moron: Well, now that you say shells, you are probably talking scale of some kind. Dormant oil is your first line of defense. I've also killed them with malathion during the growing season. You can find pictures on the web or take a branch to a good nursery. The Fruitnut

To be honest I really don't think its onion root maggots. Like I said before, these little worms were unsegmented and not at all stubby in the shape of onion root maggots. There were no wild onions in this field beforehand - it was an unwatered, sparse field consisting of only a few grasses and bindweed. It has been really wet here this year, and I am beginning to think it has something to do with that. The garlic leaves have started to become striped with yellow, which makes me think it might be some sort of disease (i.e. fusarium basal plate rot?) I think the little wormies might have been secondary feeders. In any case, despite the yellowing and missing roots at the basal plate, the plants are looking large and pretty robust. Hopefully they survive and I can still get a good harvest.

I'd say winter damage. Check out this link that discusses winter damage on rhodies from a previous harsh winter and compare photos. Just prune out the stems with the dried up, curled leaves. It looks like there is some green on the back of the plant - that can be left in place as well as any branches that might show some damage but are mostly green. You may be removing a substantial portion of the plant (can't tell for sure, even with the additional photos) but don't panic. It will put out new growth although it may take a few years before it regains a full, lush appearance. Still, better than having to replace entirely.

where are you .. big city name... and what was winter like ... this is the time of year.. where winter damage shows up ... and it could be related to problems in the year of planting .. last year ... soo even if we fix the immediate leaf issue ... we should make sure it is otherwise raring to go ... by the look of the buds ... and except for some ugly leaves... the buds look pretty good ... make sure it get enough water in the heat of summer.. so that it goes into fall and gets itself ready for next winter ... perhaps you need winter wind protection.. depending on where you are ... frankly.. in my MI .. thats how they all look after winter ... i never treated it.. but i am sure others have ... ken