Dr. Elina Lastro Niño joins the Journey to share some of the latest research on honeybees and pollination. Dr. Niño is a professor of Cooperative Extension at UC Davis with a focus on apiculture. She discusses some of the challenges faced by beekeepers, her work on varroa mites and some new research she’s a part of on hive stocking rates for self-compatible varieties.

“Can the self-fertile almond varieties benefit from the bee presence? And what we found was the benefit of having honeybees, even if they only have self-fertile varieties, is great. The yields are significantly increased.” - Dr. Elina Lastro Niño

In Today’s episode:

Meet Dr. Elina Lastro Niño, a professor of Cooperative Extension for apiculture at UC Davis
Explore the many ways Dr. Niño supports bee populations and producers alike with research, exploration of different pesticides and policy efforts
Find more information about best seeds for forage to support bee populations by visiting Seeds for Bees and Pollinator Partnership
Discover the threat of varroa mites and the virus they share with honeybees if not managed
Review honeybee presentations from the Almond Board of California Conference 2025

Learn more about Honey Bee Best Management Practices by visiting the Almond Board of California website.

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

Episode 93: Honeybees and Pollination with Dr. Elina Lastro Niño