Welcome to the Desert Legume Program (DELEP) Discover the mission of DELEP, a program committed to preserving legume biodiversity from arid and semi-arid regions around the globe. Exciting Update: The Desert Legume Program is now proudly administered by Boyce Thompson Arboretum! This program, previously a partnership between the University of Arizona and BTA, made a significant transition in summer 2024 when its invaluable seedbank, the heart of DELEP, relocated to Boyce Thompson Arboretum. For seed requests or inquiries, contact us directly at [email protected]. Join us in protecting and celebrating legume biodiversity!
About the Desert Legume Program (DELEP): Preserving Global Legume Biodiversity
The Desert Legume Program (DELEP) is dedicated to preserving the biodiversity of Fabaceae (Leguminosae), the third-largest family of vascular plants, with a strong presence in the floras of arid and semi-arid regions. Despite their significance, wild legumes from dry regions remain understudied in terms of their economic potential.
Legumes are second only to cereal grains in their importance to humanity, serving a wide array of purposes:
- Food crops and forage crops
- Green manure for sustainable agriculture
- Forestry and erosion control
- Sources of medicines and industrial compounds
- Shade, shelter, and landscape plants
Many legumes possess a unique ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a plant-usable form through symbiosis with specialized bacteria, making them vital for ecological health and sustainable farming practices.
DELEP Mission
- Seed Conservation: Acquire and preserve seeds of legumes native to the arid and semi-arid lands of the world.
- Research: Advance knowledge of the nature and utility of these species.
- Distribution: Share germplasm with professionals and individuals who have a legitimate interest.
- Conservation: Support desert legume biodiversity through in situ and ex situ preservation methods.
What DELEP Offers
DELEP serves individuals, businesses, academic institutions, and government agencies in Arizona and across the globe by providing:
- Seeds and plant material
- Expert information on desert legumes
- Access to seeds via direct contact, the USDA-ARS GRIN, and Botanic Gardens Conservation International
Facilities and Projects
- Seed Bank: A vital repository of desert legume germplasm.
- Field Evaluations and Seed Production Plots: For research and conservation.
- Taylor Legume Garden: Showcases the diversity and utility of desert legumes.
Join DELEP in our mission to protect and promote the incredible diversity and potential of legumes from some of the world’s most challenging environments. Contact us today to learn more or request seeds from our collection!
Request Seeds from the Desert Legume Program (DELEP)
DELEP offers seed samples, subject to availability, to individuals and organizations in the U.S. and internationally. Our mission is to support research, conservation, and educational projects by providing access to legume germplasm from arid and semi-arid regions.
How to Request Seeds
- Browse the Index Seminum:
DELEP’s Index Seminum lists available seeds and provides detailed instructions for requesting them. - Contact Us:
- Email: Until further updates, seed requests can be directed to [email protected]
- Request Through USDA-ARS GRIN:
- Use the USDA-ARS GRIN database for advanced seed requests.
- Select “Desert Legume Program – DLEG” as the repository under Advanced Search.
International Requests
- Due to costs and logistics, DELEP cannot provide phytosanitary certificates for international requests.
- If a phytosanitary certificate is required by your country, please submit your request directly through the USDA-ARS GRIN website.
DELEP DATABASES
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It`s International Volunteer Day.
Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers! Whether they`re maintaining gardens, guiding tours, or educating visitors about the wildlife they see at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, their hard work and support play a vital role in keeping the Arboretum running.
Help us thank our volunteers in the comments!
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Immerse yourself in the beauty of peak fall color at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Get tickets at the link in bio.
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This holiday season, shop local at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Make your holiday gifts extra special by getting them at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. When you make a purchase from the Arboretum gift shop, you`re not only supporting us, you are supporting all the local and small businesses that partner with us to sell their merchandise.
Through December 7th, members also receive 20% off plants and plant pots. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
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Happy World Coati Day!
This year, we`ve had the honor of watching a band of white-nosed coati roam Boyce Thompson Arboretum. The white-nosed coati (Nasua narica) is a member of the Procyonidae family, which includes raccoons and our Arizona state mammal, the ringtail.
📸: @kimberly.deer.photography
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Peak fall color is here!
If you`ve been waiting for fall color to plan your trip to Boyce Thompson Arboretum, now is the time! Our Pistacia Grove is painted with beautiful yellows and oranges, and color is just about to take hold at the Suspension Bridge.
Plan your visit at https://btarboretum.org/.
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Glass in Flight at Night at Boyce Thompson Arboretum is updating its Friday–Sunday closing time to 8:00 p.m. Arboretum daytime hours remain the same: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily. For holiday closures and our full hours, please visit btarboretum.org. Thank you!
From all of us at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, thank you!
On #GivingTuesday, we celebrate YOU! Our generous community that keeps our Arboretum vibrant and makes our work possible. As a nonprofit organization, the generosity of our visitors, members, donors, volunteers and community partners is critical to fulfilling our mission. Thank you!
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This Giving Tuesday, you have the power to make a lasting impact at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. As our Board Vice Chair Joe Giacobazzi shares, the Arboretum’s beauty, research, and conservation work benefit all of humankind, and it is your support that makes this possible.
Because of you, we can provide education for all ages, preserve diverse arid-land plants, conduct meaningful ecological studies, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Everyone connects to the Arboretum in their own way, whether as hikers, families, gardeners, or nature lovers. You are the reason this place thrives.
Join Joe by making a Giving Tuesday gift today. You help protect this desert treasure for generations to come. Donate at the link in bio.
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