MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
robin

Question: I  have attached a photo of a robin, with his wings outstretched  in an unusual way, and I was wondering if this is normal behavior, or if the bird was injured.

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 March 06, 2023, 12:46 PM EST
response: Although it's hard to tell from a still photo, this may be a behavior called "anting," in which case it's normal. Birds seek-out ants and splay their wings out over the colony or group of ants, encouraging them to swarm over its feathers. In the process, the ants are thought to either directly consume parasites on the bird (mites, lice, etc.) and/or their defensive sprays of formic acid or other compounds acts like a chemical treatment to kill or repel any parasites on the bird.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 06, 2023, 7:26 PM EST
response: Thank you so much for the fast response

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 March 07, 2023, 8:55 AM EST
response: You're welcome.
Animal tracks?

Question: Hi, I was in a stretch of forest bordered on one side by what seemed to be an agricultural property (livestock). I found this in the mud and it seemed like tracks from an animal. It might be hard to tell from the attached image, but could it be? If so, is it possible to tell what kind of animal?

responder: Jason O'Brien Statewide Coordinator - Oregon Master Naturalist Program Oregon State University Extension Service, Forestry & Natural Resources  Replied March 06, 2023, 12:47 PM EST
response: Hello,  Thank you for contacting OSU Extension Service. The tracks that you found very much look like raccoon. I count 5 toes on the track that you circled. This one is a front foot, as the hind foot would be longer, also with five toes. I don't see a hind foot in the photo that you included, but that isn't unusual because the ground that is walked on varies and which foot that is visible depends on how the animal is walking.   If you are interested in a resource for animal tracks, a good book to start with is the Peterson Field Guide to Animal Tracks. If you want a bit more technical and nuanced book, the book Tracking and the Art of Seeing by Paul Rezendes is a good one.  I hope this response helps.   Thank you again for contacting OSU Extension Service!

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 06, 2023, 2:59 PM EST
response: Thank you for your responses for both of my questions! They were very informative and helpful. Thanks again,Sydney AndersenOn Mon, Mar 6, 2023 at 9:47 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Jason O'Brien Statewide Coordinator - Oregon Master Naturalist Program Oregon State University Extension Service, Forestry & Natural Resources  Replied March 09, 2023, 3:36 PM EST
response: This is great to hear Sydney! Glad I could help!  Jason
Blaze Maple Tree oozing sap

Question: We have a Blaze Maple planted about 16 years ago. Has been healthy  we prune regularly. Noticed some oozing of sap last year then stopped. This year much more see it on other branches as well. Want to save tree need advice.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 06, 2023, 10:12 AM EST
response: Hello, Maple trees often ooze some sap in the spring - it's fairly normal. You said it oozed sap last year and then stopped, which would be a typical pattern.  During the winter, there may have been some shrinking/contraction, and now with spring coming, the tree is starting to move water up and down the trunk and finding exit points, like frost cracks.  That said,  there are a couple of issues with the tree that may spell some future trouble - one is that most of the large branches are coming out of the same spot on the trunk.  This is an inherently weak structure, and could mean breakage in heavy wet snows.  Autumn Blaze maple is also a tree that doesn't love Colorado - particularly our more alkaline soils and dry winters.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 07, 2023, 10:33 PM EST
response: Thank you so much for the information. Will definitely remove the large branches from same spot on trunk.Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Monday, March 6, 2023, 8:12 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Invasive grass

Question: Help.

I have been treating this grass in my backyard  by pulling it out, using a weed killer and finally resorting to round-up.  It has been spreading quickly and is taking over my backyard.  I would like to get on top of it early this spring and need your help to identify it and assist with how to get rid of it.  Please help.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied March 05, 2023, 7:38 PM EST
response: Good Evening Marty,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. Based on your photos, I believe this is quackgrass. Please click on this link: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/weed/grass/quackgrass.html which should help to identify the grass.  As the link explains, Hand removal very difficult due to the creeping underground stems (rhizomes) that easily break apart and remain in the soil to grow new plants. This might be the reason you have been fighting it for so long.  Here is a link to quackgrass control: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/weed/idlist.html#10 Please ensure you read and follow all the directions on chemicals to control the grass.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 06, 2023, 1:58 PM EST
response: Thank you!!!!     Marty Fisher Broker/Owner Premier Commercial Properties, LLC A Real Estate Services Company <personal data hidden> cell <personal data hidden> office <personal data hidden> fax Connect on LinkedIn Visit Our Website >> www.premiercommercialproperties.com Search Properties | See Sold/Leased Successes | Latest News   Follow Us: LinkedIN | Facebook   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Sunday, March 5, 2023 6:39 PM To: Marty Fisher <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Invasive grass (#0091558)

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied March 06, 2023, 5:35 PM EST
response: You are welcome!
When to plant roses

Question: Hello.  Thank you for all of the wonderful programs and information that you make available to the public!  I enjoy reading the emails.  About two weeks ago, my wife and I purchased some hybrid tea rose plants from Costco - because the pictures/descriptions looked/sounded good, the plants looked healthy, and they were at a good price.  However, I thought it was too cold to plant them outside.  I also didn't want them in the house where the dog and cats could hurt the plants or themselves.  The garage was the only other option.  Our garage gets quite hot in the summer and quite cold in the winter.  So I placed the plants near our hot water heater, to take advantage of whatever radiant heat was available.  Well, now the plants are really starting to sprout.  I'm not sure if that would have happened regardless of where I placed them.  But I don't know if I should be watering the plants (I have not), or whether I should plant them outside asap even though the temperature can still dip below freezing.  My wife and I are very excited about these roses and want them to do well, so thank you in advance for your advice and guidance!

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 March 07, 2023, 12:30 AM EST
response: Plant them out. Knock off any packing material around the roots and get them into native soil. This sheet from Metro Master Gardeners shares planting basics.Planting Bare Root Roses in March is an even better article for you. Please ask follow up questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 09, 2023, 7:44 PM EST
response: Thank you Jacki!   Regards,  Chris        -------- Original message -------- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>  Date: 3/6/23 9:30 PM (GMT-08:00)  To: Chris Mazza <<personal data hidden>>  Subject: Re: When to plant roses (#0091543)
Parasite

Question: I have a photo of a two inch long what appears to be a parasite.  It came out of her nose and had issues throughout her body

responder: Ask Extension Question Wrangler Pronouns: she/her/hers  Find your local Extension office here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/county  Find an expert in a specific topic here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/experts/experts-by-topic-area   Find home gardening information here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/  Order a soil test kit here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension   Mold questions? We don’t have an expert in mold, but we do have a few resources below or contact the  Michigan health department. Molds in the Home  Indoor Air Quality May be Hazardous to Your Health    Mushroom questions? We can’t identify, but we do have these three resources to help you: Identifying  Morel  Poisonous  MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg, Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The University resides on the land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.     Replied March 06, 2023, 9:29 AM EST
response: Can you please add a few more details — who is ‘she’? Animal? Human?

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 07, 2023, 3:10 PM EST
response: Sorry.  She is a human.  49 year old female.  Extreme loss of weight alsoOn Mon, Mar 6, 2023, 9:29 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 07, 2023, 3:21 PM EST
response: I oppologigize for that. She is a49 year old female.  Human.  She is also experiencing hair loss and weight loss.  Her main problem seems to be in her left index finger.  Pain to the joint.  Bluish in color.  Swelling to the point it split under her finger nail. This is a photo of her finger and the other two are things that came out of it. Thank you for taking the time to get back with me.  It really is very much appreciated.  At this time she feels as though if nothing happens soon she is going to lose that finger.  A couple of other fingers next to it are also having a bluish tint now.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 07, 2023, 3:26 PM EST
response: Thank you for your assistance. On Tue, Mar 7, 2023, 3:21 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Erwin 'Duke' Elsner, Ph.D.  Replied March 07, 2023, 8:00 PM EST
response: This situation is far beyond the scope of my expertise, nor would it be likely that anybody in the Ask Extension system could feel confident in rendering assistance.  This is a medical matter, you need to seek the help of a trained medical professional.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 09, 2023, 12:23 PM EST
response: Thank you! On Tue, Mar 7, 2023, 8:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Soybeans fertilisation

Question: How much fertiliser does soybeans require and of what components should the fertiliser have and at what stage should the fertiliser be applied?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 03, 2023, 9:39 AM EST
response: Hello,  First you will want to make sure you pH is in the 6.0-6.5 range.  There is no need to use nitrogen because soybeans fix their own. The nutrients you will most likely need to apply are phosphorus and potassium. We recommend applying these at planting or near planting time. The best way to know the amount is to do a soil test. Otherwise the link below takes you to the tri-state fertilizer recommendations where you can find the recommended fertilizer rates for soybeans based on a yield potential (Table 19 and 24). A yield potential is recommended to be a yield that can be achieved 3 out of 5 years. https://www.canr.msu.edu/soilfertility/Files/Main-page/FINAL%20PRINT.pdf Best,  MJ

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 03, 2023, 9:52 AM EST
response: Wow!! Thank you so much On Fri, 3 Mar 2023, 16:39 Ask Extension, <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What plant is this?

Question: Can you identify the green plant in the photos below?  I’ve had it about a year & it’s been a houseplant only. I do not know what kind of plant it is. 
It’s healthy & producing new leaves, but I need advice on how to repot it into larger pot.
Thank you.

responder: Thanks for allowing me to help with your gardening needs,  Replied March 02, 2023, 10:25 PM EST
response: Hello It appears to be a Kalanchoe , they are mainly grown for their interesting leaves. You may even have one called Flaming Katie. It is suppose to bloom in fall and winter. They like to be kept in a south window if you have one  to transplant, you will want a container about twice as large. Use a good sterile potting soil mix  you can purchase that at any garden center   Place some soil in the bottom of a container that has drainage holes—enough so that when you place the plant in, the bottom of the stems are about 2 inches below the rim. If you don’t have soil with fertilizer already in it shake in some balanced (10-10-10) granular. GentLu remove the plant from the old container, shaking off old soil.  Place in new container and cover roots and stem to the 2 inch line I talked about earlier. Water  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/kalanchoe/ https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2018-03-19-tips-repotting-houseplants

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 03, 2023, 11:05 AM EST
response: Thank you very much for the helpful info!Now I know I have a Kalanchoe & will follow your guidelines for repotting.Much Appreciation.On Mar 2, 2023, at 10:25 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Thanks for allowing me to help with your gardening needs,  Replied March 03, 2023, 11:24 AM EST
response: You’re welcome. Enjoy your weekend
horse stall fungus

Question: I have a stakeholders who have this fungus growing in a horse stall.  They are wondering about it.  What is it? is it bad? how to get rid of it?  why is it growing there? ect.
it looks really cool to me! Can't wait to hear your answer.

responder: Take care,  Replied March 03, 2023, 11:15 AM EST
response: Hello Didgette, Thank you for your question! Unfortunately, we don't currently have anyone at Extension who can identify fungi, so we are not answering identification questions at this time due to liability and the danger of being incorrect. Mistaken identification can result in intestinal upset and even death if eaten. I suggest getting in contact with the Oregon Mycological Society. They can also be reached on their Facebook page. I am sorry that we can't give you an answer, these are very interesting-looking fungi.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 03, 2023, 6:08 PM EST
response: Thank you.  I will give them a try.         Didgette McCracken  OSU Grant County Open Campus and Agriculture Faculty University Extension and Engagement - Oregon State University 116 NW Bridge St. Suite 1, John Day, OR 97845 C:<personal data hidden> <personal data hidden>      From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Friday, March 3, 2023 8:16 AM To: McCracken, Didgette <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: horse stall fungus (#0091453)     [This email originated from outside of OSU. Use caution with links and attachments.]
Growth on a tree

Question: Hi, I noted this growth growing on the branches of a tree.  can you identify it and tell me if it is harmful to the tree or other trees / plants  pets / or humans

responder: Lori N. Replied March 02, 2023, 7:34 PM EST
response: I need more information.  Is this a plum or cherry tree?  Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 02, 2023, 8:08 PM EST
response: Hi,No it is not a fruit tree.   Not sure what kind of tree but it does not fruit Thanks On Mar 2, 2023, at 7:34 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Lori N. Replied March 03, 2023, 5:22 PM EST
response: I asked if it was a plum or cherry tree, but should have been more broad.  It looks to me like this is an example of black knot gall, a fungal disease of ALL trees in the Prunus family, a genus of trees and shrubs that includes the plums and cherries, but also many others. These galls are hard swollen, black and knobby growth on the branches and sometimes the trunk.  Some trees are more affect than others.  The fungal growth turns hard and black by the end of summer and is therefore noticeable in winter webern there leaves are not present.    She plants tolerate these growth and the leaves remain green and healthy, but on those highly susceptible trees, the leaves on the branches with galls wilt, turn brown and die. The fungus overwinters in the galls and the spores are released during wet periods in the spring.  The wind then carries them where they an infect other branches.  The first year after infection the galls are swollen areas on the branch with a velvety olive-green covering, but the second year the gall turns black and hard and will keep getting bigger and releasing spores each spring. You can prune out the galls in late winter when the temperatures are below freezing, but are sure the pruning cut is at least 4" below (toward the trunk) of the gall.  You will need to inspect and prune out the new galls each winter. After pruning, in early spring,  you can also spray with a fungicide, but you must make sure the plant to be treated is listed on the fungicide label.  Read the label carefully and follow the directions exactly. The name of this plant pathogen is Dibotryon morbosum or Apiosporina morbosa. See https://extension.umn.edu>plant-diseases>black-knot.   I hope this is helpful and you are able to rid the tree of these knots.
Citrus Trees - Issues

Question: I have 3 citrus trees that survived the freeze: a meyer lemon, clementine and mandarine orange, but their leaves are showing signs of problems.  I believe the Meyer and Clementine have the same issue.  And I think they have only one issue although I could be wrong.  The mandarine appears to have several issues; again, I could be wrong.  Attached are two pics - one is of the meyer and clementine leaves; the second is the mandarine, w labels and notes that will hopefully help.  A little more info:
The clementine tree is probably 6 years old and bore much delicious fruit during Christmas of 2021 but did not bear fruit in 2022.  I believe it was a 3 year old plant when I bought it, and I have had it for about 3 years.
The meyer lemon tree was planted in 2020 or 2021 after being purchased from Home Depot.  I don't know how old it was at the time but was probably 2' tall. Bore one lemon in December 2022.
The mandarine - ditto the meyer lemon (purchased and planted at same time), but it has grown more rapidly and fared better in the freeze.  It bore 9 (delicious!) clementines in Dec 2022.
I LOVE my citrus trees and appreciate any help you can give as I would like for them to thrive!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 09, 2023, 12:26 PM EST
response: Thank you for your question! And congratulations that your citrus trees have survived. The most important thing to do for your trees right now is to just give them time. After the freeze we had, its normal to see some level of damage and its better to just wait until our temperatures to get more normalized before making any treatment decisions. I do notice on your mandarin orange tree evidence of leaf miner damage, and have attached a helpful article below. https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/fact-sheets/citrus/ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1145#:~:text=Use%20products%20containing%20imidacloprid%2C%20such,will%20need%20to%20be%20repeated.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 09, 2023, 4:41 PM EST
response: THANK YOU SO MUCH! Cheryl TuckerFlourish Weddings, Flowers, Eventsflourish-htx.comOn Thu, Mar 9, 2023 at 11:26 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Rabbit girdled my crab apple!

Question: Hi, a crab apple tree in my backyard was severely girdled by rabbits this winter.  Is it going to die or can it be saved (see attached photo)? Please advise!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 02, 2023, 12:20 PM EST
response: Thanks for your question. I fear that your apple tree will not survive and will need replacement. The rule of thumb is that when 50% or more of the bark is removed from around the trunk's circumference, the tree will not obtain sufficient nutrients for survival. However, don’t be surprised if during the upcoming April and May you see leaves and even flower buds on the tree. This could lull you into thinking that all will be right. That will not be true. Any leaves and/or buds that you see will reflect energy that had been stored in the tree branches during the 2022 growing season. By June 2023, these leaves and buds will shrivel up and fall off. The only way to protect trees from rabbit damage is to surround the tree with some type of fence. Keep this in mind for any tree replacement that you might do. This fencing would need to go up at least four feet from the ground. As you can see in your pictures, the bunnies were standing on top of the snow that may be a foot or more up from the ground. Since such creatures can easily jump over a foot high fence, this is why the actual fencing needs to be as high as possible. See the following for information on these and related points: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-use-keep-rabbits-away-apple-trees-46487.html https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-against-rabbits-winter - :~:text=The most effective way to,hardware cloth around vulnerable plants. https://orchardpeople.com/rabbit-barriers-for-fruit-trees/ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/rabbit-damage-to-trees.htm Sorry to be the harbinger of unfortunate news about your apple tree. Nevertheless, thank you for using our forum and GOOD LUCK.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 02, 2023, 12:58 PM EST
response: Thank you!    Matt Koropchak <personal data hidden>    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 11:20:35 AM To: Matt Koropchak <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Rabbit girdled my crab apple! (#0091405)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 02, 2023, 1:06 PM EST
response: Glad to be of assistance.  I would guess that since early December, our group has easily received well over 100 rabbit questions similar to yours.  Thanks again for using our forum.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 02, 2023, 2:50 PM EST
response: Glad to be of assistance.  I would guess that since early December, our group has easily received well over 100 rabbit questions similar to yours.  Thanks again for using our forum.