Cultivating control evaluation of management options and consumer preferences for jumping worms (AMYNTHAS spp.) in horticultural materials

Abstract

Jumping worms (Amynthas spp.) significantly threaten biodiversity and soil health across temperate ecosystems. One inadvertent method of jumping worm spread is through container-grown nursery stock and horticultural substrates such as mulch. The presence of jumping worms in nursery stock and treatment options may also influence consumer buying potential and preference. There are currently no products listed for controlling jumping worms in the United States, leading to challenges with the management of their spread. We hypothesized that control methods not yet explored or listed for jumping worms in the United States have the potential to effectively suppress jumping worm populations in horticultural settings. The results of this work suggest differential efficacy between treatments and highlight options with potential for application in horticultural production. These findings support growers by outlining potential management practices demonstrating efficacy for controlling jumping worms in the Amynthas genus and help inform producers about consumer preferences for treated materials.