Genes for sandalwood oil isolated

 Researchers have for the first time isolated the genes for sandalwood oil and lodged a patent for the process.

Sandalwood oil is still highly regarded as a key ingredient in the finest perfumes, providing the wood base note and acting as a fixative. 

Team leader Julie Plummer, a professor of University of Western Australia's School of Plant Biology, said by identifying the genetic make-up of those trees, it would be possible to stimulate oil synthesis for higher yields.

Sandalwood is sometimes referred to as liquid gold as its oil and timber are so valuable, said a School of Plant Biology release.

"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," Plummer said.

The oil is also used in medicine and the tree itself supplies fine timber and nuts.  Incense and soaps are other products that often require sandalwood.