Researching Pollinator Health & Agriculture

Managed bees, such as leafcutter bees, are highly effective pollinators, ensuring the success of forage crops such as canola or alfalfa. Researchers at NBDC explore the treatment and prevention of parasites and viruses, as well as the challenges of managed bees, to support a healthy agricultural sector.

Current Research

Past Research

  • Status: Complete
  • Description: Research on the ecology, health, and management of pollinators other than the honey bee represents an innovative and imperative research direction to ensure the continued production of pollinator-dependent crops. The sources, transmission routes and health effects of alfalfa leafcutter bee viruses have yet to be determined. There are several known viruses that contribute to honey bee mortality, but the understanding of viruses in other bee species is severely lacking. Little is known about the current distribution of viruses in leafcutting bee populations, and whether they contribute to cocoon losses and subsequently pollination and seed shortfalls. Like any bee managed in large aggregations, the ALB is susceptible to parasite and pathogen pressures, many of which have been understudied, especially in comparison to honey bee diseases. This research project has two main objectives: 
    1. Determine potential source and transmission routes of known and novel pathogens in commercial ALB operations in Canada, and 
    2. Investigate the efficacy of control options for Pteromalus venustus, a damaging parasitoid pest of managed alfalfa leafcutter bees. ·
  • Partners: Alfalfa Seed Commission of Alberta (ASCA), Saskatchewan Alfalfa Seed Producers Development Commission (SASPDC), Manitoba Forage Seed Association (MFSA)
  • Funding: NSERC-ARD

Get in Touch

NWP National Bee Diagnostic Centre

Office: BVE104

Phone: 780-357-7737

Email: NBDC@nwpolytech.ca