Storage of Encapsulated Somatic Embryos of Santalum album Linn.: Progressing towards In vitro Conservation and Mass Production

Santalum album Linn. is one of the most valuable tree species owing to its high essential oil content in heartwood and roots. In this study, synthetic seeds were developed from artificially encapsulated somatic embryos of S. album using sodium alginate and calcium chloride, with the aim of increasing their germination rate. Encapsulated embryos showed maximum germination of 55%, which was observed in 2% sodium alginate. This was followed by 3% alginate which exhibited 40% sprouting. Least sprouting (10%) was observed in high concentration of alginate i.e., at 4%. Synthetic seeds stored at 4°C in dark for 5 days, showed 83.7% germination. The germination percentage decreased with increase in storage time. It was also observed that synthetic seeds in WPM solid media showed 100% germination as compared to liquid WPM medium, where germination of synthetic seeds was low (45%). The synthetic seed technology reported herein is useful for short and long term conservation of rare, endangered and commercially important forestry species by maintaining valuable germplasm, and also for clonal propagation since its genetic constitution remains the same.