The effect of iron deficiency on adventitious rooting of peach hardwood cuttings (cv. Early Crest) was investigated. The results showed significant differences between rooting, root numbers and dry weights of roots per cutting. Significant differences were also shown between cuttings from healthy trees (control) and cuttings from iron-deficient trees. Leaf samples taken from iron-deficient trees (before the application of an iron compound) exhibited higher levels of K, Ca and Mn than healthy trees, although the iron content was higher in the healthy tree samples. The bark of healthy trees showed a significantly greater content of Fe and Zn than samples taken from the bark of the iron-deficient trees. Magnesium, K and Ca levels were lower in bark samples taken from healthy trees. Application of iron compounds (especially iron sulfate and iron chelate) significantly reduced chlorotic symptoms, and also improved rooting of cuttings from iron-deficient trees, although it produced a somewhat negative effect on the rooting percentages of cuttings from healthy trees. Endogenous indole-3-acetic acid levels were higher in the bark and bud samples taken from healthy trees than in the samples of bark and buds taken from iron-deficient trees. Abscisic acid levels were found to be very high in the buds of iron-deficient trees.