There is a possibility that genomics research can identify ways to to enhance or cause agarwood production by identifying which genes are responsible for resin production and how they are ”switched on” (Cheng et al. 2019; Naziz et al. 2019). If the correct genes are sequenced, then mRNA technology could be employed to cause the resin production that results in the formation of agarwood (Cheng et al. 2019). Other possibilities to enhance production include the selection and cloning of superior agarwood production trees for breeding and out-planting of seeds. Genomics and genetics research on agarwood tree species appears to be of growing interest, based on the number of recent publications on the subject (for instance, an internet search for ”gene + Aquilaria” resulted on 2380 hits), particularly among Chinese researchers working with A. sinensis.
It is worth noting that several biotechnology companies have produced synthetic agarwood oil. There is already commercial-level success with “bio-oud”, which is marketed at about one-tenth of the price of natural product and used in perfumes and soaps. Most reviews, however, indicate that while sufficient for use in some cosmetics the aromas differ from the natural product in depth and complexity.