The effects of applying indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for periods up to 48 h were examined in difficult-to-root microcuttings (from newly-established cultures) and in easy-to-root microcuttings (from long-term subcultures) of ‘Jonathan’ apple (Malus X domestica Borkh). In easy-to-root material, 20% of the microcuttings produced roots in the absence of IBA, while 6 h exposure to 10 μM IBA gave 100% rooting of microcuttings. In contrast, root formation in difficult-to-root material was IBA-dependent. Maximum rooting of these microcuttings (50%) required 24 h exposure to 10 μM IBA. Variation in the endogenous levels of free indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) during the course of root induction was similar in microcuttings of both types but there were marked differences in endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) levels. In easy-to-root microcuttings ABA remained at a constant low level, but in difficult-to-root material ABA exhibited marked fluctuations and was present at higher concentrations than in easy-to-root microcuttings.