{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"299 - Inside Idaho's Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee Cocoon Testing Center | PolliNation","description":" \u200aIn this episode Dr. Melathopoulos speaks with Dr. Armando Falcon-Brindis, assistant professor and extension specialist in entomology at the University of Idaho\u2019s Parma Research and Extension Center and director of the Parma Cocoon Testing Center. Dr. Falcon-Brindis explains why alfalfa leafcutter bees are far more effective than honey bees at pollinating alfalfa seed and describes how the lab uses X-ray imaging to assess cocoon health by counting live larvae, dead cells, pollen balls, machine damage, predators, parasites, and signs of pathogens, with follow-up dissections when needed. He details grower sampling methods, recommended bee release rates, and sex-ratio testing, then outlines new program efforts including a demonstration pollinator garden, field-based IPM trainings, and modernization of diagnostics with digital X-ray and other technologies.&amp;nbsp;  University of Idaho Faculty Profile: https:\/\/www.uidaho.edu\/people\/afalconbrindis  Parma Research and Extension Center: https:\/\/www.uidaho.edu\/idaho-ag-experiment-station\/centers\/parma  00:00 X-Ray Cocoon Clues  01:12 Podcast And Guest Intro  02:48 New Extension Role  05:22 Why Leafcutters Win  08:14 Cocoon Center Basics  11:28 X-Ray Diagnostics  14:28 Using Results For Rates  19:35 Sampling And Reports  23:09 New Programs And Tech  27:44 Pollinator Garden Impact ","author_name":"PolliNation","author_url":"http:\/\/pollinationpodcast.oregonstate.edu","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40672880\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/200604930"}