MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Unknown row of ovals on coffee plant branch

Question: Hi,

Are these insects?

And if so are they harmful to the coffee plant they are on?

This is only present on the underside of one branch on a 6 foot tall coffee plant I have outside during the non-winter months.  To my knowledge, this plant does not form leaves like this, nor do they look like the buds of flowers for this plant.

There are two rows of ovals, and each oval slightly overlaps the preceding one in each of the two rows.  

This branch has diameter of just over 4mm.  The length of the entire row of whatever this is is about 32mm

  
Thanks for your help

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 August 22, 2024, 9:45 AM EDT
response: These are katydid eggs, and are not a direct threat to the plant. You should be able to detach them (they're glued-on) with a fingernail or tweezers. Katydids are related to grasshoppers and crickets, and they do chew foliage (plus other insects, as opportunists), but we doubt they would cause significant damage (or any damage) to coffee foliage since it's not a normal host plant for them or any local insect. It's likely they would just hatch and disperse, but since you don't want that happening indoors once the plant comes back inside around October (if they haven't hatched by then), it would be best to take the eggs off before that point.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 12:56 PM EDT
response: Thanks for getting back to me with this info Miri,

Cheers,
Bill

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 August 22, 2024, 1:02 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Mysterious balls on baby cucumbers

Question: Hi, These little balls are on all my baby cucumbers.  I tried spraying them with Neem oil but it didn't seem to affect them at all.  What are they, and what should I do about them, if anything?  Thank-you for your time in answering!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 23, 2024, 11:22 AM EDT
response: Can you please tell a little bit more about these balls. Are they damaging the plants/fruits? Are they slimy/soft/hard how do they feel? Can you squish them? Do you see any insects emerging from them? When did they first appear and how long they stay on the stem? Do they move from stem to other parts of the plant? Any observations that you have could help us. Thanks.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 30, 2024, 12:54 PM EDT
response: I left some questions but did not hear back unfortunately. It does not look like any pest. It looks like part of trichomes. If it is not damaging the plant I would not worry about them. It could have been because of some stress like heat or too much water. Please let me know if it becomes an issue for the cucumber plants.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 7:26 AM EDT
response: Hi, Sorry I have not responded sooner, I”ve been traveling. Thanks so much for this info. You’ve cleared up the mystery! Barbara  On Aug 30, 2024, at 12:54 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 03, 2024, 9:39 AM EDT
response: Thank you. Glad that I was able to help.
Shrubs dying

Question: I lost a viburnum shrub last year. Now a lilac is doing the same. Leaves have all turned brown and dead. Crunchy.  No signs that I have seen of insects.  I’ve never sprayed any chemicals. 
The viburnum pulled right out of the ground, a stem  at a time.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 21, 2024, 5:39 PM EDT
response: Hi Linda - I see this shrub is along a road.  Is it possible that there is salt put on this road in winter?   Is the snow plowed to this side of the road?  It's possible that snow could build up (especially in Kent county) and when it melts, it could overwhelm the soil and rot the roots.  Is it possible that Kent County might be spraying the roadside with a chemical of some sort?  I have a lot of questions about this site.   Even though this link is from Georgia, I think there is some very valuable information here about preparing the site for your shrub:  https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B932 If you would like to get your soil tested, here is a link for that from the MSU Extension:  https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-started/ Most shrubs need good drainage, if your soil is compacted clay, that might have an influence on whether your shrub lives or dies.  I really hope this helps you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 5:53 PM EDT
response: I live on a private road in the country. Only a dozen houses so not a lot of traffic. Our neighbors take turns plowing the snow and do nothing else to it. So no salt or chemicals. No clay here, quite sandy with compost added some.  The drainage is very good. This lilac sits up on a hill going up into our yard.  So it’s not waterlogged. The same thing happened to my 10 year old viburnum by the foundation of our house.  Just suddenly started turning brown and quickly died. I’m wondering about a virus, a rodent but I’ve no idea! So strange.  Wondered if it’s the warmer climate here now. Not likely. I have a Miss Kim lilac just starting to do the same. I will check the link you sent. I’m very baffled. Thank you!! Linda K.On Wed, Aug 21, 2024 at 5:39 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 21, 2024, 8:41 PM EDT
response: Hi again, Linda - Here is a link about Viburnum problems:  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/viburnum/deadordyingbranches.html I'm changing my mind about the soil sample.  Instead, how about sending a sample of your dying shrubs to the extension to have them tested.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/ There are so many variables.  At least they can test and give you an idea on any pathogens that might cause your problem.   Good luck to you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 7:28 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the advice.  I’ll look into this. Can I take it to the office in Grand Rapids?On Wed, Aug 21, 2024 at 8:41 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 23, 2024, 1:39 AM EDT
response: Hi Linda - No, I'm sorry, the samples need to be mailed in to the University.
Sick dahlias

Question: All of my dahlias look like this. Some are worse than others. If it is a virus can I save my tubers or are the tubers going to be infected as well?

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 August 21, 2024, 2:13 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This is stippling damage from leaf sucking insects like mites, thrips, leafhoppers, planthoppers etc. This is a common occurrence in the high heat temperatures we had this summer. The hoppers can be difficult to control because they leap so quickly when you turn a leaf over. Given the size of the stippling though it looks like it could have been thrips or mites since those are very hard to see since they are so small.  Hot and dry weather exacerbate stress conditions on plants and then we tend to see more insect damage. Also these look to be in a container on a hard surface so that could also be stressing the plants as well.  There isn't anything you could do now for them and the insects may have moved on already. If you turn the leaves over and see small specs it could be that they are still present and you could try an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to treat the leaves. If you have a magnifying glass or a small hand lens you may be able to see them.  Soap or oil use, won't cure the damage on the leaves but potentially help if they are still present with new leaves. Given the amount of damage these leaves have, they may fall off anyways as they are probably not photosynthesizing anymore. For prevention next year just monitor symptoms and try to treat early if you notice any signs. Read the label directions and make sure to apply within the temperature range so you don't burn the foliage.  Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 2:26 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick response. So I can save the dahlia tubers for next year? They will not be affected?Ninon McGinn Just as yesterday’s decisions impact today’s realities, decisions of today will impact our future and the future of our family members.-Carlos GodoyOn Wed, Aug 21, 2024 at 2:13 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 August 21, 2024, 2:43 PM EDT
response: no they won't be affected and you can save. These insects will move on and won't be in the tubers.
Damaged northern pine - concern for rot

Question: I have a very large - over 100 foot straight growing northern pine at the edge of my driveway and road. The tree appears to have snow plough damage at its base which has caused a cavity at ground level. I a concerned fur the health of the tree : can this be treated or will I need to fell the tree. It is a gorgeous old pine and I woul like to save it if possible.

responder: Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension  Replied August 22, 2024, 2:53 PM EDT
response: Hello Cynthia,  Thanks for reaching out to the UNH Extension Infoline. You will be best served by talking to an arborist about your tree. They will be able to do a site visit and properly evaluate the health and integrity of the tree in ways that we at the Infoline cannot.  For a list of NH certified arborists, see the NH Arborists Association.  I hope this helps and please get in touch if you have any further questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 23, 2024, 8:33 AM EDT
response: Thankyou so much for your advisement and listing of resources. CynthiaSent from my iPhone On Aug 22, 2024, at 2:53 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
My Harry Lauder looks sick

Question: I wonder if you can tell me what’s wrong with my Harry Lauder so I know how to treat it. I’d appreciate any help.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 9:21 AM EDT
response: Bumpy white dots on the woody parts of the plant.

responder: V/r,  Replied August 23, 2024, 9:11 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, Twisted filbert, also known as Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, (Corylus avellana’) is an interesting tree which grows best in moist, rich soil in full sun to part shade. Read more here: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=442447&isprofile=1&gen=Corylus Unfortunately, it susceptible to filbert blight which may be the problem with your plant. Read more here: https://www.purduelandscapereport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Contorted-Filbert-A-Gnarly-Problem-Plant-2.pdf This article provides advice on how to treat the problem. However, MSU Extension’s Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab will able to provide more advice. To learn how to submit a picture/sample go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/  The white bumps on the tree look like lichens. What are lichens and what are they doing on my tree? - MSU Extension  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.
Bee removed

Question: Im extremely  allergic to  bee stings  but have an active hive in my barn. Do you relocate them or use them for medical purposes

responder: Ana HeckApiculture Extension EducatorMichigan State University Extension  Replied August 20, 2024, 7:28 PM EDT
response: Michigan State University does not collect or relocate bees or wasps. Your photo shows a wasp nest. Getting rid of wasp nests describes options: Many species of wasps provide beneficial ecosystem services such as feeding on garden pests. Wasp nests that don’t pose an immediate hazard can be left alone. Wasps vacate their nest in the fall and don't reuse the same nest the next year. After a couple of hard frosts, the wasps should no longer pose an issue. Leaving wasp nests alone may reduce insecticides in the environment and support beneficial insects. Professional pest removal companies can remove wasp nests that pose a threat to humans, pets or livestock. Anyone who attempts to use insecticides for wasp nest removals should follow the pesticide’s label and take precautions to avoid stings or other injuries.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 7:11 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your timeOn Tue, Aug 20, 2024, 7:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What is this plant

Question: Grows in clumps from the roots/tubers. No flowers. Took over a spot that had hardy glads.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 21, 2024, 7:25 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question and pictures for Extension. It looks like you have a daylily infestation in your hardy glads. It's surprising that you didn't see any flowers, but if it may be because the daylilies are young. The root structure you show looks like a daylily and they are spreaders in a garden, popping up in areas away from the original plant. The best thing to do is to pull them up after a rain when the soil is wet. I have had a daylily problem in my perennial garden and slowly they are disappearing from repeated pulling. Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 8:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the reply. I thought this might be the case but the non-flowering puzzled me. They were quite aggressive but the moist summer probably contributed to their spreading.On Wed, Aug 21, 2024, 6:25 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Magnolia tree with black debris on leaves

Question: Hello I have a Magnolia tree with black debris on the leafs. There also seems to be a lot of wasps, bees, flies flying around it. What can I do?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 21, 2024, 3:22 PM EDT
response: Hello Andrew - What you have is sooty mold, which is caused by Magnolia scale.  The scale secrete honeydew, which draws the insects you mention.  But you are in luck, now is the time to spray for scale crawlers.  Here is a link with more information for you.  Good luck! https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/why-is-sap-dripping-from-my-magnolia-tree

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 10:47 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  On Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 03:22:16 PM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:
Old splits in ash bark

Question: I've noticed splits in the bark of my ash tree along the bottom of some 4" to 8" diameter branches. They seem old and healed, but I'm wondering if it might be the effects of frost, drought, or pests. The tree seems healthy overall and is being regularly treated for EAB. Thanks

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 23, 2024, 2:40 PM EDT
response: Hi there,   There are a number of environmental factors that can cause the bark of trees to split. When there are drastic swings in temperature between day and night, the freeze-thaw effect on water in the tissues of the trunk can cause the bark to split open. These types of injuries are commonly referred to as frost cracks.   Injury can also occur when reflected heat from the ground or other surfaces, such as buildings, causes cells in the trunk to break dormancy in the winter. These tissues are then susceptible to cold injury when nighttime temperatures drop to below freezing. This type of injury is referred to as sunscald. Both of these are more prevalent in young or thin-barked species.  Find more potential causes and solutions here:  Environmental Disorders of Woody Plants - 2.932 - Extension (colostate.edu)  Since it's such a large tree, it may be hard to implement any of the solutions listed in that article such as wrapping the branches. From my research there doesn't seem to be much you can do to correct the issue. Keep an eye on the tree and let us know if anything else happens!   Best,  Boulder County Master Gardeners.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 23, 2024, 5:04 PM EDT
response: WIth this being on the bottom of branches 10-15 feet off the ground (not facing the sun, and not close to a building) what is the most likely cause? Could sunlight be reflecting onto the branches from a car parked below?  Thanks  On 08/23/2024 12:40 PM MDT Ask Extension wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 26, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT
response: Good morning,  Thank you for writing back to us with your question about possible causes of bark splitting on your ash tree.  It's possible that sunlight from the car parked below the tree could be reflected onto the branches. It would depend on the intensity of the reflection.  Best, Colorado Master Gardener CSU Extension Boulder County
Espalier Tree Selection Help

Question: I have an area in the garden against my garage wall with East exposure which is being prepared with a 7’ square gridded metal framework attached to the wall and amended soil for planting a tree (fruit?) which we intend to train as an espalier. We would like a suggested variety of tree to plant in the area that tolerate pruning to maintain the small scale and survive in zone 4/5.  If an apricot or plum variety is an option, we would love that, but will work with apple if they aren’t hardy in Eden Prairie, MN. The photo shows a white trim area on the right of the wall where the grid is being installed.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied August 22, 2024, 2:45 PM EDT
response: https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-applesGood Afternoon Paul,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  First, here is a link to the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website: https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples Here is another link about espalier: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/espalier/ The above information states:Espalier is a long and labor-intensive process, so this really isn’t suitable as part of a low-maintenance landscape. The basic framework of simple designs may be established in three or four years, while intricate designs will take longer.  It would be important to count the hours of full sun on the site. From viewing your photos, it appears the block/cement/gravel patio goes right up to the planting site. How wide is the soil area to plant the tree in?  If you want a fruit tree to thrive in the site, you will need almost full sun and enough room for adequate enriched soil around the tree.  If this wall faces east, you still have a tree creating shade and an umbrella in front of the tree. This is not a full sun site.  There are many types of woody vines and/or perennial flowers that climb and vine. Here is another link: https://extension.umn.edu/find-plants/native-plants This link includes a pdf book of "The Best Plants for 30 Tough Sites".  Before you decide what to do with the area, I would read through the above information. All information from the U of M Extension website is "research based".  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 3:44 PM EDT
response: Thanks very much for the information links, I will review and make plans based on the new information.I understand the fruit trees want full sun, and I realize also that the fruit isn’t as important to me as the unique design created by training of the plant on a framework.  Appreciate the input.Best regards,PJHSent From Paul Hempe via iPhone Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. ART is knowing which ones to keep. - Scott AdamsOn Aug 22, 2024, at 1:45 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied August 22, 2024, 4:16 PM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Please identify these larvae

Question: These were between the bottom of a potted plant and a concrete block base

responder: Answered by University of Maryland Extension faculty. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC program web page and blog, Maryland Grows. Replied August 22, 2024, 12:51 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your photos. Would you happen to have any dogbane, milkweed, or butterflyweed nearby? What type of plants were in the pots? We are looking into this and will get back to you soon.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 1:29 PM EDT
response: Yes, we had a lot of milkweed close by on a hill.The potted plants were hostas.Thank you!Sent from my iPhone On Aug 22, 2024, at 12:51 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Answered by University of Maryland Extension faculty. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC program web page and blog, Maryland Grows. Replied August 27, 2024, 10:39 AM EDT
response: These insects appear to be a pre-pupal stage (caterpillar within silk) of some kind of moth or butterfly. Based on the photos you sent we believe this is some kind of moth caterpillar, possibly the dogbane saucrobotys moth, also commonly known as dogbane webworm (Saucrobotys futilalis). You will likely see these caterpillars forming a protective pupa in the coming days. The caterpillars of this moth species are known to feed on hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) and spreading dogbane (A. androsaemifolium). There have also been reports that the caterpillars may also feed on milkweeds (Asclepias spp.).  To read more about this caterpillar species I recommend checking out this Ohio State Extension article: https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2043.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 27, 2024, 11:18 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  You guys are great!Sent from my iPhone On Aug 27, 2024, at 10:40 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Answered by University of Maryland Extension faculty. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC program web page and blog, Maryland Grows. Replied August 27, 2024, 11:52 AM EDT
response: You're welcome! Happy to help.
Hosta damage

Question: I thought I had voles destroying my hostas but I noticed some white thready looking stuff at the bottom of the stems which may mean I have petiole and crown rot caused by the fungus sclerotium rolfsil.

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 August 20, 2024, 1:48 PM EDT
response: We agree this resembles a Southern Blight infection, which you can learn about on the linked page. If so, curative treatment is not possible, and it's best to remove the plant and a few inches of the soil surface from its planting spot to clear-out any spores that may remain. You can replant in that area, but Southern Blight unfortunately has a very wide host plant range, and at some point in the future, could arise as an issue again (even if it were not present before, spores could colonize the area when conditions are favorable since it's a widespread organism). Having mulch not touch the crown of a plant (where stems emerge from the soil) can help avoid infection, though it's not a foolproof measure.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 5:53 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!Sent from my iPhone On Aug 20, 2024, at 1:48 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿