Effects of NPK fertilization on flower production, seed yield and seed components in jojoba Simmondsia Chinesis (Link)‎ Schneider grown in western Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

A two year field trial was initiated to assess the effect of an NPK fertilizer on seed yield and their components in Jojoba plants grown in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah area.

A randomized block design of eight fertilizer treatments (23) comprising two levels (zero and 50 kg ha1) of each of the three major elements (N, P and K) was used.

Data taken on number of flowers per twenty twig of six nodes each in the period extending between Fall 1993 and Summer 1995 (i.e.

eight seasons) revealed that the four to five years old Jojoba plants were capable of producing an abundant number of floral buds throughout the year.

Production of these buds was adversely affected by the application of P (in two out of eight seasons) and positively with the combined effect of N and P (in one out of eight seasons).

Yield per plant ranged from 319 to 488 g and from 292 to 569 g in the respective years and was adversely affected by the addition of P and K in the first year.

Wax content among the NPK treatments ranged from 40.1 to 43.4% and from 48 to 54% in the respective years and was significantly affected by the joint application of N and P in the first year.

Protein content ranged from 15.2 to 19.9% and was adversely affected by the joint application of N, P and K in the second year.

Estimates of 100-seed weight, being in the range of 61.3 to 103.5 g, was negatively affected by the joint application of N and P in the first year.

Estimates of shelling percentage ranged from 67.4 to 77.5 and were not affected by fertilizer applications.