Evaluation of Jojoba Clones at Two Locations in Arizona

Abstract

Little information is available to the jojoba industry on the performance of clones selected from superior female plants. Nineteen jojoba clones from the U.S., Chile and Australia were planted in the spring of 1995 in replicated tests at the University of Arizona Maricopa and Citrus Agricultural Centers. The Maricopa location is being used to evaluate clones for cold hardiness and the Citrus Farm location will provide growth and production comparable to commercial growing areas in Arizona. The planting at Maricopa was evaluated for frost damage following the 1995-96 and 1996-97 winters which had temperatures low enough to injure foliage and kill flower buds. The Citrus Farm had milder winter temperatures and seeds were produced in 1996 and 1997. In order to determine seed yield potential of jojoba clones it is necessary to measure yields for at least five years after planting.