Millipede

Millipedes (genus Iulus) belong to the class Diplopoda. In agronomy, they are considered polyphagous pests that primarily inhabit the upper soil layers enriched with organic matter. These organisms thrive in moist and shaded environments, which makes them particularly active during periods of high soil moisture and temperate weather conditions.

This pest affects a wide range of agricultural crops. Root vegetables such as carrots, beets, and potatoes are highly susceptible, as well as seedlings and germinating seeds. Furthermore, millipedes cause significant damage to soft fruits like strawberries that come into contact with the soil surface, boring into the fruit and rendering it unmarketable.

The biology of millipedes is closely linked to soil moisture levels. Females lay eggs in clusters within the soil, and larvae undergo several molts as they develop into adults. The life cycle is relatively long, and adults typically exhibit nocturnal behavior, spending daylight hours hidden in damp, dark places, which makes early detection of an infestation challenging.

Damage symptoms include deep cavities and holes in roots, tubers, and fruits. These feeding lesions serve as entry points for secondary pathogens, including bacteria and fungi, causing rapid decay of the crop. Millipede populations tend to explode in soils with high organic content, such as fields recently amended with non-decomposed manure or compost.

Control measures involve a combination of cultural and chemical strategies. Agronomists recommend proper crop rotation and managing soil moisture to make the environment less hospitable. Using traps made of sliced root vegetables can help monitor and reduce localized populations. In severe cases, the application of soil-incorporated insecticides may be necessary, provided that all safety guidelines for crop production are strictly followed.