Services for Researchers, Innovators, Industries

Ongoing research utilizes the latest microbiology, microscopy and molecular techniques.

The National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC) was the first comprehensive laboratory in Canada to provide a full array of diagnostic services for honeybee and native bee pests, pathogens, and parasites.

Our applied research projects and programming focus on pollinator health and sustainable agriculture practices for commercial and hobby beekeepers, researchers, conservationists, agriculture producers and hobbyists. Ongoing research utilizes the latest microbiology, microscopy and molecular techniques to identify pathogens that affect pollinator health.

As the broader agro ecosystem plays a vital role in crop pollinator heath, and with that in mind, the NBDC is expanding its research and services to include regenerative agriculture projects, soil health and conservation.

Diagnostics and molecular service

• Honey bee diagnostics 
• Varroa/hive inspections
• Hive sampling
• Chemical residue analyses
• Honey bee hygienic behavior testing
• Africanized/Queen genetic testing
• Honey bee Queen health testing
• Custom diagnostic services and support
• Bumble-bee specific diseases
• Alfalfa leafcutter bee diagnostics
• Pollinator identification (morphologic and DNA barcoding)
• Bee pollen diet diversity analyses (DNA metabarcoding)
• Honey floral composition analyses

Pollinator diversity, ecology, and conservation services

• Bee species diversity monitoring
• Entomologic services and taxonomic species identification
• Habitat enhancement and landscape consultations
• Crop pollination consultation
• Wild pollinator habitat and floral resources enhancement

NBDC also offers the following services:

• Support and molecular laboratory training for graduate students and interns
• Applied research support
• Technology transfer
• Expertise for speaking events
• Stakeholder support

Thinking of a specialized service not listed here? Contact us to discuss your project.

Equipment

Our goal is to provide access to equipment for experienced users and to provide a training environment in which researchers can acquire and use molecular biology techniques. The following table lists the available facilities and equipment at the NBDC, as well as fees (if applicable).

Facilities:

• Level 2 Containment Lab
• 5-room molecular suite
• 4-day sample delivery/reception (all of Canada)
• Live insect sample capability
• Import permitting assistance

Specialized Equipment:

• Next Generation Sequencer (MiSeq)
• High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)
• Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Fluorescence microscope
• Microtome (cryostat)
• Phase contrast compound microscopes
• Real time thermocyclers
• End-point thermocyclers
• Gel imager
• Spectrophotometer
• Hybridization oven
• Anaerobic incubators
• Shaking incubator
• Sample homogenizers
• Dissecting microscopic with digital capabilities
• A variety of benchtop equipment (centrifuges, vortexes, heat blocks, etc)

Contact

For more information about services offered at the National Bee Diagnostic Centre, please contact: