I have a clump style schefflera and recently one of the main trunks (separate tree) died quite quickly. The leaves seemed to shrivel then turned black and remained on the branch until eventually falling. This same issue started to affect the second of the three main trunks and then on to the third. I don't believe watering is the issue.

I had to repot it to disconnect the totally dead trunk and avoid root rot and found what looks like eggs in the soil. They are very small clumps of tannish beads. Does anyone have any experience with this?

I'm hoping the tree has enough vigor to recover but well see.