Apr 10, 2015Honeybee diagnostic services could be coming to MSU
Michigan State University Diagnostic Services has been a source for timely identification of plant virus and pathogens, plant-parasitic nematodes and insect pests since 1999. This multidisciplinary team of professional biologists has traditionally served growers, homeowners, nursery and landscape professionals, agribusiness specialists, pest control personnel, county Extension and campus specialists and regulatory agencies. Soon, honey beekeepers may be added to that list.
Meghan Milbrath of the Northern Bee Network and Michigan Pollinator Initiative, and Walter Pett of Michigan State University Extension are asking for input on potential diagnostic services for pests and diseases in managed Michigan honeybee hives. The diagnostic services lab has obtained the support of regional and national diagnostic lab protocols for sampling a variety of honey bee maladies, including bacterial and fungal brood diseases, nosema, mites and select viruses.
The survey is designed to give campus diagnosticians an idea of the demand and price that beekeepers would be willing to pay for processing samples.