From Beneficial Arthropods to Soil-Dwelling Organisms: A Review on Millipedes

Millipedes are soil-dwelling organisms that play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and soil health. They can increase the availability of nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as accelerate the decomposition of organic matter in the soil. However, millipedes can also cause significant damage to crops, leading to yield losses and indirect effects on soil quality and plant health. Effective management of millipedes may involve a combination of cultural and chemical control methods tailored to specific crops and environmental conditions. Integrated pest management strategies, emphasizing a holistic, ecosystem-based approach, may be particularly effective for managing millipede populations while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. Monitoring is also essential for identifying areas of high millipede activity and targeting control measures accordingly. This review provides recent research progress on the biology, ecology, and agricultural pest status of millipedes, as well as IPM strategies to control their infestation in agricultural crops and beyond.