Jojoba plant.. the green gold in Egypt

Weather of Arabia - The jojoba plant is one of the natural treasures of desert environments that is characterized by great economic returns, in addition to its ability to adapt to the desert ecosystem and harsh climatic conditions, so it is known as "desert gold".

The jojoba plant in Egypt is called "green gold", as it is one of the most suitable crops for environmental conditions and land and water resources in Egypt, and given the economic returns achieved from its cultivation; Jojoba oil has many uses, as it is currently used as fuel for aircraft. It is also used in the field of medicine and pharmacy as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent, in addition to its use in the field of natural pesticides. It is considered one of the most prominent alternatives used for chemical pesticides.

Although there are some large farms in many Arab countries and the Middle East region, there are only a few farmers in the jojoba industry, and with the global shortage of jojoba and more consumers looking for natural and environmentally friendly products, the idea of establishing a jojoba farm could be A very good decision, if done right.

In addition to benefiting from its economic returns, Egypt aims to expand its cultivation to enhance its moves in the field of green economy. This is because jojoba is a desert plant par excellence, and its cultivation guarantees the efficient use of water and land resources, and obtaining the highest yield, in addition to the low costs of its cultivation, and it enjoys great immunity against all diseases that affect other crops, and it is cultivated in all types of lands that are not suitable for any other crop, Including low fertility lands.

Properties of jojoba trees

• The jojoba plant is an evergreen wild plant, its life cycle may reach about 100 years and may exceed 200 years.
• The leaves of the jojoba plant are dense, oval in shape, and very similar to olive leaves, except that they are leathery in texture and covered with a thick layer of wax.
• It has a deep sphenoid root. It may reach a length of more than 10 meters, and a group of non-surface lateral roots branch out from it, ranging in height from 1.5 to 4 meters, according to the difference in the rate of rainfall or irrigation water. ( Source 1 ).
• It is considered one of the oil crops, as its seeds contain a unique pure oil, at a rate of more than 40% of the weight of the plant, and it is chemically manufactured as “liquid wax”.
• The jojoba tree plays a vital role in combating the effects of desertification and improving soil quality. ( source 2 )

Jojoba trees are mainly grown in desert regions of the world, so it is also known as "desert gold". In addition to its great economic value, it is considered one of the most adaptable plants to desert environments, due to:

• Its low need for water, especially since its leaves have a thick waxy layer, which reduces its water loss.
• Oraha standing vertically, which reduces exposure to the scorching sun. ( source 2 )

Advantages of growing the jojoba plant

The cultivation of the jojoba plant has a number of advantages, the most prominent of which are the following:

1. Consuming a small amount of water , as the jojoba plant is irrigated by distillation and needs only about 12-15 times a year, and a mature tree can bear non-irrigation for up to a whole year.
2. It tolerates high levels of salinity , reaching 3000 ppm and can reach a maximum of 10,000 ppm without negatively affecting its productivity.
3. Its need for organic fertilizers is low, as it needs a little organic fertilizer in the first four years of its cultivation, after which a very small amount of chemical fertilizers can be added to the irrigation water.
4. It does not need preventive or curative spraying , given its limited incidence of insects and plant diseases. The seeds of jojoba trees can be collected as soon as they mature, and they can be left unattended for several months until manpower is available, without affecting the crop.
5. The crop can be stored for a long period of time, without affecting its properties, as the oil contained in the seeds resists oxidation even under harsh climatic conditions.
6. Its economic returns are high , as the average revenue of an acre (seven years old) is at least 6 thousand pounds, and this revenue increases annually.
7. The jojoba plant can be irrigated with waste water , thus achieving the desired benefit from water recycling.
8. Jojoba waste constitutes a rich fodder, as it contains 30% of protein, after removing it from the substance "simmondsin", which works to reduce appetite.
9. The cultivation of jojoba trees is compatible with the desert climate, especially the Egyptian desert, as it tolerates high temperatures in the summer and cold, which is not less than four degrees Celsius in the winter.

It should be noted that Egypt is one of the most suitable countries for planting jojoba trees in terms of the availability of climatic conditions and lands suitable for its cultivation, in addition to the low cost of producing Google oil by 50% compared to the rest of the world. Therefore, given the economic returns of the jojoba plant, Egypt continues its efforts to increase the area planted with jojoba. In the past few years, these efforts have resulted in the spread of its cultivation in a number of Egyptian governorates and regions, perhaps the most prominent of which are the New Valley, the Red Sea Governorate, Wadi al-Natrun, Ismailia Governorate, and others.

Economic feasibility of jojoba cultivation

Jojoba has many uses, and its economic value increases due to its distinctive characteristics, especially in light of its high economic returns, as jojoba oil is used in many industries and medical preparations, as follows:

Many industrial uses:

Jojoba oil is used in the manufacture of fodder, organic fertilizer, varnish, soap, waxes, inks, plastics, lubricants, and biocides.

A clean and efficient alternative to diesel fuel:

Jojoba oil can be used in the operation of vehicle and aircraft engines, as it is suitable as a biofuel, as it is an environmentally friendly alternative, due to the low exhaust emissions resulting from it as well as carbon emissions, in addition to preserving motors and engines for a longer period.

Medical uses

Jojoba oil is used in the manufacture of medicines, antipyretic drugs, analgesics, and the treatment of infections, wounds, burns, and skin allergies. It is also used in the cosmetics industry.

Afforestation of dry areas and soil fertilization

The jojoba plant is used for the purpose of afforestation of dry areas and stopping soil erosion. It is also a natural fertilizer for the soil because it contains a high percentage of nitrogen. It is also a food source for animals.

promising future areas

It is represented in the protection of plants and the control of some insects such as white flies, in addition to its use in the control of some types of bacterial diseases on grape plants and some ornamental plants, which would reduce dependence on chemical pesticides that are harmful to humans and the environment in general.

Providing job opportunities for young people

Jojoba cultivation in desert areas provides new job opportunities for young people, with relatively limited burdens of water and financial resources.

Jojoba plant.. Facts and figures

The following is a review of some facts and figures related to the cultivation of jojoba in the world, and the projects of cultivation of jojoba trees in Egypt, as well as the advantages achieved from the cultivation of jojoba, its uses, and the economic gains resulting from its cultivation.

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Source: The weekly newsletter issued by the Information and Decision Support Center - The Egyptian Council of Ministers