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Abstract:
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Loss of natural sandal populations due to illicit felling, forest encroachment and
spike disease have an adverse effect on genetic diversity of the species. To initiate
any genetic improvement programme in sandal, a precise understanding of the
population genetic diversity structure is essential. The concern over the loss of
genetic variability in sandal is particularly critical, as there is hardly any
information regarding the diversity status of the natural populations.
Identifying fast growing, disease resistant, oil rich sandal trees through
breeding and their mass multiplication for afforestation are the best method for
ensuring sustainable supply of superior sandalwood. The healthy sandal trees
existing in heavily spike diseased area can be used as a promising starting point for
any such breeding programme (Venkatesh, 1978). So far, no genetic information is
available regarding the resistant nature of spike disease evaded trees left in heavily
infected patches. The high rate of depletion of the superior trees in South Indian
sandal reserves due to illegal felling and spike disease has necessitated an urgent
need for conservation of the surviving trees.Widespread occurrence of spike disease in Marayoor forest reserve was reported in 1981 (Ghosh and Balasundaran, 1995). Because of the high density of trees and varying intensity of spike disease, Marayoor sandal population was found
to be ideal for experimental studies in sandal (Ghosh et al., 1985). Fifteen trees of
reserve 51 of Marayoor range had been selected as candidate plus trees for growth
and spike disease evasion . These trees have been selected for mass multiplication through tissue culture technique. |