Red millipede

Taxonomic position
The red millipede (Ommatoiulus rutilans) belongs to the phylum Arthropoda, class Diplopoda, order Julida, and family Julidae. It is a soil-dwelling polyphagous pest commonly found in regions with moist environments and high levels of organic matter in the soil profile.

Biology and life cycle
The primary diet of this species consists of decaying plant material, but when food sources are scarce, they transition to feeding on living plant tissues. These pests prefer humid habitats with neutral or slightly alkaline soil conditions. Their life cycle involves multiple molting stages, during which the number of body segments and legs increases significantly.

Crops damaged
Ommatoiulus rutilans has a broad host range. It causes significant damage to various vegetable and industrial crops, including potatoes, carrots, beets, tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries. The pest is particularly destructive to young seedlings and germinating seeds during periods of high soil moisture.

Nature of damage and harmfulness
Millipedes burrow deep cavities into root crops and tubers, rendering the produce unmarketable and susceptible to storage rot. These wounds facilitate the entry of pathogenic fungi and bacteria, leading to tissue necrosis. In high-density populations, this pest can compromise a substantial percentage of the root crop harvest.

Protection measures
Effective management of millipedes requires an integrated approach:

• Implement crop rotation and ensure the thorough removal of plant debris from the field.
• Maintain proper soil moisture levels through adequate drainage systems.
• Apply soil-incorporated insecticides containing diazinon when pest thresholds are exceeded.
• Utilize vegetable-based bait traps treated with pesticides to monitor and reduce local populations.