Sandy millipede

Cylindroiulus latestriatus, commonly known as the sandy millipede, is an arthropod belonging to the class Diplopoda, order Julida, and family Julidae. Characterized by a cylindrical, segmented body with two pairs of legs per body ring, this pest is highly specialized for living within the soil profile, where it thrives in moist, organic-rich environments.

This species is a significant pest that affects a wide variety of agricultural and horticultural crops. It frequently attacks potatoes, carrots, radishes, beetroots, and strawberries. In greenhouse conditions or early spring cultivation, it can cause severe damage to young seedlings and germinating seeds, often resulting in patchy crop stands and significant economic losses for farmers.

The life cycle of the sandy millipede is heavily dependent on environmental humidity. Eggs are deposited in clusters within the soil, and larvae go through several developmental stages before reaching maturity. They are nocturnal by nature, spending their daylight hours deeper in the soil or protected under decaying organic material, which makes them difficult to detect until substantial damage has occurred.

Damage is characterized by deep, unsightly pits and tunnels bored into roots and tubers. These lesions serve as entry points for secondary pathogens, such as soft rot bacteria and fungi, which lead to rapid decay of the plant tissue. Consequently, the affected crops become unmarketable, and if the infestation is heavy, the entire yield can be compromised during harvest or storage.

Integrated management strategies for controlling Cylindroiulus latestriatus include the following:

• Maintaining crop rotation to disrupt the life cycle of the pest.
• Improving soil drainage to reduce the humidity levels that millipedes favor.
• Liming the soil, as these millipedes prefer slightly acidic environments.
• Regular removal of organic debris and weeds from the field to reduce nesting sites.
• Using soil-applied granular insecticides or organic baits for targeted population reduction.