Sandalwood (Santalum album L.) is a valuable tree associated with Indian culture. It is the second most expensive wood in the world. The heartwood of the tree is treasured for its aroma and is one of the finest natural materials for carving. Sandalwood oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics, aromatherapy and pharmaceuticals. The monopoly of sandalwood trade by the Governments of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala and its consequences have resulted in severe exploitation, pushing S. album into the vulnerable category of the IUCN Red List. Extensive research has shown that sandalwood exhibits considerable genetic diversity for different traits.
However, information pertaining to heartwood and oil content is meagre mainly because of non-availability of sandalwood plantations. Carrying out further research on these two important traits is difficult as natural populations have dwindled rapidly. We strongly urge that it is essential to encourage the establishment of community/corporate sandalwood plantations in different parts of India with appropriate incentives and adequate protective measures. These plantations can form the base population sources to regain the leadership of India in the sandalwood industry for perfumery and the precious art of carving.
N. Arun Kumar*, Geeta Joshi and H. Y. Mohan Ram
Contact:
EDS Farms Private Limited
W101, 2nd Avenue, Anna Nagar ,
Chennai-600040, Tamilnadu.
044 45058348 | 42612288
info@edsfarms.com
www.edsfarms.com
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