Prof. Ibrahim M. Ibrahim Alrawashdeh

Amino acids, mineral composition and protein analysis of Moringa peregrine Forssk. (Fiori) seeds and leaves were investigated at Jordan. The results showed that the fresh leaves have high percentage of protein (14.5%) compared to dried leaves (6.45%). The mineral analysis of fruit and leaves were investigated, fruits showed high content of Mg 85.67 ppm, Zn 21.55ppm and Cu 2.14ppm. Leaves recorded high content of Fe 62.26ppm and 10.48 ppm Pb. Amino acid analysis showed that Glutamic acid was the highest percentage registered 2.77% followed by Leucine 1.95%, while Cystine (0.25%) was the lowest percentage recorded. The results emphasized that leaves and fruits of Moringa peregrina Forssk. (Fiori) have great potential as a source of food and feed.

In this study, we evaluated the biological activity of crude plant extracts of Asphodeline lutea and Peganum harmala. The in vitro antiproliferative activity, the effects on cell cycle phases, and the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the crude extracts were investigated. The extracts revealed antiproliferative activity against three human cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231 (breast), Hs-294T (melanoma), MV-4-11 (leukemia),and one non-tumorigenic human mammary gland epithelial cell line, MCF-10A. The crude extract of Asphodeline lutea appeared to be more active against all cell lines tested, while P. harmala extract revealed activity against only the MV4-11human leukemia cell line. Both extracts differed in their activity toward cell cycle progression. After 72hours of treatment with A. lutea extract, we observed a shift of MV-4-11 cell percentage to the S-phase. On the other hand P. harmala tended to stop the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. Nevertheless, the changes in cell cycle were not statistically significant when compared with the control group. Moreover, both crude plant extracts exhibited antioxidant activity. Antioxidant capacities of the extracts were expressed in terms of IC50 value of the extracts. Also, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) studies indicated that the MIC of the crude plant extract of P. harmala was found to be 500 µg/ml for all selected bacterial species, while for the crude plant extract of A. lutea, it was found to be 1500 µg/ml for M. luteus, S. aureus, and B. subtilis, and 2000 µg/ml for E. Coli.

Genetic relatedness of ten (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) varieties was studied through RAPD analysis. Eight 10-mer oligonucleotide primers were used for PCR amplification. A total of 1327 amplified fragments with an average of 165.9 bands per primer. Among them, 194 were polymorphic with an average 19.4. Based on the banding patterns observed among the tomato varieties, the values of pairwise genetic relatedness ranged from (0.54) of Redcaript variety to (0.00) value between both 100/100 as resistance variety and Ghorsafi 6 as susceptible variety to tomato spotted wilt virus, indicating the presence of wide genetic relatedness. The dendrograrm constructed based on the phylogenetic relationship analysis revealed that the highest genetic relatedness was obtained between the 100/100 tomato variety and Redcarpit variety, whereas the lowest value recorded between the 100/100 and Ghorsafi variety. The dendrogram grouped the tomato varieties into three major clusters. The variety Top1199 was formed a separate cluster while the other varieties formed two clusters. RAPD markers are useful tool for assessing the genetic relatedness and diversity in tomato landraces and cultivars

The association between the ovine calpastatin gene (CAST) genotypes, growth performance and meat characteristics of Awassi sheep was investigated. Homozygous (MM) and heterozygous (MN) genotypes of the CAST were obtained by RFLP, using Awassi ram lambs (age=7 to 14 days n= 80).A fattening trial was conducted using 10 ram lambs MspI - of CAST genotypes (5 lambs from each genotype) (homozygous (MM) and heterozygous (MN). Lambs were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and the subsequent weights were measured biweekly before the morning feeding throughout the duration of the experiment. At the end of the fattening period, all lambs were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. The results showed a significant association between CAST genotypes and growth rate and final body weight showing that lambs of the MN genotype had a higher average daily gain and final body weight compared to lambs of the MM genotype. The CAST gene genotypes showed a significant effect on some carcass components and meat quality parameters indicating that MN genotype showed lower total bone and higher meat to bone ratio than the MM genotype in the dissected leg cut. Furthermore, the MN genotype had a higher longissimus muscle weight compared to MM animals. Meat quality analysis showed that MN genotype lambs had higher shear force, lower cooking loss and lightness. It can be concluded that t

β-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) is important in the formation of a medicinal plant Artemisia judaica (al-ba’atharan) aroma. The crude plant extracts of Artemisia judaica were used to characterize the enzyme in the term of pH, temperature, enzyme kinetic and effects of some heavy metals on its activity. The enzyme activity was measured by its ability to hydrolyze the substrate 2-nitrophenyl β-D-galactopyranoside (ONPG). The enzyme activity was reached maximum at 50°C and at pH 6.0. The Km and Vmax values of the enzyme were 3.6 mM and 1.67 μmol/min, respectively. Uncompetitive inhibition was observed in presence of Hg+2, Fe+3 and Zn+2 for the enzyme β-galactosidase in the crude extract through the decrease in the Km and Vmax values. Pb+2 and Cu+2 were found to act as a noncompetitive inhibitors on the enzyme β-galactosidase in the crude extract due to increase in the Km values and decrease in Vmax values. The study showed that Hg+2 was the most potent inhibitor while Cu+2 exhibited the least inhibition degree on β-galactosidase activity in the Artemisia judaica. These finding indicated that the enzyme β-galactosidase in the crude leaves extract of Artemisia judaica can be used in industrial and medical applications.

Jordan is a small country located in the Fertile Crescent region and is very rich in plant taxa due to the variability of its bio-geographical regions and ecosystems. Plant diversity in Jordan is at risk due to demographic reasons, land use problems, human and environmental stressors. The objective of this research was to evaluate the fl oral diversity in different ecosystems in Jordan (Al-Shoubak, Al-Tafi leh, Madaba and Al-Mafraq governorates) with special concern given to Artemisia herba alba diversity. Artemisia herba alba is an endangered medicinal plant species. The transect-quadrate method was used and three sites were examined within each governorate. The collected data were analyzed statistically and descriptively. Statistical analysis did not show evidence of association between the governorate elevation and species diversity indices. No statistical signifi cant variability in species diversity indices among governorates were found. However, Shannon diversity index, evenness, relative density, species density and richness were different among locations. The species density was the highest in Madaba (36 plants/ m2) and the lowest was in Tafi leh (21 plants/m2). But Tafi leh showed the highest Shannon diversity index, species richness and evenness. Shoubak showed the highest density of Artemisia herba alba along with frequency and relative frequency. Shoubak ecosystem considered the best of those studied for growing and maintaining this plant. Mafraq showed the lowest Shannon diversity, species evenness and density of Artemisia herba alba. This indicates that this region is intensively disturbed and conservation efforts are urgent to maintain its species and genetic diversity. Managing the collection of Artemisia herba alba and adoption of domestication programs will conserve it, specifi cally in Mafraq region. Key words: Artemisia, species richness, evenness, Transict, Jordan

Jordan mainly southern part hosts immense diversity of several plant species genotypes. Yellow asphodel (Asphodeline lutea) along with other Asphodelus species was grown at Jordan. Asphodeline lutea is an edible plant and will become a threat due to overexploitation. This investigation was headed for studying the genetic diversity within A. lutea species based on RAPD markers. Five primers gave reproducible bands and were selected for detecting the diversity. Thirty amplification profiles were obtained, seven of them were polymorphic. Jaccard’s coefficient of similarity ranged from 0.83 to 1.00 values. UPGMA cluster analysis clearly distinguished the samples and grouped them into two main groups. The results accessible in this paper revealed low genetic diversity among A. lutea individuals. This demonstrates the usefulness of RAPD markers in detecting genetic variation either among or within genotypes.

Forty wild individuals of wild Peganum harmala (P. harmala) were collected from four sites in Ma’an Governorate and were assessed for genetic variability by the method of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR. Four primers produced 43 amplified bands and 23 of them were polymorphic. Miniature degree of genetic diversity was detected among studied population of wild P. harmala. Cluster analysis by the un weighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) divided the wild populations into three main clusters, and one individual was identified in a separated group. It is apparent from this study that individuals of P. harmala species were more closely related. The RAPD markers detected sufficient degree of polymorphism to differentiate among the studied populations, making this technique valuable for wild types management and selectivity for breeding program.

Nine Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers showing polymorphic bands were used to determine the genetic relatedness among and within single individual plants of Lupinus pilosus and used for the construction of the dendrogram and the similarity matrix. A total of 1112 bands were obtained, 219 of which were polymorphic. Similarity values among the studied single individuals of Lupinus pilosus ranged from 0.450 to 0.02. The cluster analysis obtained by Unweighted Pair-Group Method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) grouped the tested individuals into three clusters. A genetic variation was found within Lupinus pilosus based on RAPD markers. The variability emphasis the presence of genetic diversity within Lupinus pilosus species.

The diversity indices are very essential components to estimate the plant species diversity at ecosystems. Peganum harmala is an essential medicinal plant with high value of phytochemicals as well it has fertility potential in sheep. It is considered as an indicator for climate change particularly at the arid regions. This research was carried out to investigate the plant species diversity of desert area at four sites representing different habitats within Ma'an governorate southern part of Jordan via comparison biodiversity indices. Quadrat-transect method was randomly used to determine the density, richness, dominance and evenness indices under selected sites. Results of plant species list showed 23 taxa recorded. Peganum harmala registered the high density value (0.667) during the year 2013 at Adruh site, while high frequency value (0.800) was found at Ma'an site. The year 2013 showed high plant diversity compared to 2014. During 2013 and 2014 Wadimusa recorded the high Shannon's index 1.998 and 1.488, respectively compared to the other sites. Two medicinal plants were recorded during this study namely Achillea fragrantissima and Artemisia herba alba used as antidiabetic disease in the folk medicine. Studying the desert biodiversity is a crucial for evaluate the health of rangeland ecosystems.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to determine the genetic relatedness among and within selected Teucrium polium populations at Wadi Shueib area in Jordan. Ten primers shown polymorphic bands were used for examining the genetic variability. A total of 1331 bands were obtained, 230 of them were polymorphic. Similarity coefficient values among the studied accessions varied from 0.00 to 0.48. High similarity values were obtained between two samples collected from middle area of Wadishueib. No similarity (value = 0.000) was detected between samples collected from West and middle area. RAPD analysis confirmed the presence of genetic diversity through tested Teucrium polium populations. The cluster analysis generated three groups. Genetic diversity among population was found. The information obtained through genetic diversity analysis of wild populations is necessary for conservation and exploitation of these valuable genetic resources in the future.

The catalytic activities and kinetic parameters of the enzyme peroxidase (POX), extracted from two plant species namely Rosmarinus officinalis and Eruca sativa, were investigated in the presence and absence of various heavy metals. The activation effects of heavy metals Co2+, Fe3+ and Pb2+ have performed a noncompetitive inhibition on the enzyme activity in the crude extract of Eruca sativa. In contrast, Cd2+, Ni+ and Cu2+ have an uncompetitive inhibition for the two selected plants. Furthermore, Fe3+, Al3+, Pb2+ and Mo2+ were found to be acted as noncompetitive inhibitors on the enzyme activity in the crude extract of Rosmarinus officinalis. Presence of heavy metals altered the enzyme activity by acting as uncompetitive or noncompetitive inhibitors depending on the type of heavy metals.

Plant growth and productivity are adversely affected by drought. The sound of shortage of water on growth, yield and yield quality has been well deliberated in plants. In most cases growth, yield and yield quality are diminished under drought environments. There are four major strategic categories that represent the plant adaptation to desert, which include; lack waterescaping plants, lack water-evading plants, lack water-enduring plants and lack water-resisting plants. On the other hand, several controlling policies have been projected to compact with drought stress which including selection of crops and varieties, tillage and water conservation, moisture conservation through tephra covers, planting date, seed priming, nutrient management and water harvesting technique.

Jordan's flora is plenty and highly miscellaneous. Species diversity is one of the essential indices used for determining the sustainability of herbaceous, shrubs and trees communities. This study was conducted during three years consequences from 2009-2012, and it aims to estimation and monitoring the genetic diversity among certain Paronychia argentea species at different sites in Jordan. The plant species were sampled by transectquadrate method using square wood quadrate. Species richness, density Shannon and Simpson indices were applied to quantify of the diversity among target studied sites. Species richness, frequency and Shannon’s diversity values among studied areas and years were recorded during the year of 2011/2102. High species richness (50 and 51) was found at Jerash for both sites compared to the wadishueib regions. High number of taxa was recorded at higher elevations compared to lower elevations particularly during the year 2012 compared to the rest years. Asteraceae, fabacaea and poaceae showed the most frequent families during this study. Studying the species richness, density, frequency and monitoring are crucial measurements for management and conservation of plant communities either in situ or ex situ.

Studying species diversity is crucial for monitoring, management and in situ conservation of dryland agrobiodiversity. The species richness and diversity index, along with the density and frequency of Scorzonera Judaica (Eig) species were assessed in March/April 2015 and 2016 at Alshoubak region using transect-quadrat approach. A total of 120 quadrats within three transects at each of the four locations located at 1554-1273m altitude were assessed for species richness. A total of 17 taxa-species were identified over the two seasons. In 2015, high species richness (9 species) was found at AlShou-bak-Doshk site with 1273m a. s. l., while Fujaj/Qadsiah road showed lowest species richness (3 spe-cies), corresponding respectively to highest and lowest Shannon's diversity indices of 1.602) and 0.358. In 2016, Fujaj/Qadsiah road showed the lowest species richness (4 species) but Aljhair site had the highest number of species (9). Over two years, high values of Shannon_index H (6.90), Simpson_1-D (3.33), Evenness_e^H/S (3.69) and Equitability_J (4.09) were recorded at Alshoubak-Doshk location, which showed higher number of species. The highest values were recorded by S. judaica, Artimesia herba alba, 3.51 and 3.21, respectively, while Zero value (0.00) was recorded by Achillea fragrantis-sima, Crocus sativus, Lasiopogon muscoides and Vicia sativa. In general, lower elevations showed higher number of species compared to higheraltitudes. Scorzonera judaica showed the highest density and frequency values at Fujaj/Qadsiah location. Three medicinal plant species namely A. fragrantis-sima, A. santolina and A. herba alba recorded in the region are still used in the folk medicine by local communities.

Artemisia judaica L. is a medicinal plant that is traditionally used to relieve abdominal pains through its carminative activity. In this study, spectroscopic analysis was employed to investigate the carminative activity associated with A. judaica. Using infrared spectroscopy, the carminative activity was evaluated based on the first derivative of IR-characteristic stretching signal of CO2. Our results indicate that A. judaica oil effectively reduced the response of CO2 signal equivalent to thymol standard. Additionally, 1HNMR spectroscopy was utilized to assess surface activity of A. judaica crude oil through the reduction of interfacial tension in a D2O/CDCl3 system. Apparently, 10 mg of the oil was able to solubilize water in a chloroform layer up to 4.3% (w/w). In order to correlate the observed surface activity of the oil to its actual composition, GC-MS and GC-FID structural analysis were undertaken. The results revealed that the oil composition consists of oxygenated terpenes whichmight be responsible for the carminative effect. Furthermore, owing to its sensitivity, ourmodel provides a fundamental basis for the pharmacological assessment of trace amounts of oils with high precision and accuracy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the species diversity and species richness of vegetation cover with a focus on Teucrium polium L. species. Density and other diversity parameters were used to assess the impact effect of climate change at four sites within Al-Sult area of Jordan over 2010 to 2012 period. A total of 179 quadrates of 1m² each were used to survey the species richness and density and to estimate the Shannon diversity index based on the nature of vegetation. The rainfall recorded by the Agricultural Department-Statistics section was used to characterize the climatic conditions. The results of diversity among studied sites showed higher species richness and density in the West sites compared to the rest of the sites. Shannon diversity index was highest at Southern site (19.3) and showed a decrease from 2010 to 2012 which could be explained by the trend in rainfall.

Amino acids, mineral composition and protein analysis of Moringa peregrine Forssk. (Fiori) seeds and leaves were investigated at Jordan. The results showed that the fresh leaves have high percentage of protein (14.5%) compared to dried leaves (6.45%). The mineral analysis of fruit and leaves were investigated, fruits showed high content of Mg 85.67 ppm, Zn 21.55ppm and Cu 2.14ppm. Leaves recorded high content of Fe 62.26ppm and 10.48 ppm Pb. Amino acid analysis showed that Glutamic acid was the highest percentage registered 2.77% followed by Leucine 1.95%, while Cystine (0.25%) was the lowest percentage recorded. The results emphasized that leaves and fruits of Moringa peregrina Forssk. (Fiori) have great potential as a source of food and feed.

In this study, we evaluated the biological activity of crude plant extracts of Asphodeline lutea and Peganum harmala. The in vitro antiproliferative activity, the effects on cell cycle phases, and the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the crude extracts were investigated. The extracts revealed antiproliferative activity against three human cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231 (breast), Hs-294T (melanoma), MV-4-11 (leukemia),and one non-tumorigenic human mammary gland epithelial cell line, MCF-10A. The crude extract of Asphodeline lutea appeared to be more active against all cell lines tested, while P. harmala extract revealed activity against only the MV4-11human leukemia cell line. Both extracts differed in their activity toward cell cycle progression. After 72hours of treatment with A. lutea extract, we observed a shift of MV-4-11 cell percentage to the S-phase. On the other hand P. harmala tended to stop the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. Nevertheless, the changes in cell cycle were not statistically significant when compared with the control group. Moreover, both crude plant extracts exhibited antioxidant activity. Antioxidant capacities of the extracts were expressed in terms of IC50 value of the extracts. Also, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) studies indicated that the MIC of the crude plant extract of P. harmala was found to be 500 µg/ml for all selected bacterial species, while for the crude plant extract of A. lutea, it was found to be 1500 µg/ml for M. luteus, S. aureus, and B. subtilis, and 2000 µg/ml for E. Coli.

Genetic relatedness of ten (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) varieties was studied through RAPD analysis. Eight 10-mer oligonucleotide primers were used for PCR amplification. A total of 1327 amplified fragments with an average of 165.9 bands per primer. Among them, 194 were polymorphic with an average 19.4. Based on the banding patterns observed among the tomato varieties, the values of pairwise genetic relatedness ranged from (0.54) of Redcaript variety to (0.00) value between both 100/100 as resistance variety and Ghorsafi 6 as susceptible variety to tomato spotted wilt virus, indicating the presence of wide genetic relatedness. The dendrograrm constructed based on the phylogenetic relationship analysis revealed that the highest genetic relatedness was obtained between the 100/100 tomato variety and Redcarpit variety, whereas the lowest value recorded between the 100/100 and Ghorsafi variety. The dendrogram grouped the tomato varieties into three major clusters. The variety Top1199 was formed a separate cluster while the other varieties formed two clusters. RAPD markers are useful tool for assessing the genetic relatedness and diversity in tomato landraces and cultivars

The association between the ovine calpastatin gene (CAST) genotypes, growth performance and meat characteristics of Awassi sheep was investigated. Homozygous (MM) and heterozygous (MN) genotypes of the CAST were obtained by RFLP, using Awassi ram lambs (age=7 to 14 days n= 80).A fattening trial was conducted using 10 ram lambs MspI - of CAST genotypes (5 lambs from each genotype) (homozygous (MM) and heterozygous (MN). Lambs were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and the subsequent weights were measured biweekly before the morning feeding throughout the duration of the experiment. At the end of the fattening period, all lambs were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. The results showed a significant association between CAST genotypes and growth rate and final body weight showing that lambs of the MN genotype had a higher average daily gain and final body weight compared to lambs of the MM genotype. The CAST gene genotypes showed a significant effect on some carcass components and meat quality parameters indicating that MN genotype showed lower total bone and higher meat to bone ratio than the MM genotype in the dissected leg cut. Furthermore, the MN genotype had a higher longissimus muscle weight compared to MM animals. Meat quality analysis showed that MN genotype lambs had higher shear force, lower cooking loss and lightness. It can be concluded that t

β-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) is important in the formation of a medicinal plant Artemisia judaica (al-ba’atharan) aroma. The crude plant extracts of Artemisia judaica were used to characterize the enzyme in the term of pH, temperature, enzyme kinetic and effects of some heavy metals on its activity. The enzyme activity was measured by its ability to hydrolyze the substrate 2-nitrophenyl β-D-galactopyranoside (ONPG). The enzyme activity was reached maximum at 50°C and at pH 6.0. The Km and Vmax values of the enzyme were 3.6 mM and 1.67 μmol/min, respectively. Uncompetitive inhibition was observed in presence of Hg+2, Fe+3 and Zn+2 for the enzyme β-galactosidase in the crude extract through the decrease in the Km and Vmax values. Pb+2 and Cu+2 were found to act as a noncompetitive inhibitors on the enzyme β-galactosidase in the crude extract due to increase in the Km values and decrease in Vmax values. The study showed that Hg+2 was the most potent inhibitor while Cu+2 exhibited the least inhibition degree on β-galactosidase activity in the Artemisia judaica. These finding indicated that the enzyme β-galactosidase in the crude leaves extract of Artemisia judaica can be used in industrial and medical applications.

Jordan is a small country located in the Fertile Crescent region and is very rich in plant taxa due to the variability of its bio-geographical regions and ecosystems. Plant diversity in Jordan is at risk due to demographic reasons, land use problems, human and environmental stressors. The objective of this research was to evaluate the fl oral diversity in different ecosystems in Jordan (Al-Shoubak, Al-Tafi leh, Madaba and Al-Mafraq governorates) with special concern given to Artemisia herba alba diversity. Artemisia herba alba is an endangered medicinal plant species. The transect-quadrate method was used and three sites were examined within each governorate. The collected data were analyzed statistically and descriptively. Statistical analysis did not show evidence of association between the governorate elevation and species diversity indices. No statistical signifi cant variability in species diversity indices among governorates were found. However, Shannon diversity index, evenness, relative density, species density and richness were different among locations. The species density was the highest in Madaba (36 plants/ m2) and the lowest was in Tafi leh (21 plants/m2). But Tafi leh showed the highest Shannon diversity index, species richness and evenness. Shoubak showed the highest density of Artemisia herba alba along with frequency and relative frequency. Shoubak ecosystem considered the best of those studied for growing and maintaining this plant. Mafraq showed the lowest Shannon diversity, species evenness and density of Artemisia herba alba. This indicates that this region is intensively disturbed and conservation efforts are urgent to maintain its species and genetic diversity. Managing the collection of Artemisia herba alba and adoption of domestication programs will conserve it, specifi cally in Mafraq region. Key words: Artemisia, species richness, evenness, Transict, Jordan

Jordan mainly southern part hosts immense diversity of several plant species genotypes. Yellow asphodel (Asphodeline lutea) along with other Asphodelus species was grown at Jordan. Asphodeline lutea is an edible plant and will become a threat due to overexploitation. This investigation was headed for studying the genetic diversity within A. lutea species based on RAPD markers. Five primers gave reproducible bands and were selected for detecting the diversity. Thirty amplification profiles were obtained, seven of them were polymorphic. Jaccard’s coefficient of similarity ranged from 0.83 to 1.00 values. UPGMA cluster analysis clearly distinguished the samples and grouped them into two main groups. The results accessible in this paper revealed low genetic diversity among A. lutea individuals. This demonstrates the usefulness of RAPD markers in detecting genetic variation either among or within genotypes.

Forty wild individuals of wild Peganum harmala (P. harmala) were collected from four sites in Ma’an Governorate and were assessed for genetic variability by the method of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR. Four primers produced 43 amplified bands and 23 of them were polymorphic. Miniature degree of genetic diversity was detected among studied population of wild P. harmala. Cluster analysis by the un weighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) divided the wild populations into three main clusters, and one individual was identified in a separated group. It is apparent from this study that individuals of P. harmala species were more closely related. The RAPD markers detected sufficient degree of polymorphism to differentiate among the studied populations, making this technique valuable for wild types management and selectivity for breeding program.

Nine Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers showing polymorphic bands were used to determine the genetic relatedness among and within single individual plants of Lupinus pilosus and used for the construction of the dendrogram and the similarity matrix. A total of 1112 bands were obtained, 219 of which were polymorphic. Similarity values among the studied single individuals of Lupinus pilosus ranged from 0.450 to 0.02. The cluster analysis obtained by Unweighted Pair-Group Method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) grouped the tested individuals into three clusters. A genetic variation was found within Lupinus pilosus based on RAPD markers. The variability emphasis the presence of genetic diversity within Lupinus pilosus species.

The diversity indices are very essential components to estimate the plant species diversity at ecosystems. Peganum harmala is an essential medicinal plant with high value of phytochemicals as well it has fertility potential in sheep. It is considered as an indicator for climate change particularly at the arid regions. This research was carried out to investigate the plant species diversity of desert area at four sites representing different habitats within Ma'an governorate southern part of Jordan via comparison biodiversity indices. Quadrat-transect method was randomly used to determine the density, richness, dominance and evenness indices under selected sites. Results of plant species list showed 23 taxa recorded. Peganum harmala registered the high density value (0.667) during the year 2013 at Adruh site, while high frequency value (0.800) was found at Ma'an site. The year 2013 showed high plant diversity compared to 2014. During 2013 and 2014 Wadimusa recorded the high Shannon's index 1.998 and 1.488, respectively compared to the other sites. Two medicinal plants were recorded during this study namely Achillea fragrantissima and Artemisia herba alba used as antidiabetic disease in the folk medicine. Studying the desert biodiversity is a crucial for evaluate the health of rangeland ecosystems.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to determine the genetic relatedness among and within selected Teucrium polium populations at Wadi Shueib area in Jordan. Ten primers shown polymorphic bands were used for examining the genetic variability. A total of 1331 bands were obtained, 230 of them were polymorphic. Similarity coefficient values among the studied accessions varied from 0.00 to 0.48. High similarity values were obtained between two samples collected from middle area of Wadishueib. No similarity (value = 0.000) was detected between samples collected from West and middle area. RAPD analysis confirmed the presence of genetic diversity through tested Teucrium polium populations. The cluster analysis generated three groups. Genetic diversity among population was found. The information obtained through genetic diversity analysis of wild populations is necessary for conservation and exploitation of these valuable genetic resources in the future.

The catalytic activities and kinetic parameters of the enzyme peroxidase (POX), extracted from two plant species namely Rosmarinus officinalis and Eruca sativa, were investigated in the presence and absence of various heavy metals. The activation effects of heavy metals Co2+, Fe3+ and Pb2+ have performed a noncompetitive inhibition on the enzyme activity in the crude extract of Eruca sativa. In contrast, Cd2+, Ni+ and Cu2+ have an uncompetitive inhibition for the two selected plants. Furthermore, Fe3+, Al3+, Pb2+ and Mo2+ were found to be acted as noncompetitive inhibitors on the enzyme activity in the crude extract of Rosmarinus officinalis. Presence of heavy metals altered the enzyme activity by acting as uncompetitive or noncompetitive inhibitors depending on the type of heavy metals.

Plant growth and productivity are adversely affected by drought. The sound of shortage of water on growth, yield and yield quality has been well deliberated in plants. In most cases growth, yield and yield quality are diminished under drought environments. There are four major strategic categories that represent the plant adaptation to desert, which include; lack waterescaping plants, lack water-evading plants, lack water-enduring plants and lack water-resisting plants. On the other hand, several controlling policies have been projected to compact with drought stress which including selection of crops and varieties, tillage and water conservation, moisture conservation through tephra covers, planting date, seed priming, nutrient management and water harvesting technique.

Jordan's flora is plenty and highly miscellaneous. Species diversity is one of the essential indices used for determining the sustainability of herbaceous, shrubs and trees communities. This study was conducted during three years consequences from 2009-2012, and it aims to estimation and monitoring the genetic diversity among certain Paronychia argentea species at different sites in Jordan. The plant species were sampled by transectquadrate method using square wood quadrate. Species richness, density Shannon and Simpson indices were applied to quantify of the diversity among target studied sites. Species richness, frequency and Shannon’s diversity values among studied areas and years were recorded during the year of 2011/2102. High species richness (50 and 51) was found at Jerash for both sites compared to the wadishueib regions. High number of taxa was recorded at higher elevations compared to lower elevations particularly during the year 2012 compared to the rest years. Asteraceae, fabacaea and poaceae showed the most frequent families during this study. Studying the species richness, density, frequency and monitoring are crucial measurements for management and conservation of plant communities either in situ or ex situ.

Studying species diversity is crucial for monitoring, management and in situ conservation of dryland agrobiodiversity. The species richness and diversity index, along with the density and frequency of Scorzonera Judaica (Eig) species were assessed in March/April 2015 and 2016 at Alshoubak region using transect-quadrat approach. A total of 120 quadrats within three transects at each of the four locations located at 1554-1273m altitude were assessed for species richness. A total of 17 taxa-species were identified over the two seasons. In 2015, high species richness (9 species) was found at AlShou-bak-Doshk site with 1273m a. s. l., while Fujaj/Qadsiah road showed lowest species richness (3 spe-cies), corresponding respectively to highest and lowest Shannon's diversity indices of 1.602) and 0.358. In 2016, Fujaj/Qadsiah road showed the lowest species richness (4 species) but Aljhair site had the highest number of species (9). Over two years, high values of Shannon_index H (6.90), Simpson_1-D (3.33), Evenness_e^H/S (3.69) and Equitability_J (4.09) were recorded at Alshoubak-Doshk location, which showed higher number of species. The highest values were recorded by S. judaica, Artimesia herba alba, 3.51 and 3.21, respectively, while Zero value (0.00) was recorded by Achillea fragrantis-sima, Crocus sativus, Lasiopogon muscoides and Vicia sativa. In general, lower elevations showed higher number of species compared to higheraltitudes. Scorzonera judaica showed the highest density and frequency values at Fujaj/Qadsiah location. Three medicinal plant species namely A. fragrantis-sima, A. santolina and A. herba alba recorded in the region are still used in the folk medicine by local communities.

Artemisia judaica L. is a medicinal plant that is traditionally used to relieve abdominal pains through its carminative activity. In this study, spectroscopic analysis was employed to investigate the carminative activity associated with A. judaica. Using infrared spectroscopy, the carminative activity was evaluated based on the first derivative of IR-characteristic stretching signal of CO2. Our results indicate that A. judaica oil effectively reduced the response of CO2 signal equivalent to thymol standard. Additionally, 1HNMR spectroscopy was utilized to assess surface activity of A. judaica crude oil through the reduction of interfacial tension in a D2O/CDCl3 system. Apparently, 10 mg of the oil was able to solubilize water in a chloroform layer up to 4.3% (w/w). In order to correlate the observed surface activity of the oil to its actual composition, GC-MS and GC-FID structural analysis were undertaken. The results revealed that the oil composition consists of oxygenated terpenes whichmight be responsible for the carminative effect. Furthermore, owing to its sensitivity, ourmodel provides a fundamental basis for the pharmacological assessment of trace amounts of oils with high precision and accuracy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the species diversity and species richness of vegetation cover with a focus on Teucrium polium L. species. Density and other diversity parameters were used to assess the impact effect of climate change at four sites within Al-Sult area of Jordan over 2010 to 2012 period. A total of 179 quadrates of 1m² each were used to survey the species richness and density and to estimate the Shannon diversity index based on the nature of vegetation. The rainfall recorded by the Agricultural Department-Statistics section was used to characterize the climatic conditions. The results of diversity among studied sites showed higher species richness and density in the West sites compared to the rest of the sites. Shannon diversity index was highest at Southern site (19.3) and showed a decrease from 2010 to 2012 which could be explained by the trend in rainfall.