Molecular Characterization of the differences between Santalum Album L. and its Adulterant, Osyris Wightiana Wall. Ex Wight using RAPD Markers

An inevitable cosmetic of the elite, Sandalwood oil, otherwise called the ‘liquid gold’ is extracted from the roots and wood of Sandalwood. But owing to a greater market value in the indigenous and international markets, it is getting increasingly adulterated by species like Osyris wightiana. To differentiate between both, various techniques are available. In this paper, a simpler and useful technique to distinguish between Santalum album and Osyris wightiana has been described. The technique of RAPD has been used and has been shown to effectively distinguish genotypically, Sandal and Osyris.