Characterization, propagation and management of Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis L.) in Semi-Arid Areas of Voi, Kenya
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Date
2016
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Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Jojoba is a dioecious desert shrub which produces oil of high quality equivalent to that of
sperm whale. It is used mainly in the cosmetic and lubrication industry. Currently, there is
low production of jojoba globally mainly due to high male to female ratio in the
plantations since they are mainly established from seed. To overcome this problem, five
experiments were set up with the aim of characterization, propagation and management of
jojoba in semi arid areas of Kenya. The experiments included molecular characterization
of mature bushes, sex determination in young jojoba seedlings using morphological traits,
identifying the most appropriate plant growth regulators and management regimes of
mother plants for propagation as well as field established seedlings. Randomized complete
block design was used and the treatments were replicated three times. Analysis of variance
was carried out using SAS statistical package whereas the differing means were separated
using the LSD and DMRT. The experiments were carried out between 2012 and 2014.
The results showed that the mature jojoba bushes had a low genetic diversity which was
shown by PIC range of 0.2583-0.3748. Single leaf area morphological trait for male
seedlings (4.4 cm2) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the females (3.2
cm2). Anatone gave superior rooting percent of 24.2% for cuttings compared with the
other plant growth regulators, IBA, Roothom and the control which were 21%, 14.8% and
11.5% respectively. Consequently, the male genotypes, M2 and M1 showed significantly
higher (p < 0.01) rooting percent of 37.6% and 24.2%, respectively compared with the
females, F2 and F1 which were 7.6% and 2.2%, respectively. Management regimes
performance of the mother plants did not have any significant effect on the rooting of
cuttings in the polythene sheet tunnel. However, field established seedlings at 10 months
showed that a combination of manure, irrigation and micro catchment was the best
management regime since it gave the highest root collar diameter of 17.1 mm which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the micro catchment (12.2 mm) alone which
was the least. On the other hand mcrocatchment and irrigation combination showed the
highest height (86.4 cm) which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the
control (61.5 cm) and all the single management regimes. Generally, different
management regime combinations gave better growth compared with single management
regimes. Due to the low genetic diversity, it is, therefore, recommended that superior
genotypes be imported to increase the genetic diversity of jojoba in Kenya. Single leaf
area morphological trait should be used for sexing in young seedlings in order to attain the
right ratios of male to female of 1:10 respectively during field planting for improved
productivity per unit area. On the other hand, Anatone is recommended for propagation of
cuttings in a polythene sheet tunnel since it is also cheap and readily available from agri
veterinary shops in urban centres. The male genotypes M2 and M1 are recommended for
use in future propagation of cuttings although more screening is needed to identify a wide
range of genotypes especially the females which are more valued due to their seed
production. The ideal management regimes for field planted seedlings are combinations of
manure, irrigation and micro catchment as opposed to single management regimes.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED IN FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY OF SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF
AGRICULTURE. MOROGORO, TANZANIA.
Keywords
Jojoba management, Jojoba Characterization, Jojoba propagation, Simmondsia Chinensis L, Semi-Arid Areas, Voi, Kenya