Height and diameter affect survival rate of jujube suckers transplanted in a semi-arid farmland of New Mexico

Abstract

Jujube belongs to family Rhamnaceae and its fruit is rich in nutrients. Jujube tree is droughtand frost-tolerant and can be widely planted across the state of New Mexico. Recently, interest in jujube from consumers and growers is surging. The major challenge is a very limited availability of jujube saplings. The experiment was conducted in Portales, NM from 2017 to 2018 to study the effects of sucker height and diameter on jujube survival. Jujube suckers of four different sizes (height and diameter) were transplanted in the experimental field and replicated three times. Result showed that the most suitable size of jujube sucker for transplantation is 50-100 cm height with 0.36-0.75 cm diameter. This result could be useful for growers who plan to plant jujubes trees in the semi-arid regions like New Mexico. It is expected that jujubes could become a valuable alternative fruit crop in the United States.