ABSTRACT
Jojoba, Simmondsia chinensis Schneid. is a monotypic genus in the family Buxaceae or a single genus and species in the family Simmondsiaceae. Jojoba usually flowers in spring; hence it is expected to require a certain photoperiod. Flower-bud dormancy is one of the main mechanisms controlling jojoba seed production. The breaking of dormancy is followed by swelling and growth of the flower buds, emergence of the styles in female flowers, and elongation of filaments and pollen production and liberation in male flowers. Flowering in spring may indicate some requirement for low temperatures. Drought prevents flowering, while irrigation can enhance it. Cool temperatures are needed for breaking dormancy, but at the same time they slow down flower-bud growth. When sufficient water is available, flowering is limited mainly to spring, even in a continuously irrigated plantation. Nutrition can enhance breaking of flower-bud dormancy, perhaps by affecting sink-source relationships. Female flowers are usually solitary and borne on short peduncles.
