MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Degradation of Pine Tree

Question: We have a 75-80 ft pine tree close to our polebarn and garage that was hit by lightning 6-7 years ago and had a portion of the bark blown off on east side about 30 ft off the ground. The tree has done well up to now. This winter, we noticed 6 large holes in the side of the tree where the bark is gone. We believe woodpeckers initially made smaller holes followed by squirrels making the holes larger so they can burrow inside. See pics. Can this tree remain? We really like the tree; however, we are also concerned about its structural integrity.  Can someone from MSU extension come out and take a closer look for opinion? We are not far, Bath

responder: Julie Crick  Replied March 29, 2023, 11:26 AM EDT
response: Hello, It appears that the branches near the scar and subsequent holes are losing needles. This might be due to tissue damage sustained during the lightning strike, or due to white spotted pine sawyer, which is a beetle that readily infests trees that are already experiencing stress. Or both.  The woodpecker may have initially been seeking out larvae of the pine sawyer when it made the initial holes. On warm afternoons, you may actually hear the pine sawyer inside the tree munching away. Might be worth a moment to give a listen when the sun is shining?  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pine_sawyer_beetles_emerging Note the article at the link above was published in June, when the sawyer beetles emerge from the tree.   Due to the proximity of the tree to the structure, I would, sadly, recommend it's removal.   MSU faculty and employees are not able to make site visits. However, you may wish to hire a licensed arborist to come take a look and make a proper, on site recommendation. Arborists are certified through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and you can search for one using their website.  https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist If you have any questions, or wish to discuss this further, please feel free to reach out.  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 30, 2023, 10:07 AM EDT
response: Julie,Thanks for the information you provided as it will be a major role in determining what we do. Most likely, the tree will need to come down . On the bright side, we will have a lifetime supply of campfire wood . Once again, thanks ..MichaelOn Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 11:26 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Are they dying?

Question: I have a row of Arborvitae that have lost their green at the bottoms. At first I thought the bunnies were eating them, but it seems to be spreading upwards. Can you tell what’s wrong with them? The upper parts seem fine…

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 29, 2023, 11:00 PM EDT
response: I searched the web for images of rabbit damage on arborvitae and came up with a good match for your trees. Have you seen rabbits? Do some investigating. Look closely for nibbled ends. I zoomed in and twigs look "clipped" to me. Get close, parting twigs and checking the trunk for chewing or other trunk problems. The damage is done, but the rest of the tree looks strong, and may grow branches that hang down, covering the trunk. The twigs already cut into the brown wood won't re-grow, however. Some resources: Ask Extension question & answer from Minnesota, and another. Animals climb on the snow, so damage in those regions can be dramatic. Oregon Extension EC 1579 covers dealing with nuisance wildlife generally.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 31, 2023, 12:58 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!!On Mar 29, 2023, at 8:00 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Black bugs on Orange Dream Maple Leaves

Question: I have little black bugs on the underside of the leaves and sticky substance on the top. The bugs are black with 3 legs on each side. This is when I blow up the picture of them.

responder: Louise RomanowEntomologistMaster Gardener VolunteerExtension MG Program, Wake County Replied March 28, 2023, 9:46 PM EDT
response: Your tree has aphids.  They are early this year w/ the warm weather.  Normally a tree can withstand them and no treatment is necessary for the health of the tree.  If you wish to reduce or eliminate them, there are a variety of solutions depending on the size of the tree. If the tree is small enough to spray w/ a hose, you can knock the aphids off with a a good spray of water. Alternatively, you can use an insecticidal soap (like Safer's) to spray them.  Aphids breathe through spiracles, little holes in their sides, and the soap solution reduces surface tension and lets the water in the solution get into the spiracles, so the aphids suffocate. Large trees can be treated w/ a systemic pesticide such as imidacloprid applied as a soil drench, but I would not recommend it because imidacloprid is non-specific and will be taken up by the roots of anything around the tree and will kill any insect feeding on any plant that takes it up.  That means that pollinators that feed on nectar or pollen will also be killed. There is a good discussion of aphid control on crape myrtle at https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/crape-myrtle-diseases-insect-pests/.  I recommend reading it.  The solutions are the same for maple.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 29, 2023, 7:48 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your help.  I’ll try spraying with water.  Thanks again.   Marymac Webb  Sent from my iPad  On Mar 28, 2023, at 9:46 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: Louise RomanowEntomologistMaster Gardener VolunteerExtension MG Program, Wake County Replied March 29, 2023, 7:28 PM EDT
response: You’re welcome.
Are these invasives?

Question: Hello ~ I'm curious about these two plants. Can you identify them for me?  Thank you very much!

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 29, 2023, 12:36 PM EDT
response: Hi,  The first photo is a Japanese barberry and yes it is invasive.  The second photo it is difficult to say what it is for sure. It appears to be maybe a type of  honey suckle or maybe an Autumn or Russian olive. Penn State mentions some look -a-likes so when it flowers we would be able to tell what it is. If you would like to take a photo when more leaves emerge and with the flowers to send back in, that could help us in identification. If it is a non native bush honey suckle, then it is invasive as well.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 29, 2023, 1:05 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Emily.  Unfortunately, the wooded area behind my house is filled with Japanese barberry.  Ugh!  What do I do? I'll send a photo of the other shrub when it flowers.Many thanks,Ruth SimonOn Wed, Mar 29, 2023 at 12:36 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 March 29, 2023, 1:24 PM EDT
response: Hi Ruth,  Unfortunately this is a really common problem. The barberry produce berries which the birds eat then disperse through the woods. Deer and other wildlife wont eat them because of the thorns and this is why they are invasive. You can refer to the following PDF /https://mdflora.org/resources/publications/control_of_invasive_plants.pdf. I highlighted ways for control on page 10. It will definitely take some time and persistence to try to remove it.  Emily
Houseplant (squamiferum) discoloration

Question: Hello - my local houseplant group suggested this discoloration may be a virus/bacteria/fungal or phytoplasmas affecting my squamiferum's leaves. They suggested I reach out to see if anyone had any suggestions or ideas.  I'm not certain if you do things with houseplants but have maybe seen the pattern or type of issue in other plants.

responder: MJ Replied March 29, 2023, 4:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Amanda, This is a difficult thing to diagnose. Philodendrums can get mosaic diseases, especially dasheen mosaic disease. The virus is spread by aphids, using contaminated soil or tools or taking cuttings from a contaminated plant. Symptoms include leaf streaking and curled or distorted growth. But some plants have hardly any symptoms.  Below is the best fact sheet I could find on dasheen mosaic disease. (Sorry for the very long link, it is a PDF file). If it doesn't load, do a web search for "dasheen mosaic disease and philodendrum and University of Hawaii" and it will pop up.www.ctahr.hawaii.edu%2Foc%2Ffreepubs%2Fpdf%2FPD-44.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2jFodFGz_d81kw0iJByGI1" class="redactor-autoparser-object">https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjavqen_IH-AhWCkYkEHSzeBb8QFnoECDQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2F<a href="" class="redactor-autoparser-object">www.ctahr.hawaii.edu%2Foc%2Ffreepubs%2Fpdf%2FPD-44.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2jFodFGz_d81kw0iJByGI1</p>  Also, this could be a different problem. Older leaves on philodendrums can start to turn yellow because of other issues, including overwatering. And have you checked the underside of the leaves for spider mites? Infected leaves can turn yellow before falling off. Here's a fact sheet: https://savvygardening.com/how-to-get-rid-of-spider-mites-on-indoor-plants/ If the plant has mosaic virus, you'll want to toss it. If you aren't sure, cut the infected leaves off, sterilize your pruner or knife and keep an eye on the plant. If the plant begins to look worse, you'll know you need to dispose of it. There is no cure for mosaic virus and you want to prevent it from spreading to other plants. Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 29, 2023, 5:34 PM EDT
response: Thank you for this info! I have been dealing with spider mites elsewhere in the house so I've been using beneficial bugs to deal with them. I haven't noticed any on the squami but it could be the culprit - usually you see the signs before you see them.  I will cut off the yellow leaves and see if anything improves. Mosaic virus looks different to me than what I'm seeing on the plant but it does look to present in all kinds of ways on different plants. I have almost everything in semi-hydro so will take care to boil all the LECA I use before replanting things, just in case! Thank you!AmandaOn Wed, Mar 29, 2023 at 3:51 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied March 29, 2023, 5:36 PM EDT
response: You're welcome! Good luck.
Rhododendron Bud Protection

Question: Is there a way to protect the buds on our rhododendron from the squirrels?
Last year we had many buds but only had two blossoms. The squirrels gobbled up all the rest. 
Thank you for your suggestions.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied March 28, 2023, 12:45 PM EDT
response: Good morning Lisa and thank you for reach out to ask2.extension. There are so many home remedies to prevent wildlife from eating landscaping plants.  It is also hard to be sure what is eating them. One of the safest ways to protect your buds would be to put screen covering the plant until the buds open.  It may not be feasible and is time consuming but that would take care of deer, squirrels, birds and rabbits. You could try some of the repellants homemade or purchased, but depending on what is eating them for sure will make a difference in what works.  Could it possibly be birds?  Some of the pepper repellants can hurt the birds. Do some research on the repellants and check out the comments to see how they have worked for others. If you can, my top suggestion would be the screen.  I’m sorry I can’t be more help, but the wildlife is an on going problem for everyone  but  we do need them. Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 28, 2023, 1:20 PM EDT
response: I know the squirrels are the culprits as I have seen them. I just bought some Liquid Fence. Do you know if it’s affective against squirrels?

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied March 28, 2023, 5:00 PM EDT
response: It claims to be.  I’ve never used it.  I would follow the instructions carefully.  I have read it may be effective for several years and then lose  Its effectiveness.  Give it a try!  Good luck!
What's wrong with my camelia?

Question: I have a number of camelia bushes that are experiencing the same yellowing/browning discoloration.

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied March 28, 2023, 4:10 PM EDT
response: Yellowing of foliage can be caused by too much sun exposure, especially in winter. It can also be due to poor soil nutrition, pH, drainage so a soil test might help to rule out those problems.  And as with the arborvitae, we are seeing cold damage on camellias in our area this year due to the weather.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 28, 2023, 5:24 PM EDT
response: Thanks again, Ed, for the prompt response.-- Brian  Sent from my toaster oven<personal data hidden>On Mar 28, 2023, at 4:10 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
What's wrong with my cedar?

Question: Am I correct that this is a Northern white cedar? In any case, starting this fall/winter the needles started to yellow and it's progressed steadily. I'd like to treat the plant and restore it to its prior healthy green color.

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied March 28, 2023, 4:08 PM EDT
response: This appears to be just the plants response to cold this winter.  Many evergreens turn yellow/bronze in the winter in a response to cold weather.  We had a very warm fall and an abrupt change to winter in December.  Many plants did not have a chance to properly acclimate to the temperature change.  We have also had a very mild winter with several cold snaps.  Dryness during this period also contributes to this effect on plants.    As the plant comes out of dormancy, you should see the regular coloration return.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 28, 2023, 5:24 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Ed.-- Brian  Sent from my toaster oven<personal data hidden>On Mar 28, 2023, at 4:09 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
ID please

Question: Found near Potomac River in woodland setting. It looks like a type of toothwort??? Thx

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 28, 2023, 2:46 PM EDT
response: Yes, it does appear to be a toothwort (Cardamine sp.)! There are many different species and it could be a variation from one. You could explore around the the Maryland Biodiversity webpage to see if you can find one that matches. It looks the closest to Limestone Bittercress. Gotta love those spring ephemerals! Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 28, 2023, 3:06 PM EDT
response: ThxI was thinking slender toothwort… but I am not an expert. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 2:46 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 March 28, 2023, 3:17 PM EDT
response: that was our other guess too!
Daphne blossom virus?

Question: Greetings! I have six daphne, three of them are experiencing an odd blossom issue on a few branches. I'd describe the affected blossoms as cauliflower-like. The end of the twigs with the odd blossoms are 'flattened'. Thanks for your help!

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 29, 2023, 12:22 AM EDT
response: Your photos clearly show fasciation, and this link takes you to the Extension Service PNW Handbook page describing what it is and possible causes. The NCSU Daphne pages lists fasciation as common plant problem. What to do? This from the linked Handbook page: “In general, there is no need for control or management of ribbon fasciations. Abiotic causes will not spread to other plants. The damage, if that is how it is viewed, is all that will occur. Remove unwanted stems or plants if desired.” Thanks for the fine photos. Now that you know what it is called, you can find images online (and I have to say it) yes, it’s fascinating.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 29, 2023, 9:42 PM EDT
response: Thanks - so interesting! Great to know my daphnes aren't sick. Much appreciated,Megan-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 3/28/23 9:22 PM (GMT-08:00) To: Megan Stenberg <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Daphne blossom virus? (#0093599)
Is this photinia dead?

Question: The photinia pictured suffered from fungus last spring. We sprayed it with a fungicide several times, but lots of leaves fell off, which we raked up and disposed of, although a few are still coming down. The photinia looks unhappy, but a local fellow with a landscape business said he thought it might come back. Also included is a photo of the bark of the photinia. We planted it some 20 years ago.

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 29, 2023, 10:44 AM EDT
response: Unfortunately the fungal leaf spot infection the plant contracted is very common to Photinia, and there isn't a reliable way to prevent this disease using fungicides. (Plus, we discourage their use as they sometimes risk harming other organisms, don't always work well, and can be hard to apply effectively on tall plants.) Severe leaf spot disease can cause Photinia to defoliate and repeated infections can weaken them since they're not retaining leaves throughout the year. Therefore, while we can't be certain whether this plant will recover well this coming season, we can say that leaf spot could be a recurring problem where it might be more practical to replace the plant instead, especially if you're willing to use a different species in its place. While no shrub will be immune to problems, at least most won't contract this particular fungal issue.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 29, 2023, 4:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you again, Miri,  for your thoroughgoing response.Marie On Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 10:44 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by theHome 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 30, 2023, 8:46 AM EDT
response: You're welcome
Can you help me figure out what this bug is?

Question: We are finding them in our carpet and on the window sill.  Maybe an 1/8 of an inch.

how can we get rid of them/

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied March 27, 2023, 9:42 PM EDT
response: This appears to be a Varigated carpet beetle.  In general they are harmless but in large numbers can destroy natural fabrics. Learn more at the following websites. 1. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/carpet_beetles 2. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/families-health/healthy-homes/finding-removing-variegated-carpet-beetles

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 28, 2023, 7:18 AM EDT
response: Thank you!Sent from my iPhone On Mar 27, 2023, at 8:42 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Apple Tree Pruning

Question: I waited to prune my tree, Primarily due to the amount of snow.  I live up in Forest Lake.  Is it too late in the year to prune for this year?  I do not have any budding appearing on the tree as yet.

Also, I am attaching a photo of the tree in question and as you will see it is quite large.  I need to trim back and bring the tree into a more tame shape.  But determining what should be the primary leader is a true puzzler on this one as it splits right from the base and then splits again.  I will attach the photo and any suggestions are appreciated.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied March 27, 2023, 9:58 PM EDT
response: It is okay to prune as the tree is still dormant.  It is too late to establish a central leader.  This would have been done at a much earlier stage.  This shape more rounded shape is frequently used by orchards to allow for easy picking.   You can remove up to one third of the tree each year.  If the red Xs are your choices to make cuts, that would take more than a third of the tree in one season and is not recommended. This particular tree does present a pruning dilemma because of the lower branch attachments. You may want an arborist to take a look as there may be weak branches and included bark at the lower branches that would suggest a better way to prune.  The following websites give additional information. 1. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/nows-time-prune-apple-trees 2. https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples 3. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 27, 2023, 10:22 PM EDT
response: Mary,Thank you so much for your response.  It's very helpful.  Yes the xs were where I was considering pruning but I certainly would n9t prune all in one year.  We are blessed as the tree is incredibly healthy and we have been getting fantastic apples from it.  I really want to thin it and make it easier to harvest so your advice is much appreciated.Timothy Melchior8306 177th Lane NE, Columbus MN 55025Mobile:<personal data hidden> | <personal data hidden>    On Mon, Mar 27, 2023, 8:58 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: