Rhizogenetic Studies of Jojoba : Hormone Effect, Rooting Medium and Seasonal Variation

Abstract

Vegetative propagation studies on the adventitious rooting of jojoba stem cuttings were made in response to the hormonal effects, rooting media and seasonal variations. The young sprouts of 1-2 year old branches were better than their green terminal shoot tips. Quick dip (20-30 sec) method of IBA proved to be effective. Yellowing of the underground portion of stem cutting marked the first morphological sign of root initiation. IBA 24.6 mM with boric acid 0.5 mM as an additive was best utilized in causing rhizogenesis irrespective of the season. The rooting percentage success for stem cuttings was highcst (75%) in thc month of April but the survival of the rooted cuttings was better in February and September trials. Perlite and agropeat mixture (1:1) proved to be the most suited rooting medium for the purpose of adventitious root formation in jojoba. However, for subsequent survival of the plantlets with well-formed root system it is essential to transfer them to the soil and sand mixture. The rooted stem cuttings had no bearing upon the best rooting phase for their survival.