Roger A. Morse, Ph.D. (July 5, 1927 - May 12, 2000) was a bee biologist who taught many beekeepers both the rudiments and the finer practices, through his research and publications. During his long career, three new parasites of the honeybee, acarine mite, varroa mite and African small hive beetle were introduced to the USA. These, along with the Africanized honeybee and pesticide kills were all important beekeeping issues. Morse was extensively involved in research on each of these and provided guidance to the beekeeping industry.
Education and career
Morse was born in Saugerties, New York, served in the U. S. Army from 1944 to 1947. He received his bachelors degree from Cornell University in 1950, his masters in 1953 and his doctorate in 1955, and did postgraduate work with the State Plant Board in Gainesville, Florida After a brief stint as assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts, he returned to Cornell University where he remained until retirement. Dr Morse lectured a very popular course, Beekeeping, an introductory course, so any Cornellian could take this as an elective. During the 1970s many Cornell students were informed and entertained by his superb relating of the honey bee and its close relationship with human endeavors. He was made chairman of the entomology department in 1986. In 1989 he was made a fellow of the Entomological Society of America, and had been a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science since 1975. He also served as visiting professor at the University of Helsinki, Finland, the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the University of the Philippines, Los Baños.
Publications
Morse was a prolific writer of numerous books and magazine articles. He also edited and made contributions to a number of collective works. This is a partial list. Contributor:
- Annotated Bibliography on Varroa Jacobsoni, Tropilaelaps Clareae and Euvarroa Sinhai (IBRA Bibliography)
- The ABC and XYZ of Bee Culture
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Beekeeping
- Honey Bee Pests, Predators, and Diseases
- Making Mead Honey Wine: History, Recipes, Methods and Equipment
- Morse wrote a regular column in Bee Culture magazine
Author:
- Bees and Beekeeping
- Honey Shows: Guidelines for Exhibitors, Superintendents, and Judges
- The New Complete Guide to Beekeeping
- Rearing Queen Honey Bees
- Richard Archbold and the Archbold Biological Station
- A Year in the Beeyard: An Expert's Month-by-Month Instructions for Successful Beekeeping
