Clonal propagation of sandalwood (Santalum album L.) through tissue culture by using branch-soaked explants.

Sandalwood (Santalum album L) is well known for its enormous economic value. The high value of santalol in its oil is in line with the price and quality grade of the wood products. Prior research on genetic diversity and high oil quality producer trees has provided superior tress to propagate. Our study objectives were to provide clonal propagation of selected superior trees using tissue culture techniques. Four mother trees, named P.6.1, P.6.2, A.III.4.14, and TA.12, were selected to run the test. Shoots from branch-soaked in tap water were utilized in shoots cultures. The study showed that P.6.1 gave the most significant number of shoots produced in the soaking branches technique, while A.III.4.14 produced mean most extended shoots. Best induction response showed by P.6.1 (90%) while in multiplication phase A.III.4.14 produced highest mean average shoots number with 24 shoots and meant most extended shoots with 4.3 cm. Further study on rooting ability, using A.III.4.14 clones, showed its most significant success rate after 3 months after induction. In the acclimatization phase, the media combination of topsoil + sands + fertilizer yeast⁺ 1 ml L-1 (M1P3) gave the best response to the growth of shoots and roots of sandalwood plantlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]