used in making ayurvedic, allopathic, and other medicines in China and other countries around the world. Apart from medicines and perfumes, it is used in various ways by different countries of the world to maintain the quality of their different products. The medicinal properties of the tea produced from the leaves of the agar plant help to invigorate the body and mind. Tea or a drink made from leaves is recognized worldwide as an aromatic herbal beverage. This tea is quite effective in various diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney, and liver, although it is not popular in Bangladesh. The price of tea or drink produced from the leaves of an agar plant is twenty times more than that of ordinary tea in the world market. Boiled water of tea leaves stops hair fall. Herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, ginseng, or rosemary are very beneficial for the body.
C. Scientific classification (Taxonomy):
Kingdom: Plantae
The agar oud tree belongs to the plant kingdom.
Division: Magnoliophyta
It belongs to the flowering plants or angiosperms, which have flowers and enclosed seeds.
Class: Magnoliopsida
Agar oud tree is a dicotyledonous plant, meaning it has two seed leaves.
Order: Malvales
The tree is part of the Malvales order, which comprises a large group of plants.
Family: Thymelaeaceae
The family Thymelaeaceae includes about 50+ species, among which Aquilaria is a prominent genus.
Genus: Aquilaria
The scientific genus of the Agar oud tree is Aquilaria. This genus includes around 15-20 species, some of which produce Agar oud/ oil.
Species:
The Agar oud tree consists of several species, such as Aquilaria malaccensis (the most well-known species), Aquilaria crassna and Aquilaria sinensis. These species differ based on their regional distribution and characteristics.
D. Natural habitat
Agar oud trees predominantly grow in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Their natural distribution can be found in the following countries:
India: Especially in Assam, Meghalaya, and the northeastern region.
Bangladesh: Widely found in Sylhet, Chittagong, and Mymensingh regions. Indonesia,
Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam are also common habitats for Agar oud.
China: Especially in southern regions and Hainan province, Aquilaria sinensis can be found.
E. Selection of Species
Agar oud trees produce resin only when infected. Naturally, they do not contain oil. However, when the tree becomes infected by fungi or bacteria, it begins to produce resin in its inner wood. This resin-filled wood is the source of the highly valuable Agar oud oil, which is used worldwide in perfumes, religious rituals, and medicinal applications.
Several species of trees are good for Agar oud production, but primarily, trees from the Aquilaria genus are renowned for their high-quality Agar oud. Among these trees, certain species are particularly well-suited for producing both Agar oud and Agar oil. Example-
1. Aquilaria malaccensis: This is the most famous species for producing both Agar oud and Agar oil. Agar oud from Aquilaria malaccensis is of high quality and is widely used in perfumes, incense, and religious ceremonies.
These trees are primarily found in regions like Bangladesh, India, Myanmar (Aquilaria agallocha was the old scientific name of this tree. Later, due to updates in scientific classification, its official scientific name was designated as “Aquilaria malaccensis.” In some countries and research studies, the name Aquilaria agallocha is still in use, but the internationally recognized scientific name is Aquilaria malaccensis).
2. Aquilaria crassna: Found in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia), this species is popular for producing both Agar oud and Agar oil. Agar oud from Aquilaria crassna is of high quality and has a strong fragrance.
3. Aquilaria sinensis: Found in China and Hong Kong, Aquilaria sinensis produces both Agar oud and Agar oil, which are used in making perfumes and incense.
4. Aquilaria filaria: This species is found in regions like Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Aquilaria filaria also produces Agar oud, but its quality is somewhat lower compared to other species.
Why these species are good for Agar oud production is discussed:
1. Resin production: These species produce high-quality fragrant resin when the trees are infected or injured, which gives Agar oud its special characteristics.
2. Market demand: The demand for Agar oud from these species is very high globally, especially in the Middle East, Japan, and other Asian countries.
3. Fragrance characteristics: The aroma of the Agar oud from these species is very pleasant and long-lasting, making it invaluable for use in perfumes and incense.
These factors make Aquilaria malaccensis/Aquilaria agallocha and other species highly suitable for Agar oud production.
F. Evolution and Conservation
Agar oud trees are now listed as endangered due to overharvesting, deforestation, and illegal collection, leading to a significant decline in their population. As a result, some species of Agar oud trees are regulated under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) to control their international trade. Conservation and reforestation efforts are underway to ensure the survival of this valuable species.
The Agar oud tree is unique due to its special properties and its production of valuable Agar oil. Its botanical classification and significance make it a remarkable plant. However, due to overexploitation and environmental challenges, conservation and proper management of this species are critically important.
It continues to play an important role in the higher research of the students of various universities, especially the students of botany.
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