MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Beetles around my maple

Question: I have a large hatch of beetles around my maple tree.  They appear to have nested at the base of the tree.  What can I do to get rid of them?

thanks
Ron Tegner

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 05, 2023, 3:12 PM EDT
response: Hello, The insects in your photo are boxelder bug nymphs. They are likely feeding on the maple seeds seen in the photo. The insects are not harming the tree and are considered a nuisance if they get indoors, but again they are not harmful to humans.  Here is more information: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74114.html  Thank you for using Ask Extension.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 3:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you! From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 12:12 PMTo: RONALD TEGNER <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Beetles around my maple (#0108596)
Plant stems being eaten/cut

Question: What is eating/cutting plant stems?.  One Pic is tomato plant, 3 feet tall, the other a jalapeno.

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, 11:12 AM EDT
response: Cut stems can be difficult to diagnose with regards to the culprit, but deer, rabbits, and groundhogs are all possibilities. If so, using a barrier of wire mesh fencing/caging might be needed to keep them from returning.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 11:55 AM EDT
response: Have a 2 ft high trellis type fence with chicken wire on the outside and no holes were dug to get in; smaller plants and 3 ft high tomato plants have been cut, doesnt seem like rabbits or groundhogs.  Also, small 1 ft high plants 4 ft inside fence had stems cut, doesn't seem like deer.My cukes, with no fence around them are fine Something other an animal?

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, 2:34 PM EDT
response: Hi- we think it was an animal. A 2-ft. high chicken wire fence will probably exclude rabbits but not groundhogs or deer.    Cucumber leaves and stems are prickly and less palatable than other garden plants.   Stem feeding by deer usually produces a flat cut with ragged edges. Rabbits make cleaner, angled cuts.   Be on the lookout for animal droppings (send photos and we can help you identify the animal) and consider installing a higher fence. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 3:36 PM EDT
response: Thank you, I appreciate your help.On Jul 6, 2023 2:34 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Dear Harry, here's the response to your question: Hi- we think it was an animal. A 2-ft. high chicken wire fence will probably exclude rabbits but not groundhogs or deer.    Cucumber leaves and stems are prickly and less palatable than other garden plants.   Stem feeding by deer usually produces a flat cut with ragged edges. Rabbits make cleaner, angled cuts.   Be on the lookout for animal droppings (send photos and we can help you identify the animal) and consider installing a higher fence. Jon  Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0108576 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. We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.
Horizontal striatum’s lions on lodgepole pine

Question: I’m in FairPlay, CO.  I found a tree that has some horizontal striations running up it. (See attached pic)  I’ve done as much “google research “ that I can without figuring it out.  Can you help me identify what is going on with this tree, please?  I am unable to find any others on the property (40 acres).  Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 05, 2023, 1:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out.  For best assistance, please reach out to Barbie or Hillary at the the Park County office at <personal data hidden> or <personal data hidden>.  Best of luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 8:50 PM EDT
response: I have emailed both addresses with no response.Can someone assist me, please?On Jul 5, 2023, at 11:13, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2023, 10:15 AM EDT
response: Sorry, was preparing and in the midst of county fair. This is sapsucker/woodpecker damage.  They always feed in this pattern.  They go after sap or insects under the bark. Here is our fact sheet on woodpeckers and another from Arizona state.  2304 – Preventing Woodpecker Damage to Trees – PlantTalk Colorado (colostate.edu)   WoodpeckersSapsuckers.pub (arizona.edu)  Susan Carter, Chaffee County Extension Director
young butterfly bush getting holes

Question: I planted a butterfly bush and some bee balm in April. The lower leaves are dead on both plants and there’s holes in the leaves even on the new growth. How can I help them?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2023, 2:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Noreen.  Browning-to-dead leaves are typically an indication of too much or too little water.  Remove the dead leaves, and check the soil to be sure it remains uniformly moist, but well-draining. Both of these plants are often food for root weevils, and the following page describes them and how to monitor and control them:  http://pnwhandbooks.stage.extension.oregonstate.edu/insect/hort/landscape/common/landscape-root-weevil I hope this helps.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 9:46 PM EDT
response: I thank you so much! We moved from New York and are surprised at how dry it gets out here. Hopefully it’s just the water. I will read your link! Thanks again.      Noreen Sent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Monday, July 3, 2023, 11:30 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2023, 10:10 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
Cherry tree insect

Question: Can you tell me what this insect is? I sprayed my tree just before budding and a few weeks later, which delayed the arrival of them. I've had them for several years now.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied July 04, 2023, 8:37 PM EDT
response: Oh. Please don't spray for those. That is a ladybug larva. It is your friend, helping to control aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Best wishes! Yours,

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 10:55 PM EDT
response: Good to know.  So what are the very tiny black bugs that cause the leaves to curl, particularly at the ends of the branches, that are is the same area as those?Bruce W. Kenny, Architect, S.E.9318 North Mohawk AvenuePortland, Oregon 97203office:<personal data hidden> x211cell:<personal data hidden>   On Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 05:37:37 PM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied July 05, 2023, 9:28 AM EDT
response: Hi Bruce, The insects you are describing are black cherry aphids, Myzus cerasi. The ladybug larvae are probably there to feed on those.  Here is a link to information about black cherry aphids and recommended control measures in the PNW Insect Management Handbook in case that would help... https://pnwhandbooks.org/node/7511/print Yours,
What to do about red bark maple new growth drying out on a relocated tree?

Question: Had to move, prune red bark maple in Feb. new growth was looking good but has started to dry out and additional new growth not continuing, just starting  to dry out everywhere. Have been watering, fertilizing since move. Please advise?

responder: Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied July 04, 2023, 2:10 AM EDT
response: There are many reasons a plant struggles after transplanting, including over or under watering. At this point correct watering, checking the roots regularly to confirm moist without constantly wet, is a good idea. Do not fertilize a recently moved tree, or any plant under stress. This WSU Extension publication focuses on planting newly purchased trees, yet the basics generally apply. Send a couple more photos showing the trunk with planting area, and another wider view of the area if you’d like to discuss this more.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 9:43 AM EDT
response: 2 pictures you requested about drying out red bark maple

responder: Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied July 04, 2023, 4:49 PM EDT
response: This was a big tree to relocate, and though it may lose it’s leaves this summer, don’t give up on it. Transplant shock can last a few years for large trees. The leaves may bronze, scorch, and fall off completely but if the roots are good, in time your tree will probably recover. Page 3 of this publication from Purdue gives details about transplant shock. This NDSU page covers much the same. Note both caution that too much water can damage roots as much as too little. Checking the water in the root zone and keeping it ideal is the most you can do now. Well, and not fertilizing. The staking may be required for a large tree, but keep the time to a minimum. This article gives reasons: “To stake or not to stake”. I just thought about covering your tree on hot days, like currently near 100 degrees . I have fairly inexpensive patio umbrella to use as temporary shade. If you’re out of the wind, that’s a consideration. You can’t lay cloth on the tree, as heat builds up underneath. I hope your tree survives.
Lilac problem

Question: I submitted this question last week but no reply received. We had lots of snow damage to our Miss Kim lilacs, especially the taller central branches. I enclosed recent pictures. Now that they’ve bloomed, how should I prune? I want to get lower branches near the ground as well this summer. Thanks!

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 01, 2023, 4:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. On lilacs, prune the old and dead branches to the ground.  Let the younger thinner shoots fill in the plant.  This is different from cutting off suckers!!!! https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-sucker-removal-and-tree-sucker-control.htm  These are the general rules, https://conservationgardenpark.org/plants/929/dwarf-korean-lilac#:~:text=Pruning%20is%20best%20done%20in,ailments%20on%20a%20regular%20basis.  However, you can prune completely dead branches one inch above the ground during the summer.  Regularly dip your pruning equipment in dilute lysol as  you do so.  The death on that plant is strange.  Send me a close up of those dead trunks-it may be rabbit damage.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 8:39 PM EDT
response: Sorry, I didn’t mention that a number of the branches in the center were snapped, so I cut the distal portion of those. However, the caved-in appearance is due to heavier/taller central branches snapping off disproportionately. Like you said, probably just better to let shoots fill in center portion. There is no animal damage, just heavy snow weight snapping branches. Thanks!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 1, 2023, at 3:31 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 01, 2023, 11:34 PM EDT
response: Cut the snapped sticks to the ground.  Lilacs are strong.  The root is alive.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2023, 8:43 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your help!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 1, 2023, at 10:34 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Plants within bee friendly garden failing

Question: Hello- 

I have tried over the last year to make my yard far more bee friendly by planting trees/plants that will be welcoming. I am having a particular issue with the dogwoods… several planted in November have already died and some that were looking healthy are now having issues. Please help!

responder: Louise RomanowEntomologistMaster Gardener VolunteerExtension MG Program, Wake County Replied July 01, 2023, 11:18 PM EDT
response: We have problems with powdery mildew on dogwoods with our humid weather.  See https://ufi.ca.uky.edu/treetalk/planthealth-dogwood-powdery-mildew. But the symptoms I see do not look like that.  There are some serious diseases of dogwood, https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/diseases-of-dogwood-in-north-carolina, especially anthracnose.  This is particularly prevalent in nursery-grown trees because the disease can spread easily from tree to tree.  But I do not see the characteristic lesions on leaves.  Rather, I wonder if the trees became waterlogged.  Too much watering, especially if a young tree is in a hole in clay soil, can cause root rot and tree death. The drooping of leaves can indicate this, but drought can also cause leaves to droop.  But, unless drought has gone too far, the leaves will perk up w/ watering. See https://site.extension.uga.edu/fultonag/2020/06/overwatering-can-lead-to-problems/ for more information.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2023, 11:57 AM EDT
response: Louise,Thank you so much for the insightful response! I dug up some of the surface soil near the root ball and it was pretty dry, but to your point with clay soil, there’s not really a good way for me to know what’s happening down low. Any good tools or means to check for root rot down at the lower part of the ball, or help the plant dry out/turn back if that’s the issue? appreciate your time. :)

responder: Louise RomanowEntomologistMaster Gardener VolunteerExtension MG Program, Wake County Replied July 02, 2023, 2:41 PM EDT
response: You would be the best judge of whether you’re watering too much. As I suggested, if it’s drought, the leaves should perk up w/ a good soaking (at least 2 h). Newly planted shrubs and trees also suffer from insufficient roots to handle the moisture loss from leaves in particularly hot weather. Plants that did fine in spring can suffer in summer heat.   Try babying your plants and see if they can make it through summer.
Cucumber Disease

Question: Hello and Happy 4th of July weekend! I'm hoping you can identify this disease on my cucumber plant, and let me know if I can remove just the affected leaves or if I should yank out the whole plant.  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 05, 2023, 11:46 AM EDT
response: Hi- there are several cucurbit diseases that start off with this indistinct yellow/tan spotting: anthracnose, target leaf spot, angular leaf spot, cucumber downy mildew (active in states around us and is likely in MD). We can't tell at this stage which disease it might be (anthracnose is a strong possibility) but they all tend to slowly and steadily send plants into a death spiral (quicker in hot, wet weather of course). Infections that occur prior to flowering/fruiting often greatly limit fruit production.  Removing dead and dying leaves is a good idea. If most leaves have symptoms it might be best to replant. You can plant a second crop within the next 2 weeks. Consult this Cornell University web page listing disease-resistant varieties.  If a small percentage of leaves are affected you could try protecting the plant with a copper-based fungicide, though that will not cure the existing infection. Verify the product label includes vegetables as safe for spraying, and follow its instructions about how to apply, when to re-apply, and how long to stop applying prior to harvest. Avoid making applications during temperatures above 85 degrees.   Be sure not to leave any plant parts in the garden whenever you decide to remove the plants.  Our Key to Cucumber Problem page: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/key-common-problems-cucumbers  Additional information on cucurbit diseases:  https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/fact-sheets/cucurbits-anthracnose https://extension.umn.edu/diseases/anthracnose-cucurbits https://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/u-scout/cucurbit/target-spot.html https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/cucurbit-downy-mildew https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/fact-sheets/cucurbits-leaf-spotshttps://extension.umd.edu/resource/cucumbers Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 10:50 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much! I'm glad I'm not the only one who couldn't figure out the specific disease!

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 19, 2023, 11:32 AM EDT
response: Hi-  yes, they can be difficult to distinguish without laboratory confirmation. For home gardeners, the management is very similar for all cucurbit diseases. Jon
Bright Yellow Mushroom Growing at Base of Tree

Question: I have a bright yellow mushroom growing at the base of my evergreen tree.  Could you help me identify it?  If it is dangerous to my tree, would you tell me how to treat it?

thank you

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 06, 2023, 9:08 AM EDT
response: Hi Doty, This is a fungus called Phaeolus schweinitzii, and it does cause root or butt (lower part of the trunk) rot.  https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/root-butt-rot-caused-by-phaeolus-schweinitzii The link below has a picture very similar to the one you attached.  https://treediseases.cfans.umn.edu/basidiom As the first article states, the rot may negatively impact the tree's structural integrity, and you may wish to contact an arborist to conduct an assessment of the structure of the tree. Arborists are certified through the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA. ISA maintains a website that makes it easy to find an arborist.  https://www.treesaregood.org/ Some arborists do have equipment that uses sound to assess the integrity of the trunk, which would be essential in this situation.  That said, even with the best technology its difficult to predict what a tree will do in the future, and if this tree is near a structure or high traffic area, you may have a decision to make about removal.   If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 9:37 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the information!!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 6, 2023, at 9:08 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Bugs on peppers

Question: I just found these bugs on the top leaves of one of my pepper plants. But I bet both of them have them. On the picture, you can see a little round bugs on the top leaf, but if you look more towards the center, you can see white flying insects that are very similar to the yellow ones that I just sent five minutes ago. Great, all of my vegetables having insects. What can I do? Use neem oil?

Thank you very much for your helpful advice…

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied July 01, 2023, 4:46 PM EDT
response: These appear to be aphids and white flies. Because of the holiday there may be a delay in our vegetable experts response. I am providing you with some extension articles to help you now, and referring your question to one of our vegetable experts. Not all garden chemicals are safe to use on edibles. As always, please only use garden chemicals labeled for use on  the vegetable, and also labeled for the pest to be controlled. Follow all label directions and precautions.  https://extension.sdstate.edu/are-your-pepper-plants-covered-aphids  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/whiteflies-vegetables

responder: Thank you for your question,  Replied July 01, 2023, 10:04 PM EDT
response: Hello Linda, Yes, you have aphids and white flies attacking your peppers. Pests are quite common, especially in the organic garden. Both of these pests can be attacked with the same remedies. You can try a strong blast of water on them, vacuuming, or trimming heavily infested foliage, or if you have a really bad infestation you can use insecticidal soap (such as neem oil) but you will need to coat the pests quite thoroughly, and you need to be careful to not spray this during the heat of the day and keep it away from flowering plants, because it can harm beneficials as well.  Here is a really great article on many different control methods for aphids. Many of these methods will also apply to the white flies as well.  https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7404.html#:~:text=If%20insecticides%20are%20needed%2C%20insecticidal,of%20infested%20foliage%20is%20required. Here is another article on bringing in beneficial insects naturally (such as the lady beetle and lacewings) and what plants attract them: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/ladybugs-better-attract-them-naturally Lady beetles love eating aphids and they can eat an abundance of them.  Hope this helps a bit...

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2023, 9:43 AM EDT
response: Thank you Jaime, you and your team are the best! I might go buy some ladybugs from English gardens and spray some Neem oil after it stops raining. I read up on it and it appears to be OK for things that you eat. I will just make sure I wash them before I eat them.   Thanks again!  Linda  On Jul 1, 2023, at 10:04 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿