MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Yellow spots/holes on magnolia leaves

Question: Young magnolia tree with holes in a few leaves. Holes seem to start as raised yellow bumps, then develop into oblong holes, edged yellow. See photo.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 11, 2023, 9:56 PM EDT
response: We don't know what's causing the oblong holes.  If you reply and attach a sharp photo of the raised yellow bumps, we might be able to help.  In any case, if relatively few leaves have been damaged and the condition doesn't appear to be progressive, the tree's health isn't likely to be affected.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Guess these photos are the best I can do on close-up of the bumps… thank you for your help!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 16, 2023, 10:17 AM EDT
response: Thanks for sending the photos.    Unfortunately, the damage isn't distinctive enough for us to determine what caused it.     It might have been caused by leaf mining or gall making insects, and in some cases leaf tissue damaged by fungal or bacterial disease falls out creating a shot hole effect.  Unless the damage is progressive and becomes extensive, it's not likely to affect the health of the tree and can be ignored.  The following publications may be of interest:  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/holes-leaves-get-whole-story

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 7:58 PM EDT
response: OK! Thanks for your help! And for all the work you do!
What is this insect?

Question: We are inundated!  Thank you!

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 06, 2023, 11:14 AM EDT
response: Please tell us where you found this insect, indoors, outdoors, both, etc. What is it doing, feeding on plants, crawling on floor, etc. How long is it? I will try to reassign this question to another person.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 06, 2023, 11:49 AM EDT
response: Steve, Thanks, I already reassigned it to Marisa, Schuh.  Linda  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Thursday, July 6, 2023 10:30 AMTo: Linda G Tenneson <<personal data hidden>>Subject: New Internal Activity Alert

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 11:49 AM EDT
response: These insects are outdoors.  They are between 1/4” to 1/2” long with antennas (see picture ) that are longer than their body length.  The antennas are constantly moving and they do fly.  Like to sit on house siding and exterior of dark colored vehicle.  They do not bite and they don’t appear to be eating any of our plants.  Thank you!  Cathy~On Jul 6, 2023, at 10:14 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 06, 2023, 2:07 PM EDT
response: Another person identified this as a caddis fly.  https://uwm.edu/field-station/caddisfly/
Asian jumping worm?

Question: I think I've got them but want to make sure. The info on the internet isn't clear enough for me to be confident. I don't want to kill something that's beneficial. I'm sure it's about a foot long when extended.

responder: Pana Jones, Program Assistant  Replied July 06, 2023, 10:40 AM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out with your question. I am not able to definitively identify this worm using a photo. It would be helpful if you could bring one of these worms to our office so that I can consult with our Extension Agent. In the meantime, this information may be helpful.Sadly, there are no methods to control jumping worms. From NC State: It is difficult to control jumping worms when they are already present in an area. There are no chemicals available for controlling earthworms, and compounds that might work against jumping worms would also kill other earthworms. Leaf litter can be raked aside and any jumping worms can be hand removed and placed in a bucket of soapy water, rubbing alcohol, in a freezer, or in a bag left out in the sun to kill them. This can remove at least some of the individuals from the environment, which may help reduce future populations. The most important form of management is preventing the worms from establishing in an area in the first place. This can be done several ways: when purchasing mulch and other ground cover, make sure it is free of worms and cocoons (if possible); composted materials that attain proper, high temperatures for the right amount of time (104-130°F for three days) can kill cocoons, reducing the risk of them coming in on such materialswhen buying plants, inspect the soil for worms or cocoons; purchasing plants with bare roots can help avoid contaminated soilrefrain from swapping plants dug up from the ground, leaf litter, and soil with neighborsavoid purchasing jumping worms for fish bait; accidental releases can allow them to invade new areasclean soil from items, vehicles, etc. that are being moved from one area to another, especially if the area of origin has jumping worms present Reference: Jumping Worms | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu) For further reading, this University of Minnesota publication has a lot of good research-based information. Topics under Controlling Jumping Worms include management, prevention, and managing your emotions. Jumping worms (umn.edu)I hope this information is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 11:43 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much. I'll try to do that sometime.LisaOn Thu, Jul 6, 2023, 10:52 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Pana Jones, Program Assistant  Replied July 06, 2023, 11:48 AM EDT
response: Glad to help.
What is eating our collards?

Question: Hello, something in our organic vegetable garden really loves to devour our champion collard greens. We don't mind sharing the bounty with nature but these guys are taking it to another level. Please see attached pictures. I haven't seen any insects on them but I do see what appears to be a slimy residue so maybe a slug of some sort? The plant damage looks similar to what happened with our kale last year. Any help is much appreciated. We don't use any insecticide and haven't taken any other pest proof measures to this point. Thank you!

responder: Lola W  Replied July 06, 2023, 7:45 PM EDT
response: I believe the damage to your collards is due to the cabbage worm. When I enlarged the pictures you sent, I thought I spotted one on a leaf. They camouflage very well being green in color like the leaves. Since collards are a member of the cabbage family it is not surprising they are affected by these pests. The worms cause damage by chewing holes in the leaves which is shown by your pictures. Handpicking the worms can be an effective way of controlling them, provided you can find them. Natural predators, such as the trichogramma wasp, is another control method. Using row covers is may keep the moths and butterflies from laying eggs on the collard plants. The cabbage worm is the larval form of the small white or large white butterfly, both commonly known as the cabbage white butterfly.  Below I listed some reliable websites you may find informative on collards and pests that affect them.  https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/collard-kale-armyworm-cutworm-looper  https://pamlico.ces.ncsu.edu/2022/10/worms-in-collards/  https://bpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/u.osu.edu/dist/1/8311/files/2014/12/TableTopVegPests2017-vmhpmn.pdf  I wish you success on getting some collard greens to enjoy from your crop. Below is a picture on which I marked where I saw the cabbage worm on your collard plant.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2023, 7:19 AM EDT
response: Hi Lola, thank you for the assistance! I took a closer look and was able to locate quite a few tiny worms on the underside of the leaves. See attached photos. Are these cabbage worms? Thanks, NickOn Thu, Jul 6, 2023, 7:46 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Lola W  Replied July 10, 2023, 7:25 PM EDT
response: They sure look like cabbage worms to me.  I found pictures on a couple OSU websites and listed them below. You will be able to determine whether what is on your collard greens are cabbage worms better I can from photos.  https://u.osu.edu/pestmanagement/crops/brassicas-2/cabbageworms/  https://u.osu.edu/wayneipm/2014/08/22/imported-cabbage-worm-larvae-and-crysalis/  I hope these additional images are helpful to you. You may also try searching cabbage worm images to see if anything looks like what is crawling on your plants. Thanks for responding and providing more pictures.
Mycosphaerella fragariae on dandelion?

Question: I have what looks exactly like the soil-borne fungal pathogen, Mycosphaerella fragariae (thank God for copy/paste!) on some dandelions in the perimeter of my garden. It has not spread to any other plants and it’s on a small percentage of my dandelions. I am not growing dandelions as a harvest crop, but just trying to stay ahead of my garden health. Do you think this is Mycosphaerella fragariae? Is this something I should be concerned about? Thanks

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 06, 2023, 9:07 AM EDT
response: Do you have strawberry plants nearby?  They are the host for this fungus. It is unlikely that it is on the dandelion.  While it is not possible to diagnose many leaf spot diseases without a microscope/lab these look more like frogs eye/cercospora leaf spot. These leaf spots are seen mainly on crops like soybeans.  If you want a more definitive diagnosis you can send a sample to the Plant Disease Clinic.  Details are at the following website. https://pdc.umn.edu/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 8:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you. I was unable to find anything else and mistakenly assumed it was Mycosphaerella fragariae after I found the photos of strawberry plants with that because of how similar it looked. No strawberries in my garden. You are probably right about cercospora leaf spot.     Thank you     Travis  On 07/06/2023 8:07 AM CDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Inpatients dying

Question: What is wrong with the impatients?

responder: Kevin K.  Replied July 07, 2023, 2:47 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your email about your impatiens. Would you mind answering a few questions so that we can give the best possible answer? 1. When did you plant the impatiens? 2. Was there plantings in the container prior to these plants? 3. If this is an older container,  did you add new soil, compost, or fertilizer?  4. How much and how often do you water them? How much light do they get? 5. Have you noticed deer or rabbits in your yard? 6. If possible, please send some close up pictures of both upper and under side of the leaves that look diseased. It also looks like some of the stems are darkened? Would you send a picture of that as well.  Thanks for your patience, and we look forward to hearing back from you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2023, 4:17 PM EDT
response: Planted as starts from Plant Warehouse, Albany early May.Have used same containers in same location for several years.1/2 new 1/2 old soil with 16 16 16 fertilizer. Water 3 x week and as needed.Same shader area as all other years.No deer or rabbits. On Jul 7, 2023 11:47 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Kevin K.  Replied July 10, 2023, 12:46 PM EDT
response: Jeanne, thank you again for providing this additional information, it was helpful in diagnosing this issue.  Your plants have Impatiens Downey Mildew from what I can observe in the photographs.  It is recommended that you remove the infected plants and soil in your containers.  Clean your containers thoroughly.  Don’t compost them in your yard or at your site.  Replace the soil with pasteurized potting mixture and replant healthy new plants or start cuttings from a healthy plant.  I noticed the watering can in the background, so I also suggest that you don't water the plants from overhead but from the sides close to the surface.  Your watering schedule may also be too frequent.  You should check the soil moisture by digging a small hole down 4-6 inches and check soil moisture to see if watering is appropriate, if not, postpone watering.      I hope that you find this information useful and as always Happy Gardening.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 2:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information.  I had no idea there was such a thing.     What should I clean the containers with?     I am thinking because this is a colder year than most is why this happened. I have planted them there with the same watering schedule (some overhead) for three years with no problems.  Could the plants I purchased be the source?     Thank you.  On 07/10/2023 9:46 AM PDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Kevin K.  Replied July 10, 2023, 6:30 PM EDT
response: Jeanne,       Clean the containers with soap and water and dry thoroughly should do the trick.  The plants were healthy at the time of purchase.  The disease came about because the environmental conditions were met for it to establish itself.      As always Happy Gardening.
Discoloration on evergreens

Question: Any idea what is happening to these evergreens?  We had them planted in 1 1/2 to 2 years ago.  See attached pictures.  Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2023, 10:45 AM EDT
response: I have noticed other Austrian pines in the neighborhood, including another one we have also has some areas with brown needles.  Is this a disease attacking these trees or is it the result of some extreme weather this past winter, including some below zero overnight temperatures?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2023, 11:25 AM EDT
response: HI Kris, It could certainly be weather-related, though the uneven distribution on your trees in particular makes me wonder if they're being attacked by twig beetles.  This will be easy to verify--do you see any sawdust or insect galleries (or beetle larvae!) underneath the bark of the twigs that have died?  Newly planted trees tend to be susceptible because even with good planting practices the trees will be stressed.  Ultimately, good vigorous growth is the best defense; your trees look like they're pushing out good growth increments this year (and I'm sure the moisture is helping!).  If you do have beetles, preventative sprays could be used for a year or two until the trees are well established. More broadly throughout the county, many conifers are showing signs of winter injury.  This tends to be evenly distributed on growing tips or concentrated on the south side of trees, not quite matching the pattern in the photos you sent. I hope this is helpful. Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 10:32 AM EDT
response: Hi,  thanks for yr response.  Is there a picture of the larvae on this website that I might look at so I can check?  Kristin

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 11, 2023, 11:24 AM EDT
response: Sure.  The most telling signs will be the holes/sawdust/galleries left behind, but you can find images of twig beetles here: http://www.wci.colostate.edu/Assets/pdf/TwigBeetle.pdf and for tip-moths here: https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/arthopods/moths/pine-tip-moths Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 8:35 PM EDT
response: Thank you John!  I don’t think that we have the beetles but we have our tree people coming out to check!  Thanks for your prompt assistance!Kristin C From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Tuesday, July 11, 2023 9:25 AMTo: Kris Crocker <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Discoloration on evergreens (#0109103)
unknown fruit

Question: Can you identify this? The tree was here 20 years ago when I moved in but just starting bearing fruit the last couple of years. The fruit gets about the size of an apple, is shaped more like a pear, and stays fuzzy.  It is now in a fenced area my dogs have access to. Is it safe for them? Thank you.

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 05, 2023, 6:32 PM EDT
response: Your “fuzzy apple” looks like quince, scientifically named Cydonia oblonga. Here is the Oregon State landscape plants page with general growing information. compare the photos. Are they a match to your tree? Edibility advice isn’t something we can comment on, but with the name you can now talk to your veterinarian.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 9:59 AM EDT
response: That does look like the tree in my yard and the fruit. Thank you very much. NancyOn Wed, Jul 5, 2023 at 3:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Native frog addition to our backyard pond

Question: Hello!
We have a concrete hemisphere-shaped bowl that we use as a water feature with the water pumped through to cascade down again. We are wondering if it would be suitable habitat for native frogs. Could you please provide some guidance on this?  Thank you

responder: Dan Edge  Replied July 06, 2023, 3:15 PM EDT
response: Hello Sara, You have a beautiful water feature and am sure it was immediately obvious that such features can attract wildlife to your yard. Birds in particular will readily use water sources like the one you have as well as mammals and insects. It will be less attractive to frogs for a couple of reasons—habitat and size. First, frog habitat typically includes emergent vegetation (plants growing out of the water) that provide shelter from predation. The rocks in your feature may provide some shelter, but because of the small size of the feature, a predator like a raccoon can easily search the entire basin even if it did have emergent vegetation. Thus, a feature like yours might attract frogs from a nearby wetland, but they would be easy prey for predators like raccoons, creating what biologists call an ecological trap. You might have frogs lay eggs in your basin early in the spring and you could see tadpoles developing, but they likely would be vulnerable as well.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 9:26 PM EDT
response: Dan  Thank you so much for the information.We really appreciate it!SaraOn Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 12:15 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Flower Head Droops

Question: Several of my native plants, mainly Echinacea and Monarda, have suddenly had their flower heads droop. The rest of the plant looks fine. The tops of the plant then turn brown. It doesn't occur with all. What could be causing this?

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, 2:51 PM EDT
response: There are some stem boring insects that eat into Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Monarda etc. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/borer-insects-flowers but they are common do not warrant a control, as insecticides will not be effective for them. Damage usually isn't extensive and you can just prune out any infected plant stems that you notice.  It is a little difficult to see in the photo but it looks like there may be chewing marks along the stem towards the top.There is Weevil that does eat into the stems and it looks like that may be happening here. It is called the Sunflower Head Clipping Weevil. We wouldn't recommend a chemical control for it other than if you see any to pick them off. The link provided gives the following:  'Damage is mainly aesthetic, but the reduction in seed production could potentially cause a significant decline in natural re-seeding. The best method for controlling this weevil is to remove and destroy the dangling flower heads as well as heads that have dropped to the ground. This will prevent weevil larvae from completing their development. If the flower heads are removed gently to avoid disturbing the hidden adults, the heads can be dropped into a bucket of soapy water to kill the adults. This will reduce the weevil population and thus reduce damage to flower heads. Insecticides are not a viable suppression option. Insecticide labels will not support making an application to plants in full flower because of the substantial risk of killing plant pollinators. Remember: the label is the law!' Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 07, 2023, 11:00 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your prompt reply. Upon careful examination it does not look like the damage is caused by the Weevil. Likely a boring insect. I pruned out the damage from plants affected and threw it out. The information has been very helpful.     Kathy  On 07/06/2023 2:51 PM EDT 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 07, 2023, 11:07 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Drain bugs

Question: These bugs are crawling out of the bathtub drain at my elderly parents house. They are about 1-2mm. I’m assuming they are drain moths but am not certain.

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, 12:37 PM EDT
response: Drain flies (they do look moth-like) are different in shape and size (larger) than these insect cousins, which are springtails. Fortunately, springtails don't hurt anything and only feed on debris like mold spores and pollen. Their presence might mean an area indoors is staying more damp than usual or might be molding if there is a water leak into wood or wallboard, but near a drain on hard surfaces they aren't necessarily an indicator of a problem.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 12:40 PM EDT
response: This is awesome. Thanks very much for the explanation.Josh Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Thursday, July 6, 2023, 12:37 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 06, 2023, 3:52 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Weed

Question: There is a weed taking over my garden. It is everywhere. I till it under and it comes back. How do I get rid of it.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 06, 2023, 1:12 PM EDT
response: This looks like a type of Amaranthus.  I can't the species from the seedlings in the photo.  Most of the Amaranthus species are annuals.  I think there is probably a pretty good seed bank there.  Did you bring in any soil from another location?  Hand pulling is usually the best option in a garden.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2023, 10:13 AM EDT
response: Looking at pictures of Amarnthus it doesn’t look like it. I’ve not added any new soil to the garden. I’ve had this garden about 30 years. It’s quite large 50x100. The weed takes over before the seeds come up. It’s a complete ground cover and chokes out the plant. So hand pulling is not effective.  I’ll send some new pictures "Sent from my iPad On Jul 6, 2023, at 1:12 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2023, 3:56 PM EDT
response: I consulted a colleague who is a weed scientist and they agree it is some type of pigweed.  Hoe them out or suffocating with cardboard or plastic is an option.