Biotechnological Approach for Tree Improvement in Red Sanders

Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.) is an endemic species to Cuddapah geological formation. The heartwood of the tree is costliest and is being exported to Japan. Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has launched tree improvement programme to improve the quality of Red Sanders populations by multiplying desired superior phenotypes. The problems faced in standardising the techniques and the importance of Biotechnological approach for realising the objectives of the programme have been discussed. The advantages and procedures adopted in tissue culture and ischolar_maining the cuttings of Red Sanders are described. The scope for utilising the techniques for the tree improvement of Red Sanders for multiplication and production of F₁ hybrids is discussed.