Molecular characterisation of the fungal disease defence response in tropical sandalwood (Santalum album)

澳大利亚的热带檀香产业是一个高利润和不断扩大的企业；然而，这并不是理所当然的。热带种植园中的真菌病日益引起种植者的关注，如果不加以控制，可能导致重大经济损失和不可持续的产业。本研究旨在了解树木的防御反应，以便通过快速选择高抗性树木来开发对抗真菌疾病的工具。精油的生产也与防御反应有关。了解这种反应，以及探索提高抗病性和产油量的化学方法，将为不断扩大的热带檀香产业带来巨大的经济效益。

The tropical sandalwood industry in Australia is a highly profitable and expanding enterprise; however this cannot be taken for granted. Fungal diseases in tropical plantations are of increasing concern to growers and left unchecked could result in substantial economic loss and an unsustainable industry. This research seeks to understand the defence response of the tree in order to develop tools to combat fungal disease by rapid selection of highly resistant trees. Essential oil production is also linked to the defence response. Understanding this response as well as exploring chemical means of increasing both disease resistance and oil production will deliver a substantial economic benefit to the expanding tropical sandalwood industry.