MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Service Berry trauma from animals

Question: Hello. I have a service berry tree that has suffered 2 separate raccoon attacks, causing limb loss. I'm looking for any advice on how to prevent further attacks and how to help the tree recover. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 23, 2023, 4:07 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately, the tree has been so badly damaged it's unlikely to bear fruit sufficient to attract raccoons for a while.   Whether and how to help the tree recover is an open question. However, we can't offer reliable advice about that by viewing the photos.    Generally speaking it isn't feasible to reattach broken branches.  The following publication explains why:  https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/04/there-any-way-save-branch-broke-one-my-trees   It's probably best to ask a certified arborist to assess the tree's condition onsite and recommend a way to restore it.  Strategic pruning over time may be sufficient to restore its form and productivity.    It might even be possible to restore the tree by cutting it to the ground and selecting shoots to replace what's been lost.    Barriers, electric fencing and trapping may be needed to protect the tree in the future.  The following publications discuss these options.    The tree isn't likely to be vulnerable to raccoon damage when it's not in fruit, so barriers and electric fences can be temporary measure.  http://animalrange.montana.edu/documents/extension/nonchemraccoons.pdf  https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/raccoons/index.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2023, 6:24 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your quick response. I appreciate your feedback and am grateful you folks are out there answering these types of questions.Best, TaraOn Sun, Jul 23, 2023 at 3:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What kind of grass or sedge is this

Question: What is this?  Why is part of it red?

responder: V/r,  Replied July 25, 2023, 6:33 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, It looks like it could be Carex richardsonii.    Small densely clumped sedge (25 cm); leaves with reddish-brown sheaths; staminate spikelet separate, large (10-20 mm), pistillate spikelets short (10 mm); perigynia 3-sided and pubescent.  You can send in a sample for a firm diagnosis.  Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  Carex richardsonii (Richardson's sedge) - Michigan Natural Features Inventory (msu.edu) Maintaining a grasses and sedges garden - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 8:03 PM EDT
response: I have a patch of this sedge. We live in Charlevoix county in the city of Charlevoix. This sedge does nothing seem to have been reported it here before. How can I get rid of it in my lawn?  Thanks  Dawne JordanSent from my iPhoneOn Jul 25, 2023, at 6:33 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: V/r,  Replied July 27, 2023, 7:38 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, It's important to get a firm diagnosis to ensure you treat it properly.   I'm attaching links to university weed ID and control articles for you to dig further: Turfgrass Weed ID-PSU Weed ID & Mgmt.-UW-Madison Control of Summer Annual Grass Weeds in Turfgrasses Weed ID & Mgmt.-PSU Lawn Weed Control Options-UMN Identification & Control of Perennial Grassy Weeds-Purdue Turfgrass identification - Ohio State  Depending on what grass you determine it is there may be a herbicide to kill it. Otherwise your options are glyphosate (roundup) or digging the offending areas out and then reseeding soon after mid-August. More info here: Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed-MSU Smart Lawns Tip Sheets-MSU  Control options for the homeowner are somewhat limited; Michigan State University Extension recommends looking for herbicides with the active ingredients sulfentrazone or halosulfuron. Sulfentrazone is a contact herbicide and will often provide quick control.  Always read, understand and follow the label directions. Mention or exclusion of specific products does not represent an endorsement or condemnation of any product by Michigan State University.  I hope this helps.
murder hornet?

Question: In Sweet Home area have never seen these before 2" hornets Sending pic

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 1:47 PM EDT
response: After looking at these more looks like they are the banded hornet. Who would you recommend to get rid of these?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2023, 4:31 PM EDT
response: Jim: This caterpillar is from the group called Hornworm Caterpillars. The adults are called Sphinx moths.  Let me know if you have any additional questions. Thank you for contacting us at Extension. Rich
Hairy vine, leaves have 3 lobes

Question: Hello, this vine is growing in my flower bed in New Haven, VT, in full sun and I have no idea what it is. Google lens, Apple ID, etc, all come up empty. Can you help? The stems and leaves are hairy. Thanks.

responder: Helen, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied July 24, 2023, 11:23 AM EDT
response: Hi Kathy, Thanks for reaching out to us at the UVM Extension Master Gardener program with your question! We consulted with a plant identification expert and it appears to be Ipomoea hederacea, or Ivy-leaved Morning Glory Vine. It has characteristics of plants in the Convolvulaceae (morning glory) family.  Please check out the link below to confirm that this is the plant you have in your garden. If it matches then we recommend that you pull this plant while it is still small, as it tends to dominate an area if allowed the freedom to do so. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/ipomoea/hederacea/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 5:16 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the reply.This plant matches the link you sent. KathyC.On Mon, Jul 24, 2023, 11:23 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
How do I care for and enliven a long-neglected fruit tree?

Question: I purchased a property last year with a neglected fruit tree in the yard. Most of the branches are dead and the trunk is gnarled and twisted, but this spring it flowered and has a bunch of fruit and suckers coming up from the base. I'd like to keep the tree, at least until I know what fruit it provides, and hopefully longer if is likely to survive. How do I care for this tree to get it through this season, and hopefully several years into the future?

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 23, 2023, 3:53 PM EDT
response: It appears that you have an American plum tree. They are generally short lived—15-30 years.    The suckers from the roots and trunk at ground level are gradually taking all the nutrients and water from the tree.  They should be removed promptly. Fruit trees are best pruned when they are dormant—February and March.  However dead branches can be removed anytime. The following website gives additional information about growing and pruning plum trees.  1. https://trees.umn.edu/american-plum-prunus-americana-0 2. https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 9:37 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  I removed all the suckers and some of the dead branches. From old aerial photos it seems that this tree may have been planted more than 30 years ago, so hopefully I can get at least one final crop :)—BrookOn 23 Jul, 2023, at 14:53, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 25, 2023, 5:24 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.  Good luck!
white mystery bug

Question: These bugs showed up on my deck railing and patio table a few weeks ago, both of which are under some tall white oaks and a big leaf maple tree. Density is about 3-4 per square foot.  The longest ones are about 3-4 mm and about 1 mm wide; six legs. Can you identify them?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2023, 4:49 PM EDT
response: Robert: This is an immature insect but it is difficult to give a specific ID as the specimen is so small in the picture. Could you get a closer shot? Let me know if you have any additional questions. Thank you for contacting us at Extension. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 5:53 PM EDT
response: This is the best I can do. My iPhone loses focus if I try to get any closer.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 1:49 PM To: Robert Hickok <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: white mystery bug (#0112061)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 01, 2023, 11:12 PM EDT
response: Robert: I have been working on this but it is just not possible for me to ID sue to the picture being so small to see it clearly. I am still working on it but not sure how much more I can do. Rich
Invasive plant

Question: What is this plant?

responder: Stephen Oldfield  Replied July 27, 2023, 4:23 PM EDT
response: Between the Oregon Flora and Weeds of the West I’m landing on some variety of groundsel, but it would be really useful to see some more images.  In particular, it would help to see the base of the plant looking for changes in leaf shape. Also, have the flowers matured to allow for more representative images?  You might take a look at the Oregon Flora site and see if there's a better fit for what you are seeing.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2023, 7:41 PM EDT
response: Sent from my iPhone On Jul 27, 2023, at 1:23 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Please help us demonstrate the OSU Herbarium's value to the university administration and our stakeholders by providing feedback on this 1-minute survey, so that we can continue to offer these services. Herbarium user survey: https://beav.es/T7E | Donate to the OSU Herbarium.    Replied July 31, 2023, 1:53 PM EDT
response: Dear Marc:  Your plant is Erectites minimus - coastal burnweed (which used to be called Senecio minimus). It's related to grounsels, which all used to be Senecio, so Stephen wasn't far off in that regard.   Cheers - James Mickley
Withering Rose Problem

Question: I volunteer at Green Lawn Abbey on Greenlawn Ave.  There we have a lot of Knock Out Roses.  We have a few - only a few - that have a problem. The plant withers. See attached photos. 

The withering problem doesn’t spread. To demonstrate that, I’ve also attached a photo of surrounding roses. 

Any idea what’s causing it? Recommendations on how to address will be much appreciated.

responder: Catherine Freay  Replied July 24, 2023, 9:31 AM EDT
response: It looks to me that the reddish new growth has wilted due to either a lack of water or too much heat/sun beating on it.  Let me know if this wilting corrects itself with the addition of more water.  You can also tell if this is a heat issue if the wilting has disappeared overnight. IF, this does not appear to be the case, send some more photos of the leaves, undersides, etc. to see if insects may be involved.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 10:01 AM EDT
response: Withering is probably not the right word.  It's more like stunted or stymied growth.  Definitely not lack of water.  The condition persists year to year.  And surrounding roses show no signs of the problem.Although I've looked as closely as I can, I don't see any insects.

responder: Catherine Freay  Replied July 25, 2023, 8:38 AM EDT
response: This could be rose rosette disease.   Plants with reddish thicken stems, increased thorniness, strapped (usually long/thin leaves), distorted flowers, and rosettes (bunches of short stems coming from same area on a stem (cane).  See the link below for more info and management.  Rose Rosette Disease | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)
What is this bug

Question: What is this bug
I am In northern Baltimore county

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 25, 2023, 9:12 AM EDT
response: This is a Spotted Lanternfly [SLF] juvenile (nymph, fourth instar). Baltimore County is unfortunately a hotspot of SLF activity so far this year in Maryland (though that general region in Maryland has had high SLF populations for a few years now. You can report the sighting to the MD Dept. of Ag. using the link on the page above; they do require a photo be submitted with the observation. Extension and the MDA encourage gardeners to squish what SLF they can, but they are too abundant to really get them all, and we do not want people using insecticide to kill them as this could have impacts on other wildlife. SLF does not pose a significant threat to the health of home landscape plants.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 9:47 AM EDT
response: Well that sucks  Thanks!  I tried looking for life stage pictures but was not successful.  No idea why not.  Must have mistyped.  The photos only showed adult.   Now I know what I have to do when I get home today.  Hooray for zip lock bags and soap!   Thanks again! Kathy

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 25, 2023, 11:31 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
OAK TREE LEAVES ARE SHOWING DAMAGE

Question: WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE OAK TREE LEAVES.  IS THERE ANYTHHING I CAN DO? THIS IS THE SAME OAK TREE THAT HAD A SERIOUS BUG INFESTATION.  YOU WERE ABLE TO  CORRECT THE PROBLEM.  THEY WERE SMALL NODUALES NEEDED TO BE PICKET OFF.  i DID THAT FOR 3 YEARS AND NOW NO PROBLEM.

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 25, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Scott, Did the issue with the leaves begin this season? Have you noticed leaf drop along with the brown spotting? Thanks,Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 04, 2023, 12:02 PM EDT
response: Yes, this has been a regular occurrence.  YES, FEW LEAVES ARE DROPPING

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 04, 2023, 12:07 PM EDT
response: The "wasp pods seem to have gone.  Now the leaf brown patches are taking over.

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied August 04, 2023, 6:36 PM EDT
response: Hi Scott,  Hania has left the JeffCo Extension Office for a new position. The oak issue you're seeing is "oak leaf blister gall" and it's caused by a fungus that infects the leaves very early in the spring during budbreak. It is most common during cool, wet springs (like this year!). There are only preventative fungicides that you can use prior to leaf-out and nothing can be done at this point.  The good news is that it looks worse than it actually is and doesn't harm the overall health of the tree. This publication from U Mass covers the basics of the disease well: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/oak-leaf-blister
Wilting rhododendron leaves

Question: Hello - leaves on my rhododendron recently began to wilt. Could it be due to the drought? I pruned away dead branches. Should I do anything else?

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 25, 2023, 12:47 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This looks like botryosphaeria canker or dye back. The video at the bottom of the link page from Virginia Cooperative extension shows what the stems should look like as you prune back and remove the dead branches to the good white centers.  This is a drought stress disease amongst other environmental factors that may make the plants unhappy. You could do a soil analysis so see if the pH is too high for them. Other than that just prune out the bad/dying branches and monitor for water. Rhodies don't like excessive water but moist soil with good drainage.  Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 7:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for this helpful information. I will prune the bush, water it more, and, if necessary, do a soil sample.  Thanks again. I really appreciate the Ask Extension resource!Beth

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 26, 2023, 1:56 PM EDT
response: you're welcome
Tree leaves look yellowish brown

Question: I planted this tree in my yard back in the fall of 2020.   Noticed that some of the leaves have turned yellow and brown and I am not sure what is causing it.   Not sure if it is an insect issues ( I have spayed them with an insect treatment a few times this year ) or something with the soil.   I attached some pictures.   Appreciate your help.

responder: Timothy McDermott DVM  Replied July 26, 2023, 2:53 PM EDT
response: Greetings,   Is that a pin oak?  They get pin oak chlorosis. CLICK HERE to learn more about this. Our soils are generally highly alkaline so that might be the cause.  If you would like someone to examine your tree to assist with diagnosis I recommend you contact an arborist.  CLICK HERE for the link to find an arborist.  If you would like to do a soil test to see about pH levels and nutrient deficiency you can learn more about that HERE.   Thanks,   Tim

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 4:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Tim.   I know it is an oak tree but not sure if it is pin oak.      Thanks for the quick response and the links.   - Pete  On 7/26/2023 2:53 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Ball of pollen?

Question: Hi, 
I found a billiard ball sized ball of what looks like pollen on my Marian County basil plant. It was in corporate in the stems and leaves , no real holes in other leaves and the plant wasn't noticeably suffering.  I pulled it off and found one bought that looked like a mottled tan shield bug (same size and shape). Inside the ball looked like smooth cavities that would hold that sized bug. I didn't keep the bug....sorry,  but here are some photos. The remnants are in my refrigerator.  Thsnks m

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied July 24, 2023, 3:49 PM EDT
response: Cool find!   This looks like a common garden organism called a slime mold. They are common in mulched or other high organic areas. Slime molds won't harm your plants and can be knocked off with a stream of water from your hose. (Although, in this case, basil is a pretty delicate plant and might be damaged.)  The insect that you saw was just incidental and not related to the slime mold.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 10:14 AM EDT
response: Thankyou fir the quick and interesting response. I guess I have seen slime mold before, but in different forms.It was a bit if a shock....This is my first growing season in Oregon and I'm finding various surprises.  Thanks for your help.  MOn Mon, Jul 24, 2023, 12:49 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Carolina Jasmine leaves look wilted

Question: This May I planted a Carolina jasmine plant (Gelsemium sempervirens) along a stone wall that gets about 4 hours of sun. I set up a trellis and then there is a wood fence for it to snake along should it thrive. However , it seems unhappy. One theory I have is that it was too tangled on itself when I bought it and is essentially strangling itself. Any thoughts? It would be perfect visually where I have it and I’m hoping to nurture it to survival.

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 25, 2023, 9:18 AM EDT
response: The vine isn't strangling itself but might have issues with root moisture consistency. Is it being checked for watering needs regularly? (Feel the soil about six inches deep next to the roots and water well when it becomes somewhat dry to the touch at that depth.) Were the roots loosened upon planting, or left in the shape of the pot? If the latter, that can inhibit establishment and make it easier to over- or under-water the root ball. Over-watering can cause wilting, but it also usually is accompanied by leaf yellowing and shedding, which we don't see here, which is why we think it may be under-watering instead.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 12:58 PM EDT
response: Thanks .. shortly after sending this I watered it and then we also got some rain and it does look much better. I will do a better job of monitoring it. These dog days of summer I notice really seem to increase a plant’s water needs   On Jul 25, 2023, at 9:18 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 25, 2023, 3:15 PM EDT
response: Glad to hear it's doing better! Plants still establishing are more vulnerable to dry weather patterns or drought since they have a more limited root system than an older plant whose roots encompass a larger volume of soil, where they can access more moisture. (And more mature plants also have more root energy stores to tolerate some leaf drop as a response to drought stress, if it's severe enough to cause that.)  Miri