Question
What kind of pest destroyed my zucchini plants??  It appears that they ate thru the root system!  I see millipede like bugs in the soil.  They had lots of flowers and mini zucchini, and I am so sad to loose them.  thanks

Answer
Peggy, it sounds like root maggots infested your plant. You can control maggots from laying eggs by applying wood ashes, hot ground pepper, or diatomaceous earth around the stems of the plants.

To prevent this pest from infesting young seedlings next year, cover your plants with floating row covers. They are made from a spun-woven material that keeps out insects while letting in air, water, and liquid fertilizers. They also protect most plants from light frosts in early spring. One last organic option is to apply insect parasitic nematodes around the roots. These can be purchased at some nurseries or through organic companies such as Gardens Alive or Planet Natural. Both of these companies can be found on the web.

http://www.gardensalive.com/product.asp?pn=5000&ss=parasitic%20nematodes

http://www.gardensalive.com/search.asp?ss=row+covers

http://www.planetnatural.com/site/xdpy/kb/root-maggot-control.html

I hope this information helps. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike