Selection of appropriate scion rootstock combination is an important practice for increasing yield of apple (Malus domestica L. Borkh). However, the effect of rootstocks and scion on leaf nutrient content of apple varieties was not widely studied and recommended that optimize the leaf nutrient concentration which eventually leads to maximum yield and quality of apple at the study area. Therefore, field experiment was carried out at Gircha High land Fruits and Vegetable Research center Southern Ethiopia on September, 2018 to evaluate the effect of rootstocks and scion cultivars on leaf nutrient concentration of apple. The intended experiment consisted of superimposed (scion-rootstock combination) of twenty apple cultivars and two rootstocks. The experimental design was arranged factorial in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Results revealed that rootstock scion combination significantly (P<0.05) influenced leaf nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn) concentrations. This study pointed that rootstocks don’t behave the same way in similar soil environments; the rootstocks tested showed physiological variation in absorbing and transferring nutrients to the scion. Based on present finding when scions/rootstock compatibility in the aspect of leaf nutrient concentration in the Gircha/ Chencha climatic conditions is considered, utilizations of MM.106 rootstocks is suggested. And also the study demonstrated that the following scion- rootstock combination was suggested Jonica, Crispin, Relenda, Orin, Elstar, Red prince, Golden Delicious, Richard Delicious, Yataka, Red Delicious, Topaz, Gala must, and Pinova grafted on MM.106 rootstock and Crispin, Pilet, Pranch gold, Royal gala, Topaz, Yataka, Pinova, Red prince, Enterprise, Golden delicious, Richard delicious and Orin grafted on local rootstock show optimum leaf nutrient concentrations.

Keywords: Growth, Nutrient, Yield, Scions