London millipede

The Cylindroiulus londinensis, commonly known as the London millipede, is a species of millipede belonging to the order Julida and the family Julidae. These arthropods are primarily soil-dwelling organisms that thrive in damp, dark environments where organic matter is abundant and moisture levels remain high throughout the season.

This pest is known for causing damage to a variety of agricultural and horticultural crops. It frequently attacks root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and beetroot. In greenhouses and nurseries, the London millipede can be particularly destructive, feeding on germinating seeds and the delicate roots of young seedlings, leading to poor crop establishment.

The life cycle of the London millipede is deeply influenced by soil conditions. Females deposit eggs in the soil, and the resulting larvae undergo several molts before reaching maturity. They are most active during moist periods, often migrating towards the surface to feed on available plant tissues when the conditions become suitable for their development.

The primary damage caused by these millipedes involves creating small, circular holes and irregular cavities on root surfaces. These wounds not only physically weaken the plant but also serve as entry points for secondary pathogens, including bacteria and fungi, which trigger rot and lead to significant post-harvest losses in stored produce.

To effectively manage populations of Cylindroiulus londinensis, agriculturalists and gardeners should employ a combination of the following methods:

• Improving soil drainage to reduce the humidity levels that favour the pest.
• Using trap crops or potato traps buried underground to collect and remove millipedes manually.
• Maintaining field hygiene by removing crop residues and debris where pests overwinter.
• Applying soil amendments like lime to increase soil pH, making the environment less hospitable for the millipedes.