AMHERST, Mass. — Frequently asked questions from our 2022 Jumping Worm Conference are arranged by topic, including but not limited to: identification, biology, impacts of jumping worms on soil, bioaccumulation of heavy metals, mulch, soil, compost, and plant sales, management research, and more!
Over 70 questions from the audience and their answers are featured here, with responses from jumping worm researchers.
Contributing Authors
- Dr. Annise Dobson, Postdoctoral Researcher, Yale School of the Environment
- Dr. Josef Görres, Dept. of Plant and Soil Science, University of Vermont
- Dr. Justin Richardson, Dept. of Geosciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- Dr. Olga Kostromytska, Extension Assistant Professor and Turf Entomologist, UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture
- Tawny Simisky, Entomologist, UMass Extension, Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program
Where should citizens report jumping worm sightings?
There is no single location collecting jumping worm reports in Massachusetts, as they are now considered to be widespread throughout the state. However, reports can be submitted to EDDMapS, which will map the reports and maintain publicly available information (this is the reporting page recommended by the MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources for jumping worm reports coming from Massachusetts). Those in other states may also send reports to EDDMapS, or to either iMapInvasives or iNaturalist. Other state departments of agriculture may be collecting these reports; however, the MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources is not at this time.
–UMass Extension
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