Prospects of Biotechnological Approaches for Propagation and Improvement of Threatened African Sandalwood (<i>Osyris lanceolata</i> Hochst. & Steud.)

Abstract

The African Sandalwood plant ( <i> Osyris lanceolata </i> ) is a threatened shrub or a small hemi-parasitic tree endemic to East Africa and South African regions, which is being severely affected by uprooting for oil extraction, poor natural regeneration, phenological structures (dioecious), medicinal values, lack of sexual recruitment, habitat loss, anthropogenic and climate factors. It has been found that through application of <i> in situ </i> conservation of natural trees with respect to rapid human population growth, the available natural strands of valuable plants such as African sandalwood have not been able to meet the demands of the people in world specifically developing countries. However, advances in plant biotechnology provide new options for collection, multiplication and short- to long-term conservation of <i> Osyris lanceolata </i> species, using <i> in vitro </i> culture techniques. Different aspects of biotechnological applications can be extensively used to reduce the risk of extinction of this valuable plant species and to improve the quality and quantity of essential oils produced by it. Therefore, tissue culture appears to be a promising approach for the propagation and conservation of African sandalwood plant.