Cocoon Testing Centre
The Canadian Cocoon Testing Centre (CCTC) located in Brooks, Alberta, is the national testing centre for alfalfa leafcutter bee cocoons. The CCTC is operated under governance of the Canadian Leafcutter Bee Council which is run by alfalfa leafcutter bee organizations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The CCTC receives leafcutter bee cocoon samples from producers across the prairie provinces and uses x-ray imaging to identify live and dead counts, disease prevalence (Chalkbrood and A. larvis), machine and pest damage, and parasitism levels (by Pteromalus venustus). Sex ratios can also be completed using the in house leafcutter bee incubator and takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete.
Canadian Cocoon Testing Centre
Crop Diversification Center South (Griffin Building)
301 Horticultural Station Road East
Brooks, AB T1R 1E6
Telephone: 403-362-0453
Email: cctc@alfalfaseedab.com
Operational Information for 2025-2026
Nov 24, 2025- April 10, 2026 (Christmas closing TBD)
Mon-Thurs: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Friday: 9:00am – 12:00pm
*Hours are subject to change based on number of samples received and we encourage you to call ahead of dropping of samples in person
X-Ray Analysis: Live count, parasites, machine damage, chalkbrood, etc.
Cost: 95.24 + 4.76 (GST) = $100.00
Sex Ratio: Includes an x-ray analysis and female count. Please allow 6-8 weeks for completion. Samples must be sent in by March 15/24.
Cost: $166.66+ $8.34 (GST) = $175.00
All cheques made out to: Canadian Leafcutter Bee Council
Sample bags are available to producers free of charge, please email cctc@alfalfaseedab.com and we can arrange sending by mail or pickup.
Fill the Cocoon Testing lab sample bags to “Fill Line” (about 2 cups) with a well-mixed batch of bees.
Write on the sample bag the type of testing to be done (X-Ray or Sex Ratio).
Samples requiring sex ratios must be received before March 15/24.
Results will be sent by email, unless otherwise requested or email is unavailable.
Please include payment (cheque only) with samples, as well as your phone number, email address and reference numbers on the bag. Cheques can be made out to: Canadian Leafcutter Bee Council
The CCTC will have a drop box available inside the main entrance for convenient after hours drop off. We strongly encourage you call and book your testing ahead of dropping off samples to ensure timely turn around. Mailed samples are received as usual and we are not responsible for damage or loss of samples by mail service.
*Please note*
Samples will not be processed until payment is received.
Megan Wiebe
Manager/Lab
Jane Kopec
Tech Lab Tech
2025 Test Results
Another successful year for the Cocoon Testing Center for the 2024/2025 season. The season started out slowly but was extremely busy from December to February then dropped off again for March-April. There was a drop in machine damage this season however, a slight increase in A.Larvis and Chalkbrood did occur. Parasites remained a concern for some producers. A separate report was generated this year with A.larvis and viable versus non-viable parasite information. This extra report was appreciated by a few producers. The final number of samples received this year was 514 with 420 being from Alberta. This included 98 sex ratios with 95 being from Alberta. Over the summer months we were also involved in research projects with ASCA.
Presentations were given at both fall and spring ASCA meetings, Rolling Hills School, and Newell County Field Ag. in June.
