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

Abstract 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%.