ROOT MORPHOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY IN MANCHURIAN ASH (FRAXINUS MANDSHURICA) AND LARCH (LARIX GMELINII RUPR.) ARE DEPENDENT ON SPECIES, ROOT ORDER AND COMPETITION
Salahuddin*1, 2, M. Razaq3, A. Khan1 and M. S. Haider3 and Y. Lixue1,
1School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin-China; 2Agricultural Research Institute, Mingora Pakistan.
3University College of Agriculture, Department of Forestry, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.
Corresponding Author’s E-mail: ylx_0813@163.com
ABSTRACT
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 (Larix gmelinii)and Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica). Overall root morphology, anatomy, and chemistry differed between species and root order (1–5). 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.
Key words: Root morphology, Root order, N content, Root tissue density, Specific root length.
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