Seasonal variation in rooting ability of myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) cuttings

Cuttings of both 'Rehovot' and 'Tzfat' land-races of myrtle, when sampled throughout the year, had a significant temporal variation in the percentage of successful rooting. The rooting percentage of cuttings taken during December-February reached 70%, while only 20% of the cuttings taken during May-August successfully rooted. The 'Rehovot' type was sensitive to aeration in the rooting medium, while the 'Tzfat' type rooted equally well in all media. Treating cuttings with 2,6-dihydroxy-acetophenone before dipping in rooting hormone (IBA) did not enhance rooting of 'Rehovot', but increased rooting in 'Tzfat' myrtle by an average of 6%. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.