IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) e-ISSN: 2319-2380, p-ISSN: 2319-2372. Volume 10, Issue 5 Ver. II (May. 2017), PP 13-16 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/2380-1005021316 www.iosrjournals.org 13 | Page A Study on the influence of MM.106 rootstock on the Vegetative growth and Leaf mineral content of different apple cultivars Kebede Jobir, Behailu Asrat and Andargachew Detebo Arba Minch University College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Horticulture, Ethiopia Abstract: Effect of MM.106 rootstock on vegetative growth and leaf mineral contents of different apple cultivars (Crispin, Golden delicious, Jonagored and Royal gala) was studied at the Highland Fruits and Vegetables Research Center of Arba Minch University, Gircha, Ethiopia. The research design used was a complete randomized block consisted of four treatments (cultivars) with three replications of 5-tree/ plots. In this trial, total plant height, trunk diameter, leaf area, number of branches and effect of rootstock on the leaf nutrient accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium was measured. The maximum vegetative growth was recorded for Crispin followed by Royal gala while Golden delicious showed least growth. MM.106 rootstock absorption and translocation to the grafted cultivars differs. The highest leaf nitrogen content was recorded for Crispin and the greatest amount of potassium accumulation was found in the leaves of Jonagored cultivar. Key words: Apple rootstock, scion cultivar, vegetative growth, nutrient absorption. I. Introduction Rootstocks influenced the leaf nutrient accumulation of apple cultivars and the differences among the rootstock-scions were attributed to mineral uptake capacity of rootstocks due to their changing root structure (Abrisqueta et. al.,2011). They further reported that, rootstock-scion relations affect the vegetative growth by influencing the nutritional status and adaptation ability of scion to changing environment. Plant nutrient concentrations may differ even if they are grown in the same conditions (Kacar, 1995). Numerous studies have shown that rootstocks can affect the vegetative growth and scion leaf mineral concentration, flower development, yield and fruit quality of different apple cultivars (Neeme et al., 2006; Fallahi et al., 2007 b). A number of studies have reported that, different rootstocks induce clear differences in growth vigour and other features of scion cultivars (Wertheim, 1998), influences aspects of fruit quality such as ripening and storability (Lord et al., 1985), mineral composition (Drake et al.,1988) and size (Marini et al., 2002). Rootstocks can markedly affect the vegetative growth of the scions. It has been reported that, rootstocks have significant effect on trunk diameter, plant height, leaf area, number of branches and yield of apple scions (Tahereh et al., 2011). The effect of rootstocks on growth, leaf mineral accumulation and fruit quality has been intensively studied (Zekri, 2000a; Sotiropoulos, 2008). However, the effects of most of the rootstocks studied were not consistent from site to site and varied overtime (Yahya et al., 2004). Thus, scion–rootstock combination is fundamental for optimal growth, nutrient uptake and transport. Rootstock effects occur because each rootstock has a different root growth pattern, which influences nutrient uptake. Therefore, it is unwise to adopt root-stock recommendations from one part of the world to another without a thorough evaluation locally. Since environmental conditions and cultural practices are unique and vary considerably from one area to another, a study was carried out to determine the horticultural adaptability and performance of four commercially important cultivars grown on widely used MM.106 rootstock on a typical soil where Gircha High land fruits and vegetables Research center is located. All over the world, the trend in apple growing is to plant more trees per hectare than in the past. In Ethiopia the intensive apple growing is still in development stage. The establishment of intensive apple orchards has been delayed by lack of adequate information on compatible rootstock -scion combination under soil conditions of Ethiopian. In Gircha (Chencha) one limited factor that hinder apple expansion is lack of adequate studies on types of rootstocks used. In the area about nine different rootstocks were used with no evidences on the scions-rootstocks compatibility. Among the rootstocks grown in the area, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of MM.106 (semi-dwarf rootstock) on tree growth and leaf mineral accumulation of Crispin, Royal gala, Golden delicious and Jonagored cultivars.’ II. Materials And Methods The experiment was established at the Gircha Highland Fruits and Vegetables Research Centre in one of the Gamo High lands of Chencha district, Southern Ethiopia (6 0 19' 0'' N latitude and 37 0 35'0''E longitude with altitude of 3007masl). Soil samples were taken to describe the characteristics of soils from 0–15 and 15–30 cm depth. Air dried soil samples were gently crushed and passed through a 2 mm sieve. Particle size distribution