I'd go with some form of critters causing that or root fungus. Looks pretty far in whatever it is. I'd be having a very close look at those leaves, particularly the underside for bugs. You can also try some H2O2, it'll kill any root system issues but not hurt the plant. just add 3% solution mixed into your water at 150 ppm. I've used that to get rid of pythium, worked well with a couple of waterings.