About Us

The Pollinating Insects - Biology, Management and Systematics Research Unit (PIBMSR)

Dr. Diana Cox-Foster 
Research Leader

This laboratory, also sometimes called the Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory, was founded in the late 1940s as part of the alfalfa seed production unit.  We focus primarily on pollination research with bees.  At this website, you will find information about our staff, programs, and research highlights.  We are located at the Logan campus of Utah State Universityand our scientists maintain adjunct positions with the USU Biology Department. Our contact information is as follows:

USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit
BNR Room 261
Dept. Biology UMC 5310
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-5310
Phone: (435)797-2524
Fax: (435)797-0461
Attn: Diana Cox-Foster

Mission :  The mission of the Pollinating Insect - Biology, Management and Systematics Research Unit is the development of non-Apis bees, for example the alfalfa leafcutting bee and blue orchard bee, as crop pollinators.  Research emphasis areas include the development and improvement of management systems for bee populations, biological studies of bees, plant-pollination systems, and bee biosystematics.  Cross-pollinated crops not effectively pollinated by honey bees have been targeted for improved pollination management, and the candidacy of selected pollinator species continues to be evaluated.  Current research on established species, like the alfalfa leafcutting bee and blue orchard bee, is directed toward developing control programs for pests and diseases, improving management that will result in better bee health and demonstrating pollination efficacy and increased producer profitability on "new" crops.