Spike Disease of Sandalwood

Abstract

IN NATURE of June 14 a short account is given of the work on spike disease of sandalwood in progress in the Biochemical Department of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. This disease had previously been investigated in the laboratories of the Mysore Agricultural Department under the direction of Dr. Coleman, whose transmission experiments indicated the probability of a virus infection. In view of the very extensive damage caused by the disease not only in Mysore State but also in the Madras Presidency and Coorg, proposals were considered for a joint investigation by Mysore, Madras, and Coorg. For various reasons the Mysore Government preferred to continue on independent lines, but arrangements were made by the Government of Madras and the Administration of Coorg for an investigation to be carried out at the Indian Institute of Science under my general direction. Under this scheme the two authorities named have made an annual grant for the employment of a special staff which has enabled two whole-time assistants to be employed on this research, assisted by various research students in the Department. At the same time facilities were granted for extensive field experiments to be carried out in the Salem district of Madras and in Coorg with the co-operation of the forest officers concerned. In these circumstances it has been possible to arrange for an investigation of wide scope both in the laboratory and in the field.