Variability for Oil, α- and β-santalol Content in Indian Sandalwood (<i>Santalum album</i> L.) from Marayoor Sandalwood Reserve – The Only Natural Population in India

Abstract

Indian Sandalwood ( Santalum album L.) is categorized as 'vulnerable' by International Union for Conservation of Nature. Marayoor Sandalwood reserve in the Kerala state is the only natural sandalwood reserve in India and perhaps in the world having substantial Santalum album (Indian Sandalwood) trees. Variation for oil and its major constituents i.e., α- and β- santalol of the Sandalwood trees in this reserve has been attempted for the first time. Core samples were collected from trees of different girth size ranging from 30 to 140 cm. The sandalwood oil was extracted from the core samples using solvent extraction method. Oil content ranged from 1.3% to 6.2%. From the extracted oil, α- and β- santalol content was estimated by using Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry. The α- and β- santalol content varied from 45.17 to 55% and 18.3 to 27% (w/w) respectively. There was no relationship between tree girth, oil, and santalols content. Considerable variation exists in the natural population for oil content and sufficient care has to be taken while selecting superior genotypes.