Survival and Performance of Cultivated Woody Legume Species in Yuma, Arizona

摘要

In March 1991, the Desert Legume Program (DELEP)began trial plantings of legume trees and shrubs at the University of Arizona Yuma Mesa Agricultural Center, in Yuma, Arizona. This location afforded a nearly freeze-free site to evaluate various taxa of cold-sensitive Fabaceae. An additional goal was seed-increase to augment DELEP's seed bank. As the field trials continued, the plants also served as a source of plant material for several research projects, primarily involving screening for bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical applications. Those plants that performed well and had an attractive growth form, foliage, or flowers were also evaluated for their potential as landscape plants. Initial plantings were made in Block 24. In March 1992, plantings began in Block 30. Together, these two fields totaled approximately 1.8 hectares (4.5 acres). Plantings in the fields continued through 2010.