The book describes every known species of the plant genus Santalum, discusses their potential for commercial use, and supports the claim that Indian sandalwood, Santalum album, is the best of all the species under Santalum. Following this, every facet of S. album is thoroughly covered, including the most recent evidence-based methods for choosing seeds, growing and maintaining healthy nurseries, maintaining plantations, improving tree quality, and harvesting and selling. For the first time, it placed a strong emphasis on good silvicultural practices, which maximize production and preserve the ecosystem services provided by the plantations by maintaining the health of plantations in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. Recent developments in our understanding of how Sandal Spike Disease (SSD) spreads and strategies for dealing with it are included. It draws attention to the challenges faced by the growers in the production, protection, and trade of sandalwood. Also included cultivation status and performance of S. album in other countries outside India. All the chapters are supplemented with ample illustrations and figures. For sandalwood researchers and active sandalwood producers worldwide, these materials will be a ready reckoner. It will not only give people the confidence to cultivate S. album sustainably around the world, protecting this valuable bioresource, but it will also encourage the resurgence of sectors reliant on sandalwood and the international trade in sandalwood goods.
