Jojoba : new crop for arid lands, new raw material for industry

Due to the purity, lack of odor, and resistance to rancidity of jojoba oil, it is being increasingly used in cosmetics; but, with its precise and narrow range of carbon chain lengths and uniform double bonds, it also shows promise as a basic product for the chemical industry. However, the crop is so new and current production so small that, as of 1985, its profitability and the eventual size and identity of its markets can only be surmised. This book presents objective information about the current status of jojoba. Individual chapters cover the plant"s characteristics and production, the properties of jojoba oil, the uses of and markets for jojoba oil, commercial uncertainties, jojoba industry needs, and research needs; the uncertainties inherent to jojoba production are highlighted to point out the economic risks for farmers and investors and to offer some guidance to researchers interested in jojoba. Appendices review jojoba outside North America and list sources of further information (associations, information services, reference sources, books, and journal articles).