Jumping Worms - Ask Extension
I purchased bare root apple trees from the East Hill Tree farm in Plainfield. I am supposed to pick these up on Saturday. BUT East Hill's website no...
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Jumping Worms #865384
Asked April 22, 2024, 9:52 AM EDT
I purchased bare root apple trees from the East Hill Tree farm in Plainfield. I am supposed to pick these up on Saturday. BUT East Hill's website now says that they have discovered they have Asian jumping worms. Is it safe to transfer bare root plants? if yes, what precautions should be taken to avoid spreading the worms via eggs?
Thanks, Marsha
Caledonia County Vermont
Expert Response
Hi Marsha. Thanks for contacting the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline.
I collaborated with another EMG who has a lot of jumping worm knowledge and this is what we came up with:
First, good for the nursery for being transparent about the situation.
Second, getting the trees bare root should be fine since cocoons are retained in soil, not plant material, and as cocoons are about the size of a mustard seed (2 mm), they are visible to the naked eye. Start by visually inspecting the roots. Then, if you are able, I would take the precaution of washing the roots in a bucket of clean water to make sure that all soil is removed. Repeat in a second bucket of clean water. Reinspect the roots. Strain the water from the buckets, discard the water, and put any debris in a flat pan or similar and place on a hard surface (concrete or asphalt) in the sun to solarize for several days. This will kill any cocoons. The debris can then be trashed or composted.
Finally, before leaving the nursery, check the soles of your shoes. Remove any soil before leaving (even bring a brush or wear rubber boots that you can wash before placing in the car. The goal is to avoid bringing any soil from the nursery home with you.
I hope this information helps. Good luck with your new trees.
I collaborated with another EMG who has a lot of jumping worm knowledge and this is what we came up with:
First, good for the nursery for being transparent about the situation.
Second, getting the trees bare root should be fine since cocoons are retained in soil, not plant material, and as cocoons are about the size of a mustard seed (2 mm), they are visible to the naked eye. Start by visually inspecting the roots. Then, if you are able, I would take the precaution of washing the roots in a bucket of clean water to make sure that all soil is removed. Repeat in a second bucket of clean water. Reinspect the roots. Strain the water from the buckets, discard the water, and put any debris in a flat pan or similar and place on a hard surface (concrete or asphalt) in the sun to solarize for several days. This will kill any cocoons. The debris can then be trashed or composted.
Finally, before leaving the nursery, check the soles of your shoes. Remove any soil before leaving (even bring a brush or wear rubber boots that you can wash before placing in the car. The goal is to avoid bringing any soil from the nursery home with you.
I hope this information helps. Good luck with your new trees.
