Evaluation of coppice shoots and root suckers for mass multiplication of Santalum album in mist-less propagation system

Abstract

Mass multiplication through vegetative propagation is essential for producing uniform, high-quality planting material to meet the expanding demand of the sandalwood industry. Vegetative propagation in Santalum album (Indian sandalwood) remains challenging due to poor adventitious rooting potential, strong genotype dependency, and absence of reliable protocol. Conventional approaches including grafting, mound layering, and tissue culture have achieved limited and inconsistent success in sandalwood propagation. The present study aimed to develop a cost-effective protocol for clonal multiplication of S. album using coppice shoots and root suckers. The rooting response of coppice shoots from 14 donor trees documented a maximum of 24 % rooting at 3000 ppm indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Root suckers obtained from 26 donor trees from three different locations, documented maximum rooting percentage of 77.78 %. Notable variation in rooting potential was recorded across locations and a significant influence of donor tree on rooting percentage was also documented. The protocol presented in the present study using mist-less propagation chamber provides a cost-effective method for mass multiplication of sandalwood. This study was conducted at a pilot-scale and requires further optimization to develop a reproducible and rapid commercial scale clonal production system in sandalwood. However, the study has opened up avenues for mass multiplication of vegetative tissues in the species which is expected to ensure higher genetic gains from sandalwood plantations and breeding program.