Millipede damage to germinating acorns of northern red oak

Millipedes have not been reported as pests of germinating acorns. Studies in Pennsylvania on the impact of insects on northern red (Quercus rubra L. seedling establishment revealed that the millipede Ptyoiulus impressus (Say) damaged the radicles of germinating acorns. Up to 17 percent of the acorn radicles in areas with heavy acorn crops were damaged in 1'991. Millipede feeding began in late March to early April, several days prior to feeding activity of insects that damage or destroy germinating acorns.