Analysis of the cuticular wax composition and ecophysiological studies in an arid plant - (Burm.f.) Wight & Arn.

Plants in arid regions are exposed to various abiotic stresses and the presence of the waxy cuticular layer acts as a defensive barrier, which consists mainly of long chain fatty acids, hydrocarbons and other derived compounds. Studies on the chemical composition and properties of cuticles of arid plants are scanty. The present study deals with the analysis of cuticular wax composition and effect of temperature on some ecophysiological parameters of an important arid plant .

Ecology of endangered Hand.-Mazz. in Jabal Al-Lauz, Saudi Arabia: Plant associations, size structure, and nutritional screening.

The wild has a restricted distribution in small scattered areas of Jabal Al-Lauz (2580 m above sea level), a mountain in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Major objective of current study is to provide information about by analyzing its ecology in terms of floristic diversity, plant associations, environmental features, and its size structure and nutritional value. For this purpose, 12 stands of 20 m were selected along the Jabal Al-Lauz mountain ridge.

Threatened in an ancient volcanic protected area of Saudi Arabia: Floristic diversity and plant associations.

(Oliv.) Meikle is an endangered shrub with a restricted distribution, which inhabits banks of flood flow channels in small sites of ancient volcanic activity dominated by black basaltic boulders within the Harrat Al-Harrah protectorate, Northern Saudi Arabia. It is with limited information about its ecology and hence, the present study is focusing on its phytosociological behavior and ecological features.

Birth anthropometric parameters in high and low altitude areas of Southwest Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: To study the anthropometric parameters of Southwestern Saudi newborns in Abha (a high altitude area) and Baish (a sea level area of Southwestern Saudi Arabia); to compare these parameters with those of the United States Center for Disease Control 2000 growth charts and to estimate the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) among the study population.

Methods: The study sample included all births from Abha Central Hospital (N=4300), and all births from Baish General Hospital (N=1200), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period from January 2001 to January 2003. Only term births (>37-42 weeks gestation) were included.