17 Salahuddin M. Razaq A. Khan M. S. Haider Y. Lixue Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences JAPS 20202020/01/02 30 1 115-125 1018-7081 https://doi.org/10.36899/JAPS.2020.1.0014 <p>Interspecific variation in fine-root morphology and function is well documented. However, very less information is available regarding variation among monoculture and mixed-species plantations in temperate species. Thus, the present study used such plantations to investigate how belowground inter- and intraspecific competition influence major fine-root traits of larch (<em>Larix gmelinii</em>)and Manchurian ash (<em>Fraxinus mandshurica</em>). Overall root morphology, anatomy, and chemistry differed between species and root order (1&ndash;5). Specific root length, nitrogen concentration, and cortex: stele ratio was significantly higher in Manchurian ash, whereas root tissue density, stele diameter, and C/N ratio were significantly higher in larch. Additionally, when comparing the two species in a mixed plantation, root C concentration differed significantly between larch and Manchurian ash, but only for the second root order. However, root traits were largely similar across species within a given root order. In conclusion, critical root traits did not exhibit major intra- and interspecific differences, despite the ostensible presence of competition among tested plantations. Therefore, competition-induced root modification may not be a universal phenomenon in temperate trees.</p> Root morphology, Root order, N content, Root tissue density, Specific root length Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum https://thejaps.org.pk/AbstractView.aspx?mid=AG-18-0247