Below is a species-specific nursery protocol tailored for high-value clonal production systems.

🌳 Nursery Protocol for Santalum album

(Indian Sandalwood – Semi-Parasitic Tropical Tree)

🔬 Biological Consideration

Sandalwood is a hemiparasitic species — it requires compatible host plants for optimal growth and heartwood development. Nursery management must therefore integrate host establishment strategy.

1️⃣ Stage 1 – Acclimatization (0–6 Weeks)

Objective: Transition tissue-cultured plantlets to ambient nursery conditions.

Environment:

60–70% shade
70–85% humidity
Temperature: 24–32°C

Media (Sterile Mix):

40% cocopeat
30% sterilized compost
20% sand
10% carbonized rice hull

Key Actions:

Gradual humidity reduction
Light mist irrigation (avoid saturation)
Prevent root rot (excellent drainage mandatory)

Survival Target: ≥ 90%

2️⃣ Stage 2 – Primary Nursery (2–4 Months)

🌱 Host Integration Phase

Introduce primary host plants in the same polybag.

Recommended Primary Hosts:

Sesbania grandiflora
Cajanus cajan
Leucaena leucocephala

Method:

Sow host seeds 2–3 weeks before sandalwood transplant
Ensure root proximity for haustorial connection

Fertilization:

Low nitrogen
Balanced micronutrients
Avoid excessive phosphorus

3️⃣ Stage 3 – Secondary Nursery (4–8 Months)

Transition to:

30–40% shade
Gradual sunlight exposure

Management:

Remove weak host seedlings
Maintain 1 strong host per sandalwood plant
Mycorrhizal inoculation recommended

Field-Ready Height: 30–50 cm
Stem Diameter: ≥ 0.8 cm

⚠ Critical Risks in Sandalwood Nursery

No host integration → stunted growth
Waterlogging → high mortality
Over-fertilization → weak root-host bonding
Shade mismanagement → leaf scorch