Articles
JOJOBA, A NEW CASH CROP IN MARGINAL LANDS
Enormous interest in the plant in California, Arizona of the USA and around the world has been generated by the late Professor Demetrios Yermanos, one of the most distinguished scientists working in jojoba research.
His vast knowledge of the plant and his interest to spread that knowledge, helped in the introduction of this new plant to a number of developing countries, among which was the Sudan.
The pronounciation of the name of the plant caused some confusion for quite some time, but jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is a name that is becoming increasingly common.
Jojoba is a native to the Sonoran Desert which covers part of California, Arizona and Mexico.
This area has been reported as the most unhospitable land, with 3 inches rainfall a year, and a burning temperature of 54°C. Moreover, jojoba plants endure snow in winter, and grow in sand dunes and never affected by ocean spray.
Of course, very few other species can survive this kind of environment.
Recent discovery of the quality of its oil, and the tolerance of the plant to drought and marginal lands with high salinity, developed high interest throughut the world, referred to ironically as "jojoba fever".
Jojoba, is an evergreen shrub, 1–5 m. high, with an unusual deep branching tap root-system, with a life-span of 50–100 years.
It is dioeious (i.e. male and female flowers are on seperate plants).
Jojoba is mainly wind-pollinated, because the female flowers are unattractive to insects.
The fruit is one-seeded, which takes 6 months to mature.
The seed contains 40–60% liquid wax (i.e. oil) which could be used in a number of industries: cosmetics, medicines, textile, lubricants, factices and adhesives.
Unusual acids and alcohols (mono-unsaturated alcohols and acids with chain length of 22–24 carbons) can be isolated in unusual moleculair purity to be used as intermediates in the preparation of disinfectants, detergents, resins, plasticizers, protective coatings, fibers and corrosive inhibitors.
Acids and alcohols isolated from jojoba oil proved valuable as bases for creams, ointments, antifoams for industrial use, and numerous other products.
As for foods, research has to prove first its safety, and official acceptance from regulatory agencies will be necessary as well.
Jojoba has great potential to replace conventional agricultural crops throughout the world especially non-food crops.
Jojoba leaves are wax-plated which acts as a natural barrier that reduces moisture loss and protect against fungi, insects and pollution.
Sudan is considered one of the leading countries in introducing jojoba to Africa and the Middle-East.
Other countries besides USA are Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Israël.
Even though, research on the plant is still in its early stages, large plantations were established with all the risk of imagination.