Importance of Leaf Retention to Rooting of Avocado Cuttings1,2

Cuttings of 10 different clones of avocado ( Persea americana Mill.) were rooted under intermittant mist. A wide range in rooting capability was noted. Rooting percentage of clones was found to be correlated with number of leaves retained on the cuttings. Speed of rooting within the same clone was also determined by number of leaves retained. Carbohydrate content in leaves and cutting bases at the beginning was not associated with rooting capability. Starch accumulation at the cutting bases occurred while cuttings were under mist; this was correlated with the rooting capability. Mineral (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, B, Fe, Zn, Mn) content of the leaves at the beginning and after a while under the mist did not show any association with rooting except for Mn, which was negatively correlated with rooting capability.