MSU Entomology pollinator initiative will bolster national effort
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EmailMSU Entomology has brought its pollinator research and extension efforts together to form the Michigan Pollinator Initiative.
MSU Entomology has brought its pollinator research and extension efforts together to form the Michigan Pollinator Initiative. The focus is on beekeeping, crop production, land management and policy stakeholders, aligning with the National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honeybees and Other Pollinators, announced by President Obama in 2014. The Initiative is coordinated by Meghan Milbrath and is informed by Entomology research in areas such as Varroa mite infestations, habitat loss, pesticide use and disease that affects the state’s wild and managed pollinator populations and the industries these pollinators support.
“The Michigan initiative was designed to bring together researchers, educators and partners to have a more comprehensive and coordinated effort to deal with the threats to pollinators and to respond to the national initiative,” Milbrath said. “By bringing everyone together, we can more efficiently implement programs and strategies that improve pollination and protect pollinators in our state.”
Years of MSU research and extension in pollination is reflected in the national plan. David Epstein, who earned a Ph.D. in Entomology at MSU and worked as a tree fruit specialist in MSU’s Integrated Pest Management program for 12 years, played a key role in developing the national strategy.
“The national strategy identifies the federal government’s path in the recovery of managed and wild pollinator species,” said Epstein, a senior entomologist with the USDA. “Successful achievement of the strategy’s goals are possible only through our partnerships with land-grant universities and other public and private organizations across the U.S.”
“These plans use research-based knowledge while developing the communication networks needed to both conduct human enterprise and protect pollinators,” Epstein said.
