A recent study has revealed that Sandalwood Spike Disease (SSD) is a significant challenge to the commercial cultivation of sandalwood.
What is Sandalwood Spike Disease?
SSD, an infectious disease affecting sandalwood trees, is caused by phytoplasma. Phytoplasmas are bacterial parasites that inhabit plant tissues and are usually transmitted by insect vectors, leading to plant-to-plant transmission. As of now, there’s no cure for this disease. The only preventive measure against it involves cutting down and removing infected trees to stop its further spread. This disease was first reported in Kodagu, Karnataka in 1899, with over a million sandalwood trees removed in the Kodagu and Mysore region between 1903 and 1916.
The Devastating Impact on Sandalwood Trees
Every year, about 1% to 5% of sandalwood trees are lost due to SSD. If no measures are taken to curb it, scientists warn that it could lead to the extinction of the natural sandalwood population. Furthermore, a delay in action could potentially result in the disease spreading to cultivated sandalwood trees.
Steps to Combat the Disease
In order to fight SSD, the Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST), Bangalore has collaborated with the Pune-based National Centre for Cell Sciences for a three-year study. Initiated by the Union Ministry of AYUSH, this study received financial backing of Rs. 50 lakhs. IWST serves as a Centre of Excellence for Sandalwood Research and Wood Science.
About Indian Sandalwood
Santalum album or Indian Sandalwood is a dry deciduous forest species, native to various countries including China, India, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines. It’s a small tropical tree, notable for its red wood and dark-colored bark. The Indian Sandalwood is primarily harvested for its timber due to its strength and durability. It holds a significant place in Indian heritage and culture, and despite a rapid decline, it historically contributed to 85% of the world’s sandalwood trade.
Potential Uses of Indian Sandalwood
Indian Sandalwood, also called “Chandan” or “Srigandha” in India, has a variety of uses. Its heartwood, known for its fine grain, is employed in creating fine furniture and carvings. The heartwood and roots also produce ‘sandal oil’ used extensively in perfumes, incense, cosmetics, soaps, and medicines. Additionally, the bark contains tannin, an ingredient used for dye. Its essential oil possesses antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and astringent properties.
Key Growing Areas
In India, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are primarily responsible for growing sandalwood.
Proposed Measures
The study proposed certain measures to combat the disease. Those include accrediting commercial production of sandalwood seedlings through tested assurance that the plants are free from SSD and policy modifications concerning sandalwood seedlings.
About Red Sanders
In regards to the UPSC Civil Services Examination question about ‘Red Sanders,’ this tree species is found in a part of South India and holds importance in certain areas of the tropical rain forests of South India. In the 1980s, the Union government recommended the inclusion of Red Sanders in Appendix II of CITES. Since 2004, the export of Red Sanders has been prohibited.
