Population genetic forestry and phylogenomics of Hawaiian sandalwoods

Abstract

Hawaiian Sandalwoods are a highly threatened group of trees. Historically, ‘iliahi orsandalwood have been some of the most intensively harvested forest products in the Hawaiʻi Islands. This harvest has left many to suspect sandalwood forests are extirpated in Hawaii. Remnant populations of sandalwood forests across the state have now been sampled and analyzed to determine population structure of this once ubiquitous forest type. Genotyping of distinct populations has been undertaken here to better elucidate the population structure of ‘iliahi. Finally, in addition to genetic sampling this study also includes the collection and analysis of heartwood tissue for select populations to assess the content and variability of the aromatic component, santalol.