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VOL. 9, ISSUE 11 (2024)
Millipedes as ecosystem engineers: Their role in nutrient cycling, soil health and biotechnological significance
Authors
Patne Yashwant, Achegawe Rajesh, Pankaj Baisthakur, Barde Ravi
Abstract
Millipedes (Diplopoda) play a crucial role in
terrestrial ecosystems as detritivores, contributing to the decomposition of
organic matter, nutrient cycling, and soil health. This review examines their
diversity, ecological importance, and habitat preferences in the Marathwada
region of Maharashtra, India. Marathwada’s unique topography, including forests,
grasslands, and agricultural lands, supports diverse millipede species such as
Julidae, Spirostreptidae, and Polydesmidae. Adapted to the region’s semi-arid
to tropical climate, millipedes enhance soil fertility, aeration, and water
retention while supporting crop productivity by decomposing organic residues.
However, they face significant threats from habitat loss, climate change,
pollution, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Despite their ecological
importance, millipedes in Marathwada remain understudied, and conservation
efforts are limited. This review emphasizes the need for further research to
explore their biodiversity, genetic diversity, interactions with soil
microorganisms, and resilience to environmental changes. Such studies can guide
sustainable agricultural practices and conservation strategies to protect these
ecologically valuable invertebrates. Understanding millipede dynamics is
critical to maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem services, and soil health in
Marathwada’s varied landscapes. Beyond their environmental contributions,
millipedes have untapped potential for biotechnological applications, as their
secretions may contain bioactive metabolites with therapeutic properties.
Future research focusing on the identification and characterization of these
metabolites could uncover new avenues in medicine and agriculture, including
natural pesticides and antimicrobial agents. Understanding millipede dynamics
and their bioactive potential is critical for advancing biodiversity conservation,
sustainable practices, and innovative therapeutic solutions.
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Pages:168-176
How to cite this article:
Patne Yashwant, Achegawe Rajesh, Pankaj Baisthakur, Barde Ravi "Millipedes as ecosystem engineers: Their role in nutrient cycling, soil health and biotechnological significance". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 9, Issue 11, 2024, Pages 168-176
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