Abstract:
Jojoba is a non-edible oil shrub that is suitable to cultivate in arid lands. It has drought
and salinity tolerances, and produces unique and precious oil in seeds. Because its
flower buds are frost-sensitive but also require cool winter temperature to break the
dormancy, it can be cultivated only in semi-tropical areas. Jojoba is a dioecious plant,
and requires vegetative propagation to produce good saplings. For the effective
propagation, we have developed the in vitro shoot propagation method. We have also
collected jojoba genetic resources from the United States, where jojoba was originated,
as well as from Egypt and Sudan, and are analyzing them by DNA markers. Some of
the varieties are planned to grow in Okinawa where the temperature condition should be
suitable for jojoba. As a practical approach, we are going to start a model jojoba farm in
Egypt in collaboration with University of Sadat City.
