Introducing Jojoba in Saudi Arabia: A Simple Modified Propagation Procedure for Rooting of Jojoba Stem Cuttings

Rooting of semi-hardwood stem cuttings of jojoba was studied in 11 experiments at two locations and five propagation dates using 84 clones. The procedure involved dipping of the stem cuttings in a 3000 mg l-^1 IBA solution and creating an atmosphere of 100% humidity at the leaf surface of the stem cuttings through sprinkler irrigation, without saturating the rooting medium by using perlite as a rooting media and planting under partially shaded polyethylene sheet tunnels. The results indicated that the optimum mean monthly temperature for maximum rooting and shortest time for rooting period was 14-37 °C. Rooting of cuttings at relatively higher ranges resulted in a significant reduction of rooting percentage and extended the period for attaining maximum rooting. Among the 8 year old 36 high yielding clones tested, 24 had a rooting percentage that was higher than 80%, whereas among the 12 year old 48 randomly selected clones, only two had attained this level. By selecting an appropriate planting date (early November to mid December) in Makkah region or planting under temperatures in the range of 14-37 °C in Northern Saudi Arabia, the rooting ability of jojoba stem cuttings will be significantly improved.