What the facility does
The only dedicated laboratory in Canada providing comprehensive diagnostic services to the beekeeping industry for a healthy, sustainable and profitable apiculture.
Areas of expertise
The National Bee Diagnostic Centre provides critical diagnostic services to beekeepers, researchers, provincial and federal agencies and industry as its contribution towards a healthy, sustainable and profitable apiculture industry in Canada. The centre employs microbiology, microscopy and molecular techniques in order to identify pests, pathogens and parasites affecting honeybees.
Research services
- Project management
- Technology development
- Sample analysis and testing
- Scientific and technological monitoring
- Technology validation and transfer
- Design of experiment
- Interactive workshop sessions
- Design, development, and delivery of customized training
- Connections to co-op placement opportunities
- Qualitative and quantitative research
- Networking events
- Presentation of results at conferences
- Publishing in peer reviewed literature
- Seminars and workshops
- Industry-specific events and symposia
- Evening speaker series
- Participation at trade shows and other venues with or on behalf of partners
Sectors of application
- Agriculture, animal science and food
Specialized labs and equipment
| Equipment |
|---|
| Fluorescent microscope and compound microscopes |
| Microtome – Cryostat |
| Real Time Quantitative Thermocycler and end-point thermocycler |
| Image analyzer |
| Spectrophotometer |
| Hybridization oven |
| Incubators for anaerobic conditions |
| Next-generation sequencer (MiSeq) |
| High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) system |
| High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system |
| Phase contrast compound microscopes |
| Shaking incubator |
| Sample homogenizers |
| Dissecting microscope with digital capabilities |
| Centrifuges |
| Vortex mixers |
| Heat blocks |
Private and public sector research partners
- University of Lethbridge
- University of Alberta
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Université Laval
- The University of British Columbia
- York University
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Manitoba
- Peace Country Beef and Forage Association
- SARDA Ag Research
- Alberta Beekeepers Commission
- Manitoba Beekeepers’ Association
- BC Honey Producers’ Association
- National Research Council Canada
- Government of Alberta
- ApiSave
- Ministry of Agriculture (New Zealand)
- Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (US Department of Agriculture)
- Mackenzie Applied Research Association
- North Peace Applied Research Association