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Every year millions of honey bee colonies are transported to the almonds in California.
Almond trees in full bloom.
Research colonies in the almonds.
USDA-ARS scientist from the lab routinely have experiments with honey bee colonies in the almonds.
Bee Lab in the News Videos of the Bee Lab
Pollinator decline is a critical issue affecting U.S. and global production of healthy foods. Honey bee colony losses have dramatically increased in recent years and have compromised the capacity of the commercial beekeeping industry to meet demand for agricultural pollination services. Pollination adds $15 billion to crop value in the U.S. annually.
Scientists at the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics & Physiology Laboratory in Baton Rouge, LA are addressing honey bee health issues by breeding honey bee stocks with improved resilience and resistance to pests, pathogens, and environmental toxins. Development of improved, healthy, and productive honey bee stocks will help mitigate the effects of disease and climate change, improving the food supply at local, national and global levels.
The Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research is located in Baton Rouge, LA and is part of the Southeast Area.
The Acting Research Leader is Kate Ihle.
Email: kate.ihle@usda.gov
Phone: (225)767-9280
Fax: 225-766-9212
HONEY BEE BREEDING, GENETICS & PHYSIOLOGY RESEARCH
1157 BEN HUR ROAD
Baton Rouge, LA 70820