Montana State University was awarded several research grants today, including one to help research threats to Montana’s bee colonies.
Michelle Flenniken is an assistant professor of plant sciences and pathology at MSU, she recently received a $50,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“My lab will obtain samples throughout the course of the year from Montana’s commercial beekeeping operations and we’ll identify the pathogens that are associated with those colonies and we’ll analyze the data statistically to see if any of those pathogens correlate with colony health.”
Montana state got two-thirds of the nearly $1.2 million in grants. They were awarded to support specialty crops in Montana like apples, lentils, chickpeas, and more. The projects chosen focus specifically on Montana’s growing pulse crops industry.
Other recipients include the Western Montana Growers Cooperative, Lake County Community Development Corporation, and the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council.