Salinity Effects on Germination and Mobilization of Reserves in Jojoba Seed

Abstract

Jojoba [ Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K. Schneid.] is a new oil (wax) seed crop for arid and semiarid environments where salinity is frequently a major problem. The objectives of this work were to study the effects of salinity on germination and mobilization of reserves in jojoba seed. Salt concentrations (NaCl:CaCl 2 1:1, w/w) having electrical conductivities (EC) of 0, 5, 10, and 15 dS/m significantly reduced germination, fresh weight of seedlings, and the amount of lipid used in ‘Vista’ jojoba. Germination was reduced from 82.6% in nonsaline conditions to 42.6%, fresh weight was reduced from 314 to 98 mg, and the amount of lipid used was reduced from 136 to 83 mg in strong (EC = 15.0 dS/m) saline treatments. Higher levels of salinity also resulted in accumulation of total soluble sugars, delayed initiation of germination and lipid breakdown, and decreased C 38 and C 40 esters with an increase in C 42 . These data suggest jojoba is not salt‐tolerant during germination.