Comparison of growth characteristics and seed production in jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) seedlings and cuttings

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C. K. Schneid) is a very tolerant shrub to drought condition. Its seeds contain about 50 % oil or liquid wax and have a high potential for cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food, etc. In order to study the success of vegetative propagation of jojoba for unique sapling production and comparing them with sexual propagation, some of the annual rooted cuttings and seedlings of the species were planted in 2006 at Jahrom Research Station at same age. Survival and growth characteristic, including total height, crown diameter, number of branches and seed quantity were measured and recorded for five years. The survival of cutting and seed origin shrubs after five years was 90 and 82 percent, respectively. The Duncan analysis showed that total height and crown diameter of cutting origin shrubs (male and female) was significantly greater than the seed origin ones (ρ<0.05). In addition, average number of main branches of female seed origin shrubs was significantly more than the cutting origin shrubs (male and female), but average seed mass of individual cutting origin shrubs was greater than the other ones (ρ<0.05). There were not significant differences between the two kinds of shrub in respect to their resistance to coldness. It is suggested to use rooted cuttings or explants to establish jojoba plantation at irrigated areas and for seed production, and seedlings for establishing plant cover at arid areas (soil conservation purpose).