MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Sick Magnolia

Question: My Magnolia is dripping a sap.  The leaves are sticky and a white fuzzy looking moss is on some branches.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 05, 2023, 5:42 PM EDT
response: See these websites:  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/why-is-sap-dripping-from-my-magnolia-tree https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=465282 https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/magnolia/index.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 7:35 PM EDT
response: Does pruning the branches that are coated the most help?   any special way to dispose of them ?   On Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 04:42:05 PM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 05, 2023, 9:13 PM EDT
response: See the control paragraphs on the first website. You want to kill the insects.  What is left on the branches may attract other insects. Removing and destroying them removes the possibility and maybe some eggs.  See also  extension.psu.edu/magnolia-scale

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2023, 12:02 PM EDT
response: Hello~ I asked early about my scale infested magnolia.   Can you tell me when the date is to  treat the tree ?  How do I know when is best Thank you  Kathy Nelson   On Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 08:13:22 PM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied August 08, 2023, 12:27 PM EDT
response: Scroll all the way down to nearly the bottom of the page.  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scale-insects   Apply horticultural oils in late fall and early spring to smother overwintering nymphs.
Plum tree pest?

Question: This pest seems to start in the end of the branches of both of my plum trees. I noticed them last year too. Do you know what they are? What is the recommended treatment?

responder: MJ Replied July 05, 2023, 2:26 PM EDT
response: Hi Anna, Looks like your tree has the appropriately named uglynest caterpillar. See the bottom photos here, and follow the link for more information: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/prunus/leavesweb.html This is a native insect that will not kill your tree, but it is unsightly. If you want to interrupt the life cycle, prune off the nests and crush or burn them. Then spray the tree with blasts of water to remove all the frass (poop) in the tree. You will need to watch for new nests right into fall. Next spring, watch the tree for any new activity and prune nests off immediately. If you stay on top of this you should be able to get rid of the caterpillars.Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 3:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you! On Wed, Jul 5, 2023 at 1:26 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 3:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you! On Wed, Jul 5, 2023 at 1:26 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied July 05, 2023, 6:44 PM EDT
response: You are welcome!
fire blight

Question: I live in Morrison, CO. I have a tree which has developed fire blight. I believe it’s crab apple tree but it does not produce any fruit. A tree company applied Cambistat last month and I believe they’re going to do an OTC injection in the fall. I had these same two treatments done last year. In the fall, I trimmed out the affected branches. Even with the treatments last year, the fire blight returned. Should I be pruning out the affected limbs now or wait until fall?

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 05, 2023, 5:11 PM EDT
response: Hi Brian, Unfortunately, there is no real cure for fireblight. The cambistat application basically inhibits shoot growth of the tree, which decreases the amount of sites favorable by the bacteria for injection, but does not actually combat the fireblight itself. Other products are largely preventative and should only be used before symptoms develop, or before bud break, so I'd be curious as to what kind of product they are planning to inject in the fall. Any twigs or branches with symptoms or cankers should be pruned about 8-12 inches past the point of visible infection. You can do the pruning now, as long as after every cut, you thoroughly sterilize the tools using bleach or ethyl alcohol.  Here is more information about fireblight and management: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fire-blight-2-907/. Thanks! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 7:27 PM EDT
response: Hania, That’s exactly what I needed to know. I took a vineyard management course at Oregon State University and learned a lot about the extension service and what it does.  What a great resource you and your peers are for those of us who seek knowledge about things agricultural.  Thanks for the quick response.   Brian From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 3:12 PMTo: Brian Rindels <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: fire blight (#0109015)

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 10, 2023, 2:00 PM EDT
response: You're very welcome!  Good luck :) Hania
Defoliation of sunflower plants

Question: My sunflower plants are 24-30 inches tall. The last 2 days, just since the rain over the weekend, something has been eating the leaves. In a few cases, the leaves are reduced to just the veins, no green material left. I cannot see any bugs or worms on the plants.

responder: Erwin 'Duke' Elsner, Ph.D.  Replied July 06, 2023, 9:54 AM EDT
response: The two most common "dine and dash" insects that might do this are climbing cutworms and grasshoppers.  Grasshoppers will leave very little trace, but the cutworms drop a very distinctive frass pellet.  These will be dark green and soft when fresh, and after drying out they are hard and almost black. It would be unusual for either one to eat enough of the leaf area to be a major concern to the plants, especially if they are growing well.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 4:34 PM EDT
response: How should I treat either one of these pests? Some of the plants have been almost completely stripped of leaves. If I don't solve the problem quickly I  fear they won't survive.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 10:43 PM EDT
response: I saw a few kinds of bugs on the sunflower plants today, but only one or two of each. My cousin said it looked like deer damage to her.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 10:46 PM EDT
response: I saw a few kinds of bugs on the sunflower plants today, but only one or two of each. My cousin said it looked like deer damage to her.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 10:47 PM EDT
response: Two more possible suspects

responder: Erwin 'Duke' Elsner, Ph.D.  Replied July 07, 2023, 3:53 PM EDT
response: Photo ending in 951 is a small scarab beetle, these could cause a little of the defoliation.  Photo ending in 229 is an immature katydid.  These are close relatives of grasshoppers, they feed mainly at night, and they do eat quite a bit of foliage per insect.  Standard garden insecticides like carbaryl or orthene would likely work against these.  Deer are also a possibility, especially in places where they are numerous or very bold about coming into yards and gardens.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 11:28 AM EDT
response: Here are some more possible suspects which I  discovered yesterday. Sent from AOL on Android  On Fri, Jul 7, 2023 at 3:53 PM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Erwin 'Duke' Elsner, Ph.D.  Replied July 10, 2023, 6:16 PM EDT
response: I'm sorry that I did not comment on all of the earlier photos.  Image ending in 713 is a leafhopper.  These can only suck sap out of leaves, they cannot chew away pieces.  Image ending in 006 is an fly, also not a defoliator.  In the most recent set of photos, the first image shows a lace bug.  Again, just a sap feeder, not able to chew off parts of leaves.  Other photos are small spiders, all predators.
Larvae infestation

Question: I returned home from a two week trip to find a tree(of which I cannot identify) dying from a complete infestation of the larvae/insect included in my photos. It is so bad I do not think the tree will recover but I am concerned about the insects invading other trees as well. Can you identify this pest and advise? I am considering a fruit tree combo spray even though this is not a fruit tree. Thought illuminating all pests would give it the best chance of recovery. Help!

responder: Chris Rusch Replied July 09, 2023, 12:54 AM EDT
response: This is a leaf skeletonizer caterpillar. The larvae of a moth. Insecticides to use include: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad can be sprayed to thoroughly cover the underside of infested foliage if larvae and feeding damage of leaf skeletonizers are abundant. Soap and water or insecticidal soap will work if the soapy water comes in direct contact with the caterpillar. You must spray it on the bottom of the leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2023, 12:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much Chris! This is a wonderful service, I appreciate your time. Are these caterpillars selective in what they eat, or should I expect them to move to the dogwood, Cherry, and Aspen I have nearby? Eric -  Baker CitySent from my iPhone On Jul 8, 2023, at 21:54, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Chris Rusch Replied July 09, 2023, 11:51 PM EDT
response: Yes. They are somewhat selective, however you should try to control your infestation if it is extensive. Monitor your other trees daily to make sure the caterpillars don't' spread. Bt is an effective control if you continue to see the caterpillars on other trees.
Bug Bites - Please help identify Bugs!

Question: We've been suffering from bug bites for several months, usually on face, neck and scalp with small itchy bumps. Finally found some suspicious bugs on bed. They are super tiny, smaller than a sesame seed and move fast! Please help identify them. Thanks a lot!

responder: David Shetlar (the BugDoc)  Replied July 05, 2023, 3:18 PM EDT
response: Sorry to hear about the skin irritations. Two of your images are of an insect called a booklouse (psocid). These tend to feed on starches and molds/mildews. The are called booklice because they look a little like true lice and they are small enough that they can occasionally be found in the bindings of books where they feed on the starch binders and molds. The more elongate insect with the three "tails" is a young silverfish. Again, these generally feed on molds and starches. The presences of both of these suggests that there is a significant humidity issue in your living spaces. While some people have been diagnosed with allergies to booklice and their residues, the "bite" sensations that you describe are not typical of the allergies. Most get asthma-like respiratory issues or in extreme cases some skin rashes. My recommendation is to invest in a room dehumidifier to help reduce moisture levels. Keeping the humidity level below 50% should eliminate the booklice and silverfish. If your skin conditions persist, I would recommend consulting with a dermatologist to see if there may be another issue not related to insects or mites.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 4:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the detailed info! Really useful. We've been worried about bedbugs or fleas, but couldn't find any signs of these bugs.  Will definitely try the dehumidifier. Thanks!

responder: David Shetlar (the BugDoc)  Replied July 05, 2023, 7:04 PM EDT
response: Glad we could help.
Damage to Hairy Mountain Mint

Question: Hello - please see attached pictures. Assistance greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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 July 06, 2023, 11:33 AM EDT
response: The pictured plant resembles Downy Wood Mint (botanical name Blephilia) more so than a species of Mountain-mint, but in this case its exact ID doesn't matter too much. Common leaf-chewing pests this time of year include slugs/snails and beetles, though a variety of other insects can chew foliage (young grasshoppers and katydids, crickets, earwigs, caterpillars, sawflies, etc.). Many will feed under cover of darkness and will hide or leave the plant during the day. You can check at night with a flashlight, particularly on the leaf undersides, to see if anything returns and chews more, but management using insecticides is not necessary. Given how small the plant is, you might be able to protect it without chemicals by simply placing a small cinch-top mesh bag over it to block access for most leaf-feeders. (Such as a tulle party/wedding-favor bag or one made out of insect netting.) To improve the plant's vigor and allow it to more easily withstand some chewing at this age, it might grow more robustly if it receives a bit more sun than it may be getting in this location. (Maybe 3-4 hours minimum of direct summer sun.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 11:43 AM EDT
response: Thanks very much.On Thu, Jul 6, 2023, 11:33 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

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 July 06, 2023, 3:53 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Winterberry holly shrub

Question: HI!  Our female winterberry shrub is not doing well this year; see attached pic.  Our male winterberry is doing well; it is located on the other side of our driveway.  Any suggestions?  Thanks!

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 July 06, 2023, 1:03 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This is most likely due to abiotic environmental conditions and probably not a disease issue.  We see the downspout located behind the plant so its possible that it has stayed too wet for too long and has some root issues due to that.  Generally speaking Winterberry holly do like consistent moisture but they are one of those native plants that seemingly does well in wetter environments in nature but when we try to mimic that in our home landscapes, sometimes the plants just don't thrive.  What is the soil like where it is planted? Did you mix in any compost or soil amendments when you planted?  OR - could it be too dry lately? This year has been rough for plants from newly planted to well established ones, due to the drought. Much of Maryland is still showing drought conditions. If you feel the soil and it seems dry then you can try supplementing water through periods of dry weather to see if that helps perk it out. You can also take a soil sample and have it analyzed to see if its lacking any nutrients or the pH/acidity level is off for the plant. Having it sent to a lab listed on the link provided will give you an accurate reading (over the home test kits that are available for purchase). Winterberry prefer more acidic soil so 3-6pH. University of Minnesota has a good fact sheet on it. If the soil isn't acidic enough, then sometimes it can cause plants that need that level to not be able to take up the necessary ingredients from the soil.  You could try to give it a low does balanced acid loving plant fertilizer (4-3-4 for example) and irrigate as needed (https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs) and see if it turns around. If stays really stressed, it will probably drop the berries prematurely this year.  Let us know if you have further questions or if you get the soil tested and would like helping interpreting the report.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 5:40 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much Emily; this is very helpful! MeganOn Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 1:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

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 July 06, 2023, 5:51 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
What is this?

Question: Is it a type of Syrphid Fly?
Located in Odenton, MD

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 July 05, 2023, 7:22 AM EDT
response: Looks like a syrphid fly, yes, possibly Meromacrus acutus.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 7:25 AM EDT
response: Thank You. From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 7:22 AMTo: Andrew Hazen <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: What is this? (#0108934)
Irrigation for 2 foot retaining wall/flower bed

Question: Hello. I live in Austin. Do I need to build a drain for a retaining wall that is, at max, two feet high? I want to make sure that my limestone wall does not deteriorate, and don't know if just putting sediment one foot off the wall for drainage will suffice. Or would drilling weep holes work just as well?

Thank you. 

Dane

responder: Sheryl - Horticulture Program Assistant Replied July 05, 2023, 2:49 PM EDT
response: Hi Dane, We don't have anyone at this office with expertise in retaining walls. However, the City of Austin might be able to direct you. Based on what you've written here, it doesn't appear a permit is required, but here is more information that you should be familiar with: https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Development_Services/SP_SmallProjectRetainingWallApplicationInstructions.pdf If you are outside of city limits, here is a link to the Travis County information: https://www.traviscountytx.gov/tnr/development-services/apply-for-a-permit/residential-retaining-wall-permit  I couldn't find a Texas A&M University resource, but here is some good information from Oregon State University Extension that may help: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/building-landscape-retaining-wall  Sorry that we can't be of further help.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 5:51 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  On Wed, Jul 5, 2023 at 1:49 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What is this flower?

Question: Saw this flower on square top mountain. What is it?

responder: Cassey Anderson   Replied July 05, 2023, 6:03 PM EDT
response: That looks like a wonderful specimen of alpine spring beauty: https://www.rockymountainsflora.com/details/Pink%20Simple/Alpine%20Spring%20Beauty.htm.   Enjoy!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 6:09 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your help! I appreciate you.On Wed, Jul 5, 2023 at 5:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Cottonwood tree

Question: Hello;

I live in Red Lake Falls and believe the massive tree, about 4' diameter, I have is a cottonwood (male). It is at least 25 years old and this is the first year that some of the leaves are stunted in growth, curling on the edges and some are turning yellow and falling. Any ideas whst may be causing this? I attached a few pictures.


Thanks for your help!

Nancy Cota

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 04, 2023, 9:41 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the question. My first thought was drought. But drought causes leaves to turn gray-green to brown - not your case. It appears to be herbicide damage. A particular problem  in hot weather. Read the details in he link below to see if you agree. 1 of 2 Herbicide Injury Leaves cupped or otherwise deformedLeaves or leaf veins discolored yellow, often appear chloroticKilled weeds are found nearbyIf injury is severe, leaves may become brittle and fall from shrub and stems may dieback https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/lilac/leavescupped.html Paul Tree Care Advocate volunteer

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 11:00 AM EDT
response: Thanks Paul, this could make sense. I have my yard treated in spring and fall for dandelions with the spring treatment done on May 22nd. It was breezy that day (10 mph) so maybe that caused some drifting. I had more brown grass under that tree than normal and perhaps there was also some spillage. I was blaming it on the deer invading my bird feeders over the winter but maybe that was not the case. Hope there was no long term damage done.Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/4/23 8:41 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Nancy Cota <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Cottonwood tree (#0108871)
Yet another plant I can't identify!

Question: found in one of the flower beds.  Maybe about knee high but maybe 2 (+) ft. tall.  Looks like tiny white flowers getting ready to bloom.   THANKS!  Deb K.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 04, 2023, 1:52 PM EDT
response: Picture this, a free or paid ID app says this is Blunt Mountainmint, a native perennial herbthat attracts pollinators. This website has more information on it.    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pycnanthemum-muticum/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 4:10 PM EDT
response: My dear husband also checked on a web site he used to use. (I prefer this one)  but anyway......I did not send you pictures of the berries on the plant--now enclosed-- is it possible the plant is night shade?    (if so, my mistake,  next time I'll send all relative pictures)   Thanks so much!  I really enjoy having you at hand when I'm stumped!  Deb K.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 04, 2023, 5:51 PM EDT
response: Nightshade is an entire family of plants. One picture did look like yours. Using my app again, which is not always accurate, came up with Redroot pigweed, from Amaranth family.   Take your pictures and if possible one of the plants into the U of MN Extension office, Quincy Sadowski, Local Extension Educator for horticulture if you need more positive identification.    Quincy Sadowski, Extension Educator - Horticulture and Master Gardeners Stearns, Benton, Morrison and Sherburne counties <personal data hidden>,<personal data hidden> (office) or<personal data hidden> (cell)