Rice root aphids?

I was planting some of my girls outside and noticed something really weird about the roots in a few of them. Also, these plants were showing some yellowed leaves and I thought I might have a nutrient deficiency such as phosphorous, and was thinking they were just getting too root bound and needed to get in the ground. This is what I noticed about the roots - like something ate around the middle of the root ball. Could this be rice roots aphids? If so, any suggestions about fixing the problem?

You should be able to see some bugs, if that’s the issue. Most likely you might of had a dry spot, in that area.

Phytoplankton said:

You should be able to see some bugs, if that’s the issue. Most likely you might of had a dry spot, in that area.

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Thanks for replying. I did see some gnat-like bugs at one point but I can't say if they were fungus gnats or these things. I don't see them now. Didn't see anything around the roots themselves. We've ordered something akin to a BT type product - see if it helps. Hopefully my plants will be OK!