Six types of rootstocks were planted at Warsaw-Wilanow, Central Poland in spring 2002: three originated from Pyrus communis – Caucasian pear seedlings, OHxF  333 and 'Pyrodwarf' and three from Cydonia oblonga – quinces S₁, MA and MC. In August they were budded with Conference and Erika pear cultivars. Mid-shoot leaves, taken at the end of August from rootstocks (in 2002) and from maidens budded on them (in 2003) were analysed for Ca, Mg, P and K content. Rootstocks differed significantly in the content of all mineral elements studied. They also affected the leaf mineral composition of maiden trees budded on them. The leaf Ca, P and K content depended on cultivar as well. A significant interaction of rootstock × cultivar on the leaf P and K content in maiden tree leaves was also noted. It has been suggested that the information about a specific abilities of rootstocks to absorb particular nutrients may serve as an additional indicator in selection of optimal rootstock for certain soil conditions.

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