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Ecology & Environment
Mahesh

28/10/22 06:54 AM IST

Sandalwood Spike Disease (SSD)

In News 
  • Sandalwood spike disease (SSD) has recently started spreading to private fields where the cultivation of sandalwood has been taken up on a commercial basis.\
Sandalwood spike diseases
  • The disease is caused by phytoplasma — bacterial parasites of plant tissues — which are transmitted by insect vectors.
  • The disease was first reported in Kodagu in 1899.
  • Symptoms: The sandalwood trees dry up once affected by SSD. Leaves turn thin and yellow and no new leaves will sprout. Within four years, the tree dies.
  • Treatment: As of now, no cure exists for the disease. Hence, the infected tree has to be cut to reduce the spread of the disease.
  • Every year about 1% to 5% of sandalwood trees are lost due to the disease.
  • It could potentially wipe out the entire natural Sandalwood population if measures are not taken to prevent its spread.
Measures needed
  • A study conducted by the Institute of Wood Science and Technology(IWST), Bangalore and Pune-based National Centre for Cell Sciences has recommended accreditation of commercial production of sandalwood seedlings through testing to ensure that the plants are free from SSD.
  • It has also called for a paradigm shift in policies handling sandalwood seedlings.
About Sandalwood
  • Indian Sandalwood is a dry deciduous forest species native to China, India, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines.
  • Because it is strong and durable, S. album is mostly harvested for its timber. On IUCN Red List Status, it is Vulnerable.
  • In India, it is also called “Chandan” and “Srigandha”. Sandalwood has a special place in Indian tradition where it is used from cradle to cremation.
  • In India, it is mostly grown in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
Source- The Hindu 

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