Question From: Santa Clarita, California, United States
Q: Good afternoon This morning, while weeding around a rose bush, I discovered some white pods at the crown of the plant root. I took one pod away and squeezed it open to see what it contained. This pod was very slimy and when I pulled it apart it kind of resembled a larva. The white "skin" was very thin and almost translucent. Could this be a part of the plant root? or do you suppose this is some type of insect sack. These pods are under the soil about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch below the soil level. Hope you can tell me what it is.
A: You've got me on this one. Crown gall develops at the base of a rose, but it looks a woody tumor. I recommend you take a sample to your local independent garden center or nursery ( not a big box) for an accurate ID. This bug may be a California native unknown to those of us in the East and Mid-West. Please let us know what you find out so others may be helped. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
