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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The Arboretum will close at 5PM on Saturday to the general public! Last admission is at 4PM.
For more info and tickets, visit us at btarboretum.org
It’s #BirdWeek at Boyce Thompson Arboretum!
Nov 1–7, spot your favorite feathered friends and tag @btarboretum + #birdweek to share your best shots!
Get tickets at the link in bio.
📸: Tim Lee
Meet the American snout butterfly (Libytheana carinenta), a master of disguise. Snout butterflies have elongated mouthparts and brown wings that help them look like dead leaves to predators.
Come explore the trails and spot these fascinating pollinators in action. Get tickets at the link in bio.
Appreciate nature up close and afar.
From sweeping landscapes to the veins of a Pavonia hastata petal, Boyce Thompson Arboretum has endless sights to see.
Get tickets at the link in bio.
These guests got in the boo-tanical spirit early with their visit to Boyce Thompson Arboretum. 🎃
Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween!
Please note, we will be closing early on Saturday, November 8th to the general public.
Last entry is at 4PM and gates close at 5PM.
Plan your visit accordingly!
The first signs of fall are here!
Leaves are just starting to change, hints of golden now, with deep reds to come in a few weeks. 🍂
Plan your visit today! Get tickets at the link in bio.
We often get asked what the coatis are eating when they’re spotted in the arboretum. Coatis are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals, and spend much of their day foraging for food. Although they are primarily seen going after fruit and bugs, they can go after larger prey, such as mice, lizards, and small birds.
As a reminder, please do not feed wildlife. It’s best practice to keep food in airtight containers when wildlife may be present.