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In a world first, researchers at The University of Western Australia have isolated the genes for sandalwood oil and lodged a patent for the process.

The team, which also comprises members from the Forest Products Commission (FPC) and the University of British Columbia , has synthesised the oil's major components in three species of sandalwood.

Team leader, Professor Julie Plummer of UWA's School of Plant Biology , said by identifying the genetic makeup of those trees which produce high volumes of wood and oil, it would be possible to understand the oil biosynthetic pathway to select for genetically superior trees and stimulate oil synthesis for higher yields.

As one of the State's first exports sandalwood is sometimes referred to as liquid gold as its oil and timber are so valuable.  It is again shaping to be a significant export earner for WA.  The export of native sandalwood oil alone earns Australia more than $15 million per annum.

"As a deep-rooted perennial whose host trees are nitrogen fixers, sandalwood helps control water tables and salinity and adds to biodiversity within the farm mix, minimising risk for the farmer," Professor Plummer said.

Dr Liz Barbour , representing both FPC and UWA as a research development officer, said sandalwood was one of the few tree crops which would potentially give a good return, providing high value and a long storage period: "The project provides a unique opportunity to combine the new age of biotechnology with classic forestry."

Sandalwood was first exported from Fremantle in the 1840s and was second only to whaling in supplying the new colony with an income.  Sandalwood oil is still highly regarded as a key ingredient in the finest perfumes, providing the wood base note and acting as a fixative.  The oil is also used in medicine and the tree itself supplies fine timber and nuts similar to macadamias.  Incense and soaps are other products that often require sandalwood.

Media references

Professor Julie Plummer (UWA School of Plant Biology)  (+61 8)  6488 1786
Dr Liz Barbour (UWA Research Development)  (+61 8)  6488 7738
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716