ANALYSIS OF GENE EXPRESSION AND QUALITY OF AGARWOOD USING AGAR-BIT IN <em>AQUILARIA</em> <em>SINENSIS</em>

Abstract

Agarwood, precious resinous trunks or branches derived from Aquilaria plants, is widely used in incense and perfume. However, due to its low yield and high production cost, a novel stimulating method is required to produce agarwood rapidly and effectively. We studied the biologically agarwood-inducing technique (Agar-Bit) that achieved high yield and qualified production. In this study the gene expressions and chemical compositions in agarwood obtained from Aquilaria sinensis trees using Agar-Bit were characterised. Mechanically-stimulated agarwood was used as control. Some characteristic synthase genes expressed degrees and times differently compared with control. For Agar-Bit group expressions of biological synthase genes were upregulated in 12 hours, then downregulated except CHS1 (chalcone synthase genes) after stimulation. For mechanically-stimulated agarwood they were upregulated in 24 hours, then downregulated except HMGR (3-hydroxy-3-mythlglutaryl-CoA reductase). The chemical compositions of agarwood by Agar-Bit and control were investigated by total chromone and essential oil contents. Therefore, we concluded that Agar-Bit can markedly motivate some characteristic synthase gene expressions and produce unique and identical chromone chemicals in agarwood. These findings may supplement information on agarwood formation theories and provide genetic varieties during the process.