Mineral nutrition of jojoba explants in vitro under sodium chloride salinity

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider) explants were cultured in vitro on a basal medium supplemented with sodium chloride up to 169 mM during the proliferation stage. At the second and third month of salinity stress, the mineral nutrition (macro- and micro-elements) of the explants was assessed. Explants accumulated significant amounts of sodium and chloride (jojoba is an ‘includer’) while potassium, manganese, phosphorus and nitrate concentration was reduced. The concentration of the other elements did not exhibit significant changes. Each level of salinity stress affected the nutrient status of the explants distinctively. Jojoba explants tolerate salinity up to a level of sodium chloride concentration (113 mM), without showing any stress symptoms. Above this level, the salinity stress impact was observed as succulence and chlorosis of leaves and shoots.