Solomon\'s Seal turning yellow, roots rotting with tiny white worms

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CamCourt Cambridge, MA Jun 29, 2022

Long established patch of Solomon's Seal has 5-6 fronds turning yellow every day, pull right out when tugged. Roots rotted, black, some showing tiny white worms, right next to healthy(see pix) Online sources only mention sawfly, doesn't seem like it. (pix attached)-- Only one description of same thing online, from gardener in Ontario, no good answer from Toronto Master Gardener
https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/askagardener/dying-solomons-seal/
Hoping someone here can tell me more! Or if not, should I just dig up the whole patch--and is there anything I need to do to cleanse the soil before replanting?
UIPDATE: Savvy gardener friend identified the problem as root maggots, more often discussed in relation to root vegetables. I dug up every frond with any tinge of yellow, raked the soil for any rotting tubers left behind, and a week later the rest of the patch is looking green and healthy. Fingers crossed!

This message was edited Jul 9, 2022 4:25 PM

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Nettlebane Wells, MI Oct 16, 2022

I can't help much in knowledge in caring for Solomon's Seal, however those maggots look like fungus gnat larvae to me. They often times come in organic potting soil and are also naturally in the ground in most places. Usually they are harmless but a lot of them can be signs of disease like root rot. Root rot can happen from too much moisture. If possible, let your soil dry out before watering. More moisture can lead to more fungus/rotting which can lead to more food for pests.

Pyrethrins work great for controlling them. I prefer the Fertilome Triple Action. Pyrethrins are naturally in chrysanthemum and extracted to make pesticides. It is extremely toxic to insects and most bugs. It is generally very safe for humans because we do not have the same receptors in our brains. It's one of the most common pesticides farmers use. Use with caution around pets. Supposedly it's safe for dogs but can be dangerous to cats and fish. The Triple Action also contains neem oil which is good for controlling bugs. Neem is natural and extracted from neem tree seeds. Neem does not kill bugs like pyrethrins but it effects their hormones making them feed and reproduce less. Neem can kill or retard growth of beneficial fungus and microbes in the soil but they will rebuild. For the Fertilome Triple Action I use 6.5ml per gallon the next time I plan to water. I have also mixed strong concentrates about 10ml per quart in pump or electric sprayers, then spray and saturate the top layer of the soil since this is where they live. I also recommend cycling between other safe organic pesticides over time because the surviving generations of bugs will develop an immunity. Pyrethrins and neem also organic, break down quickly making them friendly to the environment. I recommend staying away from pyrethenoids unless a last resort and non consumable plant. The upside is they are much stronger and last longer.

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