Strange Curled Leaves In The Compost Of Bedding Plants

Question

When planting out non-stop begonias (originally tiny plugs I had planted on in compost) I tipped the plant out of its pots and some curled fresh-looking green leaves fell out of the bottom of the pot. Each ‘leaf’ was about 2cm x 1cm and some were still curled together about the diameter of a pencil and a couple of cms long, open at one end, but with what seemed like a perfectly round piece of leaf closing the other end. In the four pots I had, I found about four or five of these strange things, so had a chance to investigate a bit further. In the centre of each one there was something beige and a bit gooey, with an umpleasant smell, although nothing that I could identify as an insect. I’ve never seen anything like it and am at a complete loss to know what it is. It seemed very strange that the leaves looked so green and fresh, but were all hidden in the soil and of a uniform size. I’d be very grateful if you could let me know your opinion. Sorry the photo doesn’t help mush – I took it the next day.

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Answer 1

Unfortunately, the photo doesn't show the exact larva. But, this is, definitely, the nest of some larva.

You may need to root-drench the plants. This article will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/watering/what-is-soil-drenching.htm