ASSESSMENT OF VIABILITY AND ENHANCEMENT OF GERMINATION POTENTIAL OF JOJOBA SEEDS UNDER In vitro CONDITIONS USING PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS

Jojoba [Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider] produces a unique liquid-wax which has commercial potential. The present investigation was carried out to assess viability and in vitro germination tests of fresh and one-year-old seeds, stored in darkness at room temperature conditions. Viability of seeds was determined using Tetrazolium (TZ) test. It was found that light (16/8 h day/night photoperiod) conditions resulted in early and higher seed germination percentage as compared to total dark period under in vitro culture conditions. Improvement in germination percentage of one-year -old seeds was observed using Gibberellic acid (GA3), Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and Thidiazuron (TDZ) under given photoperiod conditions. Interestingly, TDZ 1.0 mgL-1 concentration produced highest germination rate of seeds (92%), as well as better seedling growth, followed by BAP with 70% germination rate at 0.5 mgL-1 concentration.