MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Need help identifying insect eggs

Question: Greetings!
I live in Eugene. Yesterday I found three different types of eggs on a crocosmia plant leaves.  I'm growing plants in hopes of attracting bees and butterflies, and would love it if any of the eggs were butterfly eggs!  Can you identify them and let me know if any of them are pests? 

One reason I'm concerned is because I've had a swarm of a type of insect I've never seen in the 28 years I've lived in this house. Attached are a regular and a close-up view of them. Are they anything to worry about? 

Thanks for any help you can provide! Laurel   P.S. Couldn't attached more than three pics so sent the eggs for now.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 29, 2023, 1:29 PM EDT
response: Pic 1 is one of the True Bugs, not a butterfly egg. Pic 2 I am not sure whose eggs these are. Do you have pictures of what hatched? Pic 3 I am not sure whose blue/gray eggs these are. Have they hatched? Let me know if you have any additional questions. Thank you for contacting us. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 4:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Rich.     I don't know which pics were 1, 2 and 3 because I sent them on the website!     They blue/gray eggs are still there.  Couldn't find the other two this morning.     These are the insects I referred to that I've never seen in 28 yrs of living here. Here's a close-up and a regular view.  Just wondering if I should be concerned about them. Hoping none of those eggs are theirs!       THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE!  Laurel   On 06/29/2023 10:29 AM PDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 29, 2023, 7:31 PM EDT
response: These look like the early instar stages of the Box Elder Bug. They can be annoying due to the great numbers of them that can occur at times. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 10:59 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much!   On 06/29/2023 4:31 PM PDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
North side plants overgrown the area.

Question: Hello.
We have an area on the back side of the house that receives no sun.  These trees were planted about 10 years ago and are hanging over the side and we want to replace with something more suitable and a nice landscape look.  Someone mentioned Hostas and mixed with other perennials.  However we do have some hostas already in the area.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
thanks
Bill

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2023, 11:38 AM EDT
response: Hi Bill, Here is a link from the UMN; https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/gardening-shade I think you get reflected sunlight as opposed to total shade like under a dense tree canopy. There are quite a few things you could grow. Hostas are tough but, very over used in my opinion. https://www.prairienursery.com/plants-seeds/site-conditions/shade-partial-shade.html Why not try some natives. They are very hardy and you will be able to watch birds and pollinators which is really enjoyable. You have a great planting bed. Remember that whatever you plant will need to be watered every week this year and probably next year if we have another drought. Have fun, please let me know if you have anymore questions.  Sally Granath MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 12:12 PM EDT
response: Sally thank you for the great suggestions Bill

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 12:14 PM EDT
response: Sally thank you for the good suggestions.Bill  On Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 10:38:48 AM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
I have some older well established hydrangeas in the ground that see a fair amount of sun throughout the day. They are watered every other day via a drip system. Recently on a single plant (of many) the base of the leaves have been blackening and spreading to the tip of the leaf eventually falling off. Instead of feeling crispy and dead like a typical old leaf it appears to be a dusty brown sponginess on the inner step when I remove one of the leaves.

Question: I am not sure if this is a disease or how concerned I should be. I don’t think it’s anthracene because it’s only affecting a few stems and it’s not spotty. I have about a dozen well established large plants and if it is a disease I’m concerned about it spreading.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 28, 2023, 1:47 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Matt.  A few questions of you:  what do you mean by "inner step"?  Is this occurring on lower leaves, upper leaves, or both?  Is the "sponginess" on the leaf, petiole or somewhere else, and does it appear to be moldy?  Thanks for more information!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2023, 2:00 PM EDT
response: That was a typo - meant to say stem*. This is occurring on lower leafs first and seems to be working it’s way to upper leaves some of which are the last set of leaves prior to the flowering buds. The exterior of the leaf stem is firm but when I tear a leaf off and look down the middle of the connection point to the plant itself (branch) it looks like an old dusty sponge. Not a typical rot where everything is mushy, wet, or black. The connecting branches also feel firm when squeezed but the plant matter around them is loose and soft. I guess the analogy would be the “bone” of the branch still feels firm but the “skin” seems to be unhealthy. This also makes me think its not typical rot because theres still firmness on the branches where the affected leaves are.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 28, 2023, 2:16 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Matt.  I appreciate that you have ruled out anthracnose (which is not listed as a hydrangea pathogen in the PNW), but the symptoms mimic those described in California, especially the stem canker (https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7420.html) I suggest that you submit a plant sample to the OSU Plant Clinic:  https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/submit-sample/how-submit-plant-materials I would hate for you to lose your plants to this (or any other disease).  Good luck!
Leaf curl ( apple tree)

Question: What causes leaf curl on my Honeycrisp apple trees? No significant sign of leaf spotting no abundance of any bugs I have used a citrus based disease/insect control with no dramatic improvement.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 28, 2023, 9:26 AM EDT
response: Have you been watering your tree? I am not sure where you are located, but much of the U.S. has had a crazy drought, and cupped leaves are often a symptom of lack of water. Honeycrisp also gets yellow leaves and mottled for no reason but doesn't cause problems with the tree. I would water her and fertilizer on her soon. Don't fertilize after July 4th.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 7:26 AM EDT
response: I believe the trees to have been properly watered, and there has been sufficient rain here to the extent that none of the other fruit trees are implicated since last asking, the circumstances have worsened, despite the use of an organic anti-bacterial/fungal, as well as corresponding organic citrus base pest control. Any thoughts? Sent from my iPhone On Jun 28, 2023, at 9:26 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2023, 1:17 PM EDT
response: Can you send me more pictures?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 8:21 AM EDT
response: The trees have been, I believe more than adequately watered. The plum trees adjacent bear no signs of any issues whatsoever. Nonetheless, I did water each tree using a soaker hose for three hours per Tree. I have enclosed updated pictures which look very similar to those sent last week. Once again, I have utilized a citrus-based said to be organic bacterial with a separate organic insecticide utilized as well. Thanks for your assistance.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 06, 2023, 2:03 PM EDT
response: Do you see any lesions on the leaf? Or any powdery white? It might be powdery mildew? We have seen a lot of this disease in the hot and dry weather. Check out this link:  https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/powdery_mildew_of_apple_and_pear
insect laying eggs in an ash tree leaf

Question: I found several green ash trees with curled leaves. I was able to open one of the leaves and find this little insect near these eggs. Do you know what it might be? (of course I know it's not an EAB!)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 30, 2023, 7:14 PM EDT
response: I do not know the identity of the eggs or the insect. I will send your photos to the OSU plant clinic to see if they can identify.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2023, 9:21 PM EDT
response: I sent photos to the OSU Plant Clinic and they replied: Those are most likely stink bug eggs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Here is a link to a photo of some similar-looking ones for comparison...  https://bugguide.net/node/view/53232

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 11:13 PM EDT
response: Thanks, but when I look at images of stink bug larvae, they don't look anything like the little winged insect that I had captured in the photo by the eggs, although they of course may not be related at all. I was worried about them because this is what it was doing to the ash trees. Does that look like the work of a stink bug?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2023, 3:29 PM EDT
response: I don't think either of the insects in your earlier photos are causing the leaf curl. It is common to find multiple different insects on a tree. To ID the leaf curl, it will be best to get photos or samples that have the offending insect or signs of it on the sample. Please contact the OSU Master Gardeners https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/metro if you want to proceed further with this.
Witch’s broom on lilac

Question: I’m fairly certain that a lilac in my lilac hedge has witch’s broom. It’s an older hedge that I trimmed back in November 2021. Symptoms appeared the following summer. The remaining lilacs are fine. I think I should remove the diseased lilac unless there is another option???

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 01, 2023, 11:27 AM EDT
response: There are three common lilac diseases that will do this kind of damage.  I am leaning toward bacterial blight because of the shepherd’s crook look of the branches. Only a lab exam will confirm which one.   There are a couple of signs that you can check.  Pull back the bark and compare with the following websites.   I personally would remove the diseased lilacs before the disease spreads.  Stressed shrubs are more vulnerable to disease so I would not prune the healthy lilacs and make sure they are adequately watered. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/lilac/leavesbrownwilted.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT
response: Do I need to remove the stump as well as the shrub?

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 02, 2023, 11:29 AM EDT
response: You can cut the stump and treat it with glyphosate. (There is a gel that is more concentrated for trees.)  Because lilacs send out so many runners you may need to treat it more than once.
Identity of a weed

Question: This weed grows in our yard and seems resistant to glyphosate and Cross Bow.  I've not been able to find it in the on-line references you provide.  Can you identify it for me and suggest a way to control it?  Thanks

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied June 28, 2023, 7:16 PM EDT
response: Thanks for reaching out.  It's a little bit hard to tell from this picture. The picture is a bit out of focus and it looks like the plant might be wet? It's obscuring some details. And it looks like this weed is quite small so that makes photos tough, too.   Are the leaves fuzzy? What color is the underside of the leaf? Are those flower buds in the center of the plants? Were these plants treated with herbicide? (might not kill it but could distort the growth and make ID difficult.)  I wonder if this is a type of cudweed. There are several species in the genus Pseudognaphalium and Gnaphalium. Here's one example (look towards the bottom for more photos.)  Feel free to send more photos and I can keep looking if that doesn't look right.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 6:28 PM EDT
response: Brooke.  These pictures should be clearer – but I’m afraid that’s about the best I can do with my camera.I’ve imbedded answers to your questions.  Looking at your first link I’d say that is either my weed or a close relative.  From: ask=<personal data hidden> [mailto:ask=<personal data hidden>] On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, June 28, 2023 4:16 PMTo: chenowethSubject: Re: Identity of a weed (#0107884)

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied June 30, 2023, 4:35 PM EDT
response: I wasn't able to see your embedded responses (I think the system automatically trims the response emails).  Thanks for the additional photos, those were helpful. Mostly likely a species of cudweed. The herbicides you are using are having a hard time penetrating the leaf hairs. The spray ends up like the sprinkler/rain water and just lays on top of the plant.   Have you tried using an adjuvant in your spray tank? There are some that are 'spreaders' that help break the surface tension and spread out the herbicide over the plant tissue. Check with your local garden center to see if they sell a product. Here is one example of what you're looking for.   Always read the label for use and safety instructions. Some herbicides don't work well with adjuvants. The label will tell you or you can call the company and ask.  Good luck!
Running bamboo situation

Question: I seem to have discovered running bamboo growing at an friend's house; I'm concerned about the extent of its spread, and whether it's proliferated amongst the clumping bamboo that forms a green screen on the property line. Thank you so much for your assistance!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 28, 2023, 12:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension, Nigel.  Since you didn't ask a question, I'm assuming that you just want information, and this Extension article should do that:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/containing-and-removing-bamboo Please write back if you need other help.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2023, 5:44 PM EDT
response: Hi, it wou

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2023, 5:49 PM EDT
response: My uneducated guess is that all the bamboo must ultimately be removed, but I don't consider myself informed enough to make that determination - a more expert analysis would be greatly appreciated!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 28, 2023, 6:55 PM EDT
response: One of the more interesting questions we get at Ask Extension is how to manage neighbor-to-neighbor conflicts.  Running bamboo is often at the center of it.  One homeowner views any bamboo as a good property line screen; the abutting homeowner (or subsequent owner) categorizes it as a weed.  I am uncertain about your role in this decision.  (My background is law-related.)  What are your friend's wishes?  If they want to avoid (possible) conflict, the sooner they begin the removal process, the better.  This is not a horticultural problem.  If they love bamboo and don't mind the consequences, they can keep it.  If they want to find closure now (relatively speaking), removal is the right solution.  Their call!
Bad plant?

Question: Is this a"bad" persacaria? I brought in soil and already identified bindeeed

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied June 28, 2023, 3:16 PM EDT
response: Not necessarily bad unless it is in the way of desirable plants., Not toxic. If you do not want it to spread either cut off all the flowering parts or remove it. It provides habitat for many creatures, including insects and birds.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2023, 3:26 PM EDT
response: Thank you!On Wed, Jun 28, 2023, 12:16 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied June 28, 2023, 3:45 PM EDT
response: You are welcome
Hanging on for dear life!

Question: On a leaf of a pond plant. About the size of a quarter.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2023, 12:42 PM EDT
response: First images were taken around 7 pm to 8 pm. Next images were at 8 am, 9 am and 12 pm.

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 29, 2023, 12:08 PM EDT
response: That looks like a type of bumble bee, which are great pollinators. I noticed the same in my garden yesterday.   They commonly sleep in our garden plants/flowers, or even just take shelter when it rains or gets dark. Being too wet can hinder flying.  It is also possible that this particular beauty is just approaching the end of its lifespan.  If you are interested in knowing, the plant that it is on is an invasive plant that can travel, and is terribly difficult to get rid of. Don't let it get out into garden soil. (The yellow plant, 'Creeping Jenny' is also considered invasive but not as difficult to control.)   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the information about the bee and the plants. Sadly, the bee died. I found it laying in the pond.
Yellowing of bottom leaves

Question: Hello, my dahlia is displaying yellow on the tips of the bottom leaves.  Soil test says that I have excess phosphorus, calcium and magnesium and everything else is in optimal range.  It was planted with compost.  May be nitrogen deficiency but I am hesitant to fertilize since it was planted in fresh compost.  My thought is something abiotic but cannot figure it out.  I water deeply a couple times a week.  Your expertise would be appreciated!

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 29, 2023, 11:00 AM EDT
response: We think that your dahlia looks well overall. The soil test reading of excess phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium is not problematic.  You mentioned planting in 'fresh compost'. So-called 'finished compost, (decomposed completely) should have no visible components left and have no smell other than a fresh, earthy one.  If it was not finished decomposing, it could steal nitrogen (N) from the soil. We think you would be fine giving the plant a weak dose of Nitrogen fertilizer. (Too much N can give you more foliage, sometimes at the expense of blooms).   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 4:01 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for your response Christine!  The compost was finish that I planted the dahlia with so good there but I will add some nitrogen and see what happens.  The dahlia is sending some buds up so I think it will pull through.  Thanks again!  Best regards, Danielle

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 29, 2023, 4:49 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Insect identity

Question: I found this bug crAwling in the ground in my campsite.  I am in Somerset CO.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2023, 11:55 AM EDT
response: Mathew,   Thank you for your question and your picture.   We need a clear picture for identification purposes. Do you still have the insect? Did it have wings? We cannot see wings in this picture and need to count pairs of wings.   Please advise.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT
response: It had no wings.  Could it be the Rove Bug?On Sat, Jul 1, 2023 at 9:55 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 05, 2023, 2:04 PM EDT
response: Hi there- this is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, possibly in the genus Creophilus.  "Often found under rocks, logs, etc. Some found on edges of bodies of water, other beetles in this family feed on carrion, decaying fungi, etc. Most adults and larvae are predatory on other invertebrates. Some larvae feed on decaying vegetation." from BugGuide.net Please let me know if you need any further help or have additional questions. Mel <personal data hidden>
northern red oak being attached

Question: Hello,
Late last summer, my 30-40 foot northern red oak started dropping a bunch of the tips from the branches. a 5-6" section would start to turn a bit orange/red prematurely and then broke off. Upon further examination an arborist found ONE sap sack about the size of a small pea and thought it might be scale. We  treated it last fall and again in early June for scale but this has not helped. Currently, I'm loosing 5-6" tips from the tree at an increased rate. The point of the break looks like it's been chewed?? I have included a photo of it below.  The photo of all the broken tips on the ground is from only 5 days of breaks. I have 2 other oaks in the vicinity that are not exhibiting this issue, but am worried it may spread to them. Can you help diagnose the problem please?
Thanks

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 5:58 PM EDT
response: Additionally, the leaves are a slightly paler green color than my other Northern red oaks in the yard.  Thanks

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 06, 2023, 12:14 PM EDT
response: Hi Cheryl,  Thanks for reaching out! One possibility is squirrels nibbling off the tips. It's common to see an increase in late summer because they prune twigs in the process of harvesting acorns, but they can do this for various other reasons and activities as well, sometimes focusing on the tender new growth. The rapid buildup of the twigs below the tree fits this scenario.  For a number of other pests and diseases that can cause dieback of twigs (including scale), we would typically be able to see those symptoms in the tree, rather than seeing twigs with green leaves falling to the ground.   I would suggest as a first step to monitor the tree and see if you can observe squirrel activity causing the falling twigs. If this is the case, I would not be overly concerned about your observation of slightly paler leaves at this time. We are seeing many trees have paler than normal leaves right now due to the high amount of rainfall. It's not uncommon for some trees to show this more than others, due to difference in tree health, tree growth, or water dynamics. We'd expect this to correct as we get drier weather.  If you have new observations after monitoring, I'm happy to help investigate further.  Thank you,