Influence of Secondary Host tree on Growth, Heartwood Initiation and Oil content of Twelve Year-old of Sandalwood Plantations at Eastern dry zone of Karnataka, in Peninsular India

Author: Venkatesh L., Dattappa, Maheshnaik B.L. and Ganesha B.H.

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Abstract

This study investigates the influence of different secondary hosts on sandalwood in Eastern dry zone of Karnataka's Chikkballapur and Kolar Districts in peninsular India. It assesses how sandalwood's growth, heartwood development, and oil production are linked to secondary hosts. Focusing on twelve-year-old trees in Chikkballapur, the clear bole height of sandalwood showed notable increases when associated with hosts like Sesbania grandiflora and Casuarina equisetifolia (1.86 m). Notably, sandalwood trees with Emblica officinalis as hosts displayed elevated heartwood content (23.05%) and the highest heartwood oil concentration (2.16%). Stem volume was highest under the host of Sesbania grandiflora (7.57 dm³). Studying a thirteen-year-old sandalwood trees in Kolar district, those linked with Morus alba hosts exhibited the tallest clear bole height (2.54 m) and the greatest stem volume (22.93 dm³). In terms of heartwood composition, sandalwood trees associated with Emblica officinalis showcased high percentages (43.32%). Additionally, sandalwood trees with Emblica officinalis as hosts exhibited a notably high oil content (3.40%), while those with Moringa oleifera hosts had the lowest oil content (0.44%). In conclusion, this research underscores the significant impact of secondary hosts on sandalwood's growth, heartwood development, and oil production. The findings offer valuable insights for the cultivation and management of sandalwood, ultimately enhancing its economic and cultural importance. The effect of secondary hosts on sandalwood heartwood, and oil content formation was less explored. With the analogy of the study concluded with formation of heartwood and oil content was highly correlated with effect from secondary hosts.

Keywords

Semi-root parasite, Sandalwood, heartwood, oil content and clear bole height

Conclusion

This research examines how various secondary hosts affect sandalwood in Karnataka, India. The study evaluates sandalwood's growth, heartwood, and oil in relation to secondary hosts. Focusing on twelve-year-old trees in Chikkballapur, sandalwood's clear bole height increased notably with Sesbania grandiflora and Casuarina equisetifolia (1.86 m), akin to other hosts. Emblica officinalis had high heartwood (23.05%). In heartwood oil, Emblica officinalis showed the highest (2.16%), Investigating thirteen-year-olds in Kolar, Morus alba had highest clear bole (2.54 m) and also it had most stem volume (22.93 dm³),The sandal having the host of Emblica officinalis had high oil (3.40%), hence the oil and heart wood content of the sandal is mainly depending on the host tree. The research highlights secondary hosts' impact on sandalwood's growth, heartwood, oil, offering insights for cultivation and management, enhancing its economic and cultural value.

References

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How to cite this article

Venkatesh L., Dattappa, Maheshnaik B.L. and Ganesha B.H. (2023). Influence of Secondary Host tree on Growth, Heartwood Initiation and Oil content of Twelve Year-old of Sandalwood Plantations at Eastern dry zone of Karnataka, in Peninsular India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8a): 227-232.