What Is Eating My Rose Bush Roots?

Root Knot Nematodes

• Root knot nematodes are listed by the University of California as possible root pests of roses. The microscopic insects are eel-like roundworms that infest and feed on the roots of roses.

Oak Root Fungus

• The University of California cites oak root fungus as a potential root disease of rose plants. Also referred to as armillaria root rot, the disease is caused by Armillaria mellea. The fungus infects and destroys the major roots of the plant.

Phytophthora Root Rot

• Root rot is among the fungal diseases of rose that infects and destroys the plants from roots up, as cited by the University of California. As roots start to die from the infection, the common above ground symptoms include stunted, discolored and wilting foliage.