Sandalwood Spike Diseases

A recent study found that Sandalwood Spike Disease (SSD) is a serious threat to commercial sandalwood cultivation.

About Sandalwood Spike Disease:

• It is a plant-borne infectious disease caused by phytoplasma.
• Phytoplasmas are plant-parasitic bacteria that are transmitted by insect vectors and involved in plant-to-plant transmission.
• There is currently no cure for the infection.
• To prevent the spread of the disease, the only option is to cut down and remove the infected tree.
• In 1899, the disease was first reported in Kodagu, Karnataka.
• Between 1903 and 1916, over a million sandalwood trees were felled in the Kodagu and Mysore regions.
• Concerns: The disease kills 1% to 5% of sandalwood trees each year, and scientists warn that it could wipe out the entire natural population if preventative measures are not taken.
• Another issue to be concerned about is that any delay in stopping the trend may result in the disease spreading to cultivated sandalwood trees.

Recent Initiatives:

• In an effort to combat the killer disease, the Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST) in Bangalore collaborated with the National Centre for Cell Sciences in Pune for a three-year study funded by the Union Ministry of AYUSH with Rs. 50 lakhs.
• IWST is a Sandalwood Research and Wood Science Center of Excellence.

About Indian Sandalwood:

• Santalum album, also known as Indian Sandalwood, is a species of dry deciduous forest found in China, India, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines.
• Sandalwood has long been associated with Indian heritage and culture, as the country once contributed 85% of the world's sandalwood trade. However, this has been rapidly declining recently.
• This small tropical tree can reach a height of 20m and has red wood and bark in a variety of dark colours (dark brown, reddish and dark grey).
• Santalum album is primarily harvested for its timber due to its strength and durability.

Uses:

• It is also known as "Chandan" and "Srigandha" in India. Sandalwood holds a special place in Indian tradition, where it is used from birth to death.
• Close-grained sandalwood heartwood is used for fine furniture and carving.
• The heartwood and roots also have a high concentration of 'sandal oil,' which is used in perfumes, incense, cosmetics, soaps, and medicines. The bark contains tannin, which can be used to make dye.
• Sandalwood essential oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and astringent.
• It is used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and hypertension, as well as to heal wounds and treat skin blemishes.
• Sandalwood is primarily grown in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu in India.

Way Forward

• The study recommended that commercial production of sandalwood seedlings be accredited through testing to ensure that the plants are free of SSD.
• It has also called for a paradigm shift in sandalwood seedling management policies.

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