EFFECTS OF SOIL SALINITY ON DEVELOPMENT OF JOJOBA

Jojoba plants of the selection ''Vista were grown for 2 years in the greenhouse at 4 levels of soil salinity. All plants reached anthesis with no symptom of major injury because of the treatments. The following changes were noted on treated plants: Leaves were thicker, with larger secretory and palisade cells. They had fewer stomata per unit area, smaller vascular cylinder and vascular cells, and discontinuous layers of secretory cells. Stems were thinner, with smaller pith diameter, smaller pith cells, and smaller vessel elements. Both leaves and stems had a higher moisture content. A higher accumulation of Cl and Na ions was observed in both leaves and stems. Mg ions decreased in leaves but increased in stems. Ca ions increased in leaves only.