First records of millipedes (Myriapoda, Diplopoda) associated to cultivation of Canola Brassica spp. (Brassicaceae) in Brazil

Abstract

Millipedes are known by their importance in ecological systems, although some species are regarded as agricultural pests in some poly- or monocultures. Canola (Brassicaceae: Brassica spp.) is an important feedstock for biodiesel production and a potential ingredient in the food industry, but with several arthropod pests causing damage to its cultivation. In this perspective, this study reports the still unknown relation of millipedes with cultivation of canola. Pitfall traps were plotted in cultivation of Brassica napus L. var. oleifera in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, and checked weekly during the years of 2015 and 2016. A total of 66 individuals were captured in 2015 and 41 individuals in 2016, all belonging to the families Chelodesmidae and Paradoxosomatidae (Polydesmida). The most abundant species sampled in both years was Brasilodesmus austrocrucis Hoffman, 1981, with 100 specimens in total. Catharosomatini sp. was recorded with 4 specimens, Brasilodesmus triseriatus (Attems, 1931) with 2 specimens, and Oncoleptodesmus uniconus (Attems, 1931) with only one specimen. In the present study, the sampled species were not reported causing any damage to crops, suggesting that millipedes may not be considered pests in canola.