Jojoba: Research and practice

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.