MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Curious about these nests

Question: We just noticed these fellas (wasps,  I guess?) flying into the corner of our window, carrying nesting material. Upon opening the window, we found a bunch of old nests, and the new corner full of cotton and sticks. Just curious if you could identify the critters and give us suggestions on how to discourage them from returning. Thank you!

responder: Frank Peairs, Emeritus Professor of Entomology   Replied July 21, 2023, 11:28 AM EDT
response: These look like the nest cells of the Asian mud dauber wasp.  See https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/bspm/InsectInformation/FactSheets/AsianMudDauber.pdf for details.  This is a new insect so there isn't much experience in controlling them.  Brushing or washing the cells away when they start to appear is one option.  A residual insecticide approved for use on building exteriors and applied to the sites where cells are being built might be another.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 1:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information! Those nests look exactly right to be those of a mud dauber, but the cotton nest in the right corner seems different, based on the body of the insects in the photos. These yellow and black wasps in the right corner don't at all have the narrow abdomen structure, compared to the photo in the info sheet.  Having said that, we did see wasps with very narrow abdomen structures flying around a rose bush in our yard, but they were a golden brown color, no striping. I wonder if we have two types of wasps who think the window pane in our casement window is awesome! As for dealing with the nests, we swept them out with a broom. The cotton and stick-carrying wasps immediately got to rebuilding, so we discovered a few drops of citronella essential oil made a perfect repellent which quickly chased them off (at least for now).

responder: Frank Peairs, Emeritus Professor of Entomology   Replied July 24, 2023, 6:39 PM EDT
response: There definitely are two different wasps in your window, but I couldn't get a good enough look at the one on the right as to form an opinion as to what it might be.  One guess might be https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/bspm/arthropodsofcolorado/WoolCarderBee.pdf.  The one on the rose bush is likely a third species.
fungus on plum tree?

Question: Hi, i thought my italian  plum tree just needed extra water, but then discovered that the leaves are yellowing and getting brown spots. (and of course, on branch that is heavy with plums!) It is  more than one branch. tree gets sun most of the day. don't see any aphids. we put this tree in 5 years ago. is it a fungus? below are pictures.

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, 5:39 PM EDT
response: Prunes and cherry trees are susceptible to a few leaf spot diseases, and sometimes have more than one at a time. Pruning for good air circulation and careful leaf cleanup (don’t mulch on site) are basic steps to reduce fungal diseases. This page from the PNW Handbook shows prune and plum leaf spot, with link at the top to see cherry leaf spot, also peach shot hole pages. I think the most useful publication for you is for managing home orchard diseases, EC 631. I like the PDF version the best. Overall information is worthwhile. For your current situation, note the cherry, then prune, pages starting page 11. There are entries for leaf spot in that second column. Fungicides are listed. Note that these don’t cure a leaf with established fungus, but are applied as preventative, so decision to treat needs to happen early in the year. You may like a few of these home orchard articles from OSU Extension.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 9:17 PM EDT
response: Hi, thanks for the info. as spraying can't happen right now, should i be chopping off the affected branch, or picking off the leaves? i don't want it to get worse (it is already on 2 sides of the tree.)  any organic sprays available for fungus?also, i prune every winter and have a beautiful, open shape and then all the waterspouts take off in the spring and overwhelm the tree. am i supposed to be cutting off the waterspouts as they develop?thanksannieOn Tue, Jul 4, 2023 at 2:39 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

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, 9:52 PM EDT
response: You can do summer pruning of those water shoots.  Check out this WSU page about pruning and training and the section on summer pruning. Check out this video from Sacramento Master Gardeners. I don’t find recommendations to remove branches or partially infected leaves. Certainly any that are mostly discolored can be removed. Fungus spores generally move on wet days, which is why overhead watering is discouraged. The infection won’t rapidly spread in our dry months, which is why cutting off your fruiting branch isn’t needed.
trees

Question: Leafs on my trees got paled, folded  falling and spreading to others trees

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, 12:09 PM EDT
response: We need more information to help diagnose the issue, please. What is the tree pictured that you are describing? (For example, is it a flowering cherry, a fruit-bearing cherry, or something else? You mention other trees being affected...can you tell us what they are also?) Can you share a photo of its overall appearance where we can see the trunk base plus the amount of canopy that is showing symptoms?  Has the tree been monitored for watering needs in the drought we have been experiencing? Has anything been sprayed on any of the trees showing symptoms, either as a pest or disease preventative, or nearby for weed control?  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 1:27 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your response   Initially started on the wild tree unknown later  affected to Peer tree

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 2:18 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your prompt response, We did not spray on the trees when symptoms started, I have contacted the Baltimore county forestry department seeking help from their department. I will provide you pictures of these sick trees

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, 1:47 PM EDT
response: Okay, thank you -- we will wait for more photos and information about what the identify of the pictured tree might be. If any of the trees are large or mature, or if there are many of them affected, you could hire a certified arborist to come and inspect them in person, which should make diagnosis easier. If any of these trees are on city property along the roadside, a city or county arborist might be able to help as well.  Miri
Please identify this plant

Question: Attached are two photos of an unknown plant in my garden.  From the photo with the meter stick against the fence you can see it is well over 6 feet tall.  Wondering if I should leave it or remove it?  

Thank you for any help you can give me!
Charles

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 05, 2023, 11:41 AM EDT
response: Hi, The appearance and height strongly suggest Erigeron canadensis colloquially known as "Horseweed."  It is an annual plant that produces lots of small white flowers usually starting in July, that produce many seeds. The whole plant turns brown and can break off so nearby the parent you may find many low seedling rosettes as an indicator of horseweed presence in the spring. Being a native weed, pollinators will visit the flowers and birds will eat the seeds. But, if you do not want this plant in your cultivated garden it is easy to pull up.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 8:35 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much!   Charles
Trouble with tomatoes

Question: I found some of my tomato leaves turning yellow a couple of days ago. A friend said it might be early tomato blight but suggested that I ask you. I Goggle and found that it might be low potassium also. what do you think and what would the best treatment be? see attache photo Thanks

responder: Lindsey K. Kerr, MS, MHP (she, her, hers)  Replied July 03, 2023, 11:55 AM EDT
response: I don't think this is a tomato blight. That usually shows up as brown spots with concentric circles.  Your signs are around the leaf edges. I think you are right that it is a nutrient deficiency. The leaves, in general, seem to be a light green and it appears that the yellow leaves are on older growth. I would recommend applying a balanced liquid fertilizer (not a slow release granular type). Tomatoes are what we call heavy feeders--they need a lot of nutrients. Balanced means that the numbers are all the same (10-10-10). Fertilizing won't change the already damaged leaves, but it will prevent this from happening to leaves through the rest of the season. Make sure you follow the directions on the fertilizer and do not apply too much or too often.  Happy gardening! I hope you get lots of tomatoes!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 11:03 PM EDT
response: Thanks! D         Dolli Lutes “Courage is more exhilarating than fear, and in the long run it is easier. We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it as not as dreadful as it appears, discovering that we have the strength to stare it down.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt        From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, July 3, 2023 11:55:32 AM To: Dolli Lutes <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Trouble with tomatoes (#0108682)
Dieing vegetable plants

Question: Hello, I lost three tomato plants and 4 pepper plants already. The tomato's just wilt. Some had yellow leaves at the bottom and some didn't. The leaves on the pepper plants just starting falling off at the stem. There looks like a white powder in the top of the soil and there are little clumps of some kind of mushroom or fungus.

responder: > Linda D  > OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer > Thank you for allowing us to help you with your gardening questions. Here are some other helpful websites: > BYGL Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/ > OSUE FactSheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu > State Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.osu.edu > Replied July 08, 2023, 12:38 PM EDT
response: Hello Sorry, I don't have an absolute answer for you, as your plants look pretty healthy, except for the wilting. I don't see any evidence of insect damage or disease. The fungi growing on the soil is coming from the mulch and won't affect the tomatoes.  That leaves water as the culprit: either too much or not enough. I suspect too much, when a tomato needs water the leaves tend to curl in on themselves, and I don't see that here. How often are you watering, and how much? Does the soil drain well? Let it dry out for the top inch or so before watering, that might help.  Here's a link to some info on growing tomatoes from OSU:  https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-1624

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2023, 8:55 PM EDT
response: Thanks for replying. Glad to hear it is not the fungus.   I didn't think we were over watering but we have had a lot of rain.   It is a raised bed so we thought it would have drained better.   Should we add anything to the soil. Right now it is just soil and horse manure.    We did add a couple bags of peat moss to the soil this year. That is where the mulch came from.Thanks again, Bill  On Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 12:38:36 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: > Linda D  > OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer > Thank you for allowing us to help you with your gardening questions. Here are some other helpful websites: > BYGL Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/ > OSUE FactSheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu > State Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.osu.edu > Replied July 10, 2023, 11:08 PM EDT
response: Hello again,  You probably don' t need to add anything to the soil right now, but feed your plants when they start to set fruit. Let the soil dry out a bit before watering again, and do a soil test some time this year. Your local extension office can help you with that.
spongy moth infestation

Question: I noticed several egg masses in the fall of 2021 on my newly purchased property in Branch County on Coldwater Lake. Saw evidence of fras in the water off the seawall in summer of '22 but not many worms and no egg masses in the fall of '22 so I thought (hoped) they were gone. This summer there is tons of fras on our concrete driveway and upon investigation we have a large infestation of worms. We collected around 50 worms off the trees on our property yesterday, and also discovered the neighbors trees are infected. We purchased burlap yesterday and intend to wrap the trees however we have about 14 Oak trees

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied July 03, 2023, 7:15 AM EDT
response: Sorry you are having problems with this pest!  As someone who lived through a 100% defoliation two years in a row, I understand your concerns. In our case, after the second year, we had ample rainfall and the larva literally “rained” down out of the trees—this was the fungus Entomophaga doing its job.  Also, there is a virus that lives in the gut of the larvae that will be lethal when populations explode.  The last 2 years, we haven’t seen one egg mass.   This website has many resources for people having problems with SM. As soon as you see egg massses this (late summer) and through next year, scrape them into a bowl of warm, soapy water.  On masses that are higher up on the tree trunk, you can use a spray bottle with warm soapy water to try to douse them with a stream.  It’s not much but at least you can keep them away from your immediate home.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/Invasive_species/gypsy-moth/index

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 8:32 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response and the information. If I understand you correctly, whether I take action or not ( spraying in early Spring and burlapping trees and picking them off into soapy water, and eliminating egg masses in the Fall) Mother Nature will ultimately be the answer through natural selection via the fungus and the virus in their gut? Thanks for clarification.Regards, Cheryl ConradOn Mon, Jul 3, 2023 at 7:15 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied July 04, 2023, 8:42 AM EDT
response: That has been the trajectory in the past with outbreaks.  This pest has been in Michigan for over 40 years.  We see upswings in activity and crashes.  That being said, the weather plays a huge role in the success of the fungal pathogen.
Japanese maple insect damage

Question: I noticed that our young Japanese maple tree has insect damage on the base of the trunk. In the attached picture, I’ve cleared away the damaged wood (it was like chewed up wood dust) and can see the hole, which is approximately 1 inch deep. The tree is about 3-4 years old, and the damage is about 3 inches from the ground on the trunk. Will the tree be ok? Is there anything we can do to help it, or prevent this type of tunneling insect damage?

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, 5:14 PM EDT
response: Wood infesting beetles leave a hole as they emerge, after living in the tree possibly for years. How is the tree health overall? I see a place at the mulch-line that looks rough. Pull back the mulch and share photos of the bark on each side. Is this long split the only opening in the bark?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 10:35 PM EDT
response: Hello,Here are a few pictures of the base of the tree. I hadn’t noticed the other rough spots until you mentioned them, they were covered with mulch. Are we putting the mulch too high? Overall the canopy seems healthy, but are these spots going to hurt the tree long term?BestSaraOn Jul 4, 2023, at 2:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

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 07, 2023, 1:52 AM EDT
response: The wood chips against the bark are okay. I see fresh bark growing along the edge of the wounds, so this damage isn’t recent and the tree is responding well. The bark damage is possibly scald, as maple trees have thin bark. This publication,  WSU FS 197 has lots of information, but basically you need to keep caring for your tree to allow it to heal. I’m not so sure about advice for the hole and possible borer insect. I’ll ask another expert to weigh in on that.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 12:03 PM EDT
response: Hello, the link you provided is not working for me, can you send it as an attachment?  Is there anything I can do to the hole to prevent it from hurting the tree? Anything I can do to prevent beetles from boring into the tree in the future?It looks like scald is due to the sun, but the only place where the bark is missing is on the bottom of the trunk.  Would scald be all over the trunk or just in local areas?SaraOn Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 10:52 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 11, 2023, 11:54 AM EDT
response: Sara: I was able to find the publication that the other responder suggested. It is attached. If you can't get to it, email me directly and I will send it back through email. Chip Bubl OSU Extension/Columbia County  <personal data hidden>
Chokeberry tree trunk splitting

Question: Guidance request! I have a beautiful chokeberry tree in my yard. I noticed that it’s trunk is splitting. Should I be worried and try to help my tree or is this totally natural for Chokeberry trees?

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied July 03, 2023, 9:48 AM EDT
response: Good morning Viabhav and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. No I am sorry this is not normal for any tree.  Can you tell me what the whitish gray substance on the bottom of the trunk is.  Also is that hole at the bottom soft?  Do you see any bugs? If this stuff going on at the bottom isn’t anything, we may be able to try a couple of things to save it. Please let me know.  Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 1:46 PM EDT
response: The whitish gray spot is there naturally, I didn’t apply anything. The dark spot is moist to touch. It’s a little spungy at the surface. The part of the trunk below that spot seems to be rotting. I’m attaching the close up view of the section. Also, the dark gray part is moist to touch.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied July 03, 2023, 4:30 PM EDT
response: I’m really sorry but I think you may lose your tree. I’m wondering if somehow the tree got damaged and a fungus set it.   I’m sure the fungus has caused the split.  I don’t think you can stop this.  It seems to have leafed out ok, so maybe it may be some time before it finally dies. I can’t find a specific fungus that matches what is happening. To keep the tree from splitting more you could try binding the trunk together using a softer rope.  I’m not sure you can get it tight enough to pull closed, but if you can that might give it some time.  I managed to keep a branch from breaking off using electrical tape and it did grow back together. The other thing you could do if the tree is worth it to you is contact a certified arborist in your area to come look at it.  That will cost you, and I don’t know how much. I feel bad I can’t tell you what to treat it with.  The arborist would help with that too. I wish you good luck.
Road or Roan - Color of Shorthorn

Question: To whomever it may concern,

I was wondering if “road” meant a different color than “roan?” Please refer to my 1st attachment. :) 

Another question is if it is necessary to say milking shorthorn FEMALE, since all milking shorthorns are female? 
I volunteer at a local history museum in Northern California and am making a small label (please see my 2nd attachment) for a historical banner. The banner reads: Senior Champion, Milking Shorthorn Female, Owned and Exhibited by Davis, Dixon and Innisfail for the International Livestock Exposition in Chicago in 1923. I wanted to make a label that could help visitors at least have a “vague” sense of what shorthorn cattle looked like and provide them with a few quick and accurate facts about the wonderful breed of cattle. 

I came across your website and found very informative information. 

I circled the word “road” with red in my 3rd attachment for your convenience. 
I look forward to hearing from you! 

Thank you for your time!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 06, 2023, 11:05 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, "Road" is a typo that was not caught by the author or copy editors.  It should read roan.  Spellcheck in Word might have been the culprit to cause the error. Not all milking shorthorns are female.  Like any other breed of cattle, there are cows (mature females who have had more than one calf), heifers (young females who have not calved or just had their first calf), bulls (intact males), and steers (castrated males).  There are shorthorns raised for meat, so milking is used to distinguish between the breed's intention. Yes, I would include female in the picture caption.  Even at events like World Dairy Expo, female is usually included.  It's standard dairy cattle show language.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 12:35 PM EDT
response: Hello, Thank you so much for your reply! I just have one more question - if not all milking shorthorns are female, does it mean male shorthorns can also produce milk? Thank you again, Lulu On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 8:05 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 06, 2023, 12:51 PM EDT
response: No, only female mammals can produce milk.  The "milking" could be replaced with "dairy" instead to differentiate beef shorthorn from dairy shorthorn.  Breeders will make different selection choices to meet the "job" the animal is raised for.  Beef shorthorns will be bred for muscle quantity and quality while dairy/milking shorthorns are bred with an emphasis on the milk production only females produce. Here are some additional websites you might find helpful: Beef Shorthorn: https://shorthorn.org/history/ and https://breeds.okstate.edu/cattle/shorthorn-cattle.html Milking Shorthorn: https://milkingshorthorn.com/the-breed/#history and https://breeds.okstate.edu/cattle/milking-shorthorn-cattle.html