Hibiscus roots

[Plantking165]

I had dug out this old hibiscus that was declined, I was gonna put a guava tree in it's place but the roots look odd to me. Is this normal for a coral hibiscus root system or is it root knot nemetodes?

[Silas_Sancona]

3 minutes ago, Plantking165 said:

I had dug out this old hibiscus that was declined, I was gonna put a guava tree in it's place but the roots look odd to me. Is this normal for a coral hibiscus root system or is it root knot nemetodes?

Looks like Root Knot Nematodes..   Not sure if the same sp / sps that can attack Hibiscus can also attack Guava, but know Guava are also susceptible to them:  https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/Creatures/NEMATODE/Meloidogyne_enterolobii_Guava_or_pacara_earpod_root_knot_nematode.htm

https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2020/10/30/what-florida-growers-need-to-know-about-the-invasive-guava-root-knot-nematode/

https://portal.nifa.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/1020264-a-multi-state-effort-to-contain-and-manage-the-invasive-guava-root-knot-nematode-grkn-in-vegetable-crops.html


With either plant, would seek out resistant varieties if available.

You can also apply Crab Shell Meal which produces a natural enzyme ( Chitinase ) that helps suppress Nematodes.  Oyster shell Meal / Flour, and Neem Seed Meal can also help reduce the presence of harmful nematodes / some harmful fungi in the soil as well.

https://mastergardenproducts.com/gardenerscorner/crabmealfertilizer.htm