Giant millipede

The giant millipede, belonging to the genus Narceus and the family Spirobolidae, is a type of arthropod that can occasionally act as a pest in agricultural settings. While they are primarily decomposers, under conditions of high population density or lack of decomposing vegetation, they may turn to feeding on living plant tissues.

These organisms pose a threat to various crops, including strawberries, potatoes, carrots, and the seedlings of greenhouse vegetables. By consuming delicate root systems and underground stems, they weaken the plants, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and, in severe cases, the complete death of the crop.

The biology of Narceus is characterized by a preference for damp, shaded environments and high soil organic content. Their development is slow, and they go through several molting phases before reaching maturity. They are nocturnal creatures, spending their days hidden under debris, mulch, or within the soil structure.

The economic damage caused by millipedes includes both direct tissue loss and secondary infections. When they feed on fruits or roots, they create cavities that serve as entry points for rot-causing fungi and bacteria. This drastically reduces the marketability and storage life of root vegetables and soft fruits that come into contact with the soil.

To manage Narceus populations effectively, agronomists recommend implementing the following protective measures:

• Tillage practices that disrupt their burrows and expose larvae to predators and desiccation.
• Maintaining proper drainage to avoid overly wet soil conditions that favor millipede survival.
• Installing bait traps, such as halved potatoes buried slightly in the soil, to collect and remove individuals.
• Ensuring proper sanitation by removing excess organic litter and decaying plant matter from the field.