Entomology

Current entomological research at the Parma Research and Extension Center includes:

• Integrated management strategies for pests and beneficial insects and mites in specialty crops including hops, mint and alfalfa seed.
• Research on management of pollinators in seed crops including alfalfa seed.
• Identification and management information for insects and mites found in urban and agricultural settings.
• Parma Cocoon Testing Laboratory provides alfalfa seed growers with accurate information on the health of alfalfa leafcutting bees (Megachile rotundata) used to pollinate their crop.
  
  • Non-profit, extension-oriented service
  • Provides statistically accurate estimates of the proportion of live cells, chalkbrood mortality, pollen ball mortality and parasitoids of the leafcutting bee cells
  • Accepts leafcutting bee cells thought out the year
  • Analysis time depends on number of samples received (but usually takes one to two weeks)
  • For more information, please view bee testing brochure (pdf) and/or email Brenda Nelson at brendan@uidaho.edu