MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Infestation of tiny white insects on tomatoes

Question: Hello — I have an infestation of tiny white insects on my tomatoes I am trying to identity. They are primarily on the undersides of the leaves, though I do see a few on the tomatoes. If I tap or shake the leaves, they fly up in swarms and then settle back on the plant.  No evidence of damage to the leaves or fruit. They started appearing about 4 weeks ago and have progressively grown in number. I checked the rest of the garden and do see the same insects on the undersides of the bean and eggplant leaves, but in far fewer numbers. Any ideas on what this insect is? Suggestions on what I can/should do to get rid of them (assuming they are not beneficial)? Thank you!

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied September 29, 2024, 9:53 PM EDT
response: Greenhouse white flies are the most likely the insect. Compare with the following website for identification and treatment options.  They won’t survive Minnesota winters but don’t take the plants inside where they will create issues with houseplants. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/greenhouse-whitefly-5-587/

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 30, 2024, 10:08 AM EDT
response: Thank you! Yes, I do believe it is the white flies.
snake plant with brown spots

Question: see attached photos.  new snake plant with new indoor potting mix - potted many other plants this is the only one w issues.  I have isolated it.  how do I treat this?  no bugs (checked w/ magnifying glass)

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 September 30, 2024, 10:56 AM EDT
response: This appears to be a foliar disease, which can crop up when leaves are too wet for a prolonged period of time. It is possible that it even came from the greenhouse this way.  We would suggest pruning out the worst affected leaves and put them in the trash. Give the plant bright light and water low to keep the leaves dry.  Theese plants like quick and free-flowing drainage so ideally the soil mix would be 2/3 soil-based potting mix with one third coarse sand or perlite. During spring and summer when you water, allow the top inch of potting soil (maybe more since you have a more moist soil) to dry out before watering again. In the resting period of winter, allow half or more of the soil to dry out before watering again. These plants like cramped roots so don't feel the need to repot again unless you begin seeing white roots above the soil surface.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 30, 2024, 11:46 AM EDT
response: great, thank you for all thiis information!! On Mon, Sep 30, 2024 at 10:56 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 September 30, 2024, 12:47 PM EDT
response: You're welcome. Good luck.
Rhododendron brown end

Question: Hi. My road at Dunham has a few leaves that are green but brown on the end. Can you tell me what this might be?

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied October 03, 2024, 10:08 PM EDT
response: Is this a rhododendron leaf?

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 03, 2024, 10:22 PM EDT
response: Yes

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied October 03, 2024, 10:50 PM EDT
response: One leaf is a difficult diagnosis.  It may well be heat damage from our odd weather earlier (burned), but the clear line is suspicious. I could find no insect that would do that to a leaf. If you wish, please send a photo of the entire bush.
What are these black/red bumps/nodules on my Hibiscus branches?

Question: Hello, at my place of work in Hawaii on the dry side of the island, we have several Hibiscus hedges that all have these blackish reddish bumps all over them. The nodules are all over the branches in various concentrations. We've lost a few plants that may have been due to these. We replanted some smaller hibiscus plants where those died and I just noticed after a couple months that these bumps have spread to them. I've tried treating with Neem oil weekly for a couple months, as well as using Bonide Infuse Lawn & Landscape Systemic Disease Control weekly for about a month. I haven't seen much improvement. However besides having these nodules on them, the vast majority of the plants look fairly healthy with green leaves and lots of blooms. From the research I've done online it looks to me like it may be a type of Nectria cinnabarina fungus. Any experts can confirm what this is? Any recommendations on treatment? Thank you for your time.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 27, 2024, 3:09 PM EDT
response: Here's a wider shot.

responder: Debbie D. Dillion, NC State Horticulture Extension Agent, Union County Center, 3230 Presson Rd, Monroe, NC 28112. Office phone 704-283-3729; email dddillio@ncsu.edu. Replied September 27, 2024, 7:35 PM EDT
response: This appears to be a scale insect of some sort.  I am located in North Carolina so recommend that you collect a sample (cut off a couple of branches with the insects) & take to your local Extension office for positive identification and control recommendations.   Find your County Extension Center (click on your state, then scroll down the page to Cooperative Extension for contact information).  Thanks for using Ask Extension. Debbie

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 01, 2024, 2:54 PM EDT
response: I just wanted to follow up. Thank you so much for getting me on the right track. I never saw any of the insects, only the honeydew globs that somewhat resembled the fungus I mentioned. I've reached out to the local extension at our local college as you suggested. In the meantime I've been doing some more research and think I have a positive ID. Lobate Lac Scale. This is one helpful reference I found. https://alohaarborist.com/lobate-lac-scale-a-most-unwanted-pest-article-by-carol-kwan/  Once I knew what I was looking for, I found the little guys.  I'll still follow up with the HDOA and see what we can do to treat this.  Thanks again for the help!

responder: Debbie D. Dillion, NC State Horticulture Extension Agent, Union County Center, 3230 Presson Rd, Monroe, NC 28112. Office phone 704-283-3729; email dddillio@ncsu.edu. Replied October 01, 2024, 4:29 PM EDT
response: You are most welcome!  So glad I was able to help.  Debbie
What are these beetles

Question: I have killed a few dozen in the past few days. In bathroom and above kitchen sink. Tiny beetle like bugs.

responder: Amanda Bachmann, PhDPesticide Education and Urban Entomology Field Specialist Replied October 01, 2024, 4:53 PM EDT
response: If you still have the samples, please mail some in a hard sided container to me at: 412 W Missouri Ave, Pierre SD 57501. I'd like to take a closer look, but just from the photos my best ID is that these are some of our carpet beetles. However, the photos aren't clear enough for me to get a good look at the pattern.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 01, 2024, 5:16 PM EDT
response: If I capture more I will send. I’ve been cleaning and sprayed pretty extensively. Here is one more picture that is a little better. Fungus beetle was another thought. Sent from my iPhone On Oct 1, 2024, at 3:53 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Amanda Bachmann, PhDPesticide Education and Urban Entomology Field Specialist Replied October 01, 2024, 5:39 PM EDT
response: Carpet beetles and dermestids feed on organic matter, usually in carpets, furs, natural fibers etc. I do want to see a physical sample because it seems odd to find them in a bathroom. Having the right ID will allow you to take a more targeted management approach, that will hopefully be successful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 01, 2024, 6:30 PM EDT
response: Ok. I will send right now and hope it gets to you asap before the weekend. I included case number on a piece of paper Sent from my iPhone On Oct 1, 2024, at 4:39 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 03, 2024, 9:12 AM EDT
response: Looks like the package is out for delivery. Please let me know at your earliest convenience what you think the bugs are. Thank you! Sent from my iPhone On Oct 1, 2024, at 5:26 PM, Chantel Yearling wrote:﻿Ok. I will send right now and hope it gets to you asap before the weekend. I included case number on a piece of paper Sent from my iPhoneOn Oct 1, 2024, at 4:39 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Amanda Bachmann, PhDPesticide Education and Urban Entomology Field Specialist Replied October 03, 2024, 6:09 PM EDT
response: Sticking with one of our carpet beetle species on this one. If you have an attic or crawlspace above your bathroom, you may want to investigate that there are no dead critters up there. Continuing to run a dehumidifier in the space may also help, as a lot of insects need a certain amount of moisture to survive. Also check any items with natural fibers, as there may be a food source near by.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 03, 2024, 6:19 PM EDT
response: Ewww. That was not the answer I was hoping for. Thank you for your response.Sent from my iPhone On Oct 3, 2024, at 5:09 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
White spruce with brown tips

Question: I have a white spruce tree with dead tips of its branches. Should I do anything? See attached pictures. Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 27, 2024, 12:26 PM EDT
response: Hello, that damage you see is being caused by an insect, the Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid.  More information on this pest and treatment options are listed here: Eastern spruce gall adelgid - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu) In short, this pest causes fairly minor damage in most years to white spruce trees.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 27, 2024, 12:51 PM EDT
response: The tree is not very tall; would it help to cut off the brown tips and bag and dispose of them?Thank you very much.On Fri, Sep 27, 2024, 12:26 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 27, 2024, 12:57 PM EDT
response: Hello, Yes, you can do that.  It would be best if you could remove and destroy/dispose of them in mid-August.  If you see them again next year, that would be the ideal time. That is when the insect begins to exit those structures.  However, some may still be leaving into October, so for those situations it could still be beneficial.
Pruning/Trimming Arborvitae

Question: Hello,I’m hoping you can assist with a question. The shrub in the attached pic has started to impede my walkway. I would like to retain the shrub, trimming it back so that the walkway is cleared. Upon investigation, it appears that if I were to trim it back all the greenery would be gone, exposing the inner brown branches. If I were to move forward with this process would the green leaves grow back or would the Arborvitae be forever destroyed? Note: The shrub was previously a tree. I cut the top off a couple of years ago as it was growing too tall and it has continued to thrive. Thanks.

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 September 26, 2024, 4:37 PM EDT
response: You are correct that there is a risk of having the shrub not regrow foliage in any area where branches are pruned back to old wood (the areas with no foliage in the plant's interior). If you want to experiment, you can try pruning to see how it responds (though wait until early spring at this point). However, given how close it is to the walkway and the fact that it will still regrow (if it does recover well) and keep repeating the problem in the future, the better solution would be to either transplant it to a better location or replace it (with a plant more able to fit into the space available without needing pruning).  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 26, 2024, 4:57 PM EDT
response: Thanks, your response is much appreciated.  On Sep 26, 2024, at 4:37 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 September 27, 2024, 10:05 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Mystery bush

Question: On my morning walks I noticed this planting and I'd like to know what it is. This picture was taken in July, the berries are now bright red..

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied September 25, 2024, 9:56 AM EDT
response: Possibly European Cranberry Bush. Plant ID requires close ups of leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 29, 2024, 12:30 PM EDT
response: I appreciate your help with this. Please see close-up pics.SteveOn Wed, Sep 25, 2024 at 08:56 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied September 29, 2024, 1:45 PM EDT
response: European cranberry bush, a species of viburnum May I suggest downloading "Picture This" with both free and paid apps for plant identification.
Identification of plant with yellow leaves

Question: I would like to know name of this shrub (see j-jeg) with yellow leaves I saw while hiking a trail in Surry, NH.

responder: Thank you for contacting the InfoLine, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension.  Replied September 26, 2024, 2:09 PM EDT
response: Hi, Joseph!Thank you for reaching out to UNH Extension regarding identification of the shrub you found while hiking. It sure is stunning with its yellow leaves and burgandy stems! I'm not able to identify it positively, but it looks like it could possibly be apocynum cannabinum (https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/apocynum-cannabinum/) or similar. If you're able to get back to the trail again at a different time of year and can take multiple pictures from different angles, especially if there are any flowers, berries, or seed pods. That might help with a more definitive identification. In the meantime, here is a link to a really cool UNH Extension resource around native shrubs in New Hampshire: https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource006415_Rep9197.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 26, 2024, 8:38 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  On Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 02:09:45 PM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:
Help for dying? ponderosa pine sapling

Question: We have a ponderosa pine sapling (about 12 ft tall) that went without water between mid June and early August in Bend. When we arrived, it looked healthy and green. Now, each day more and more needles turn dry and red, even though we water almost every morning and have added mulch around the base. It's hard to tell how it's spreading around the branches, but it seems like many times the tips turn red/dry before the bases of the needles. Please help us save the tree, each day it appears worse and it's our only ponderosa - thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 30, 2024, 12:08 PM EDT
response: Hi there, I haven't had any reply to my question after 6 days and the tree now has barely any green needles. Is there a phone number I can call? Thanks so much for your help, Jenni On Tue, Sep 24, 2024 at 7:36 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Dear Jenni, Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online. YOUR QUESTION #0156310: Help for dying? ponderosa pine sapling We have a ponderosa pine sapling (about 12 ft tall) that went without water between mid June and early August in Bend. When we arrived, it looked healthy and green. Now, each day more and more needles turn dry and red, even though we water almost every morning and have added mulch around the base. It's hard to tell how it's spreading around the branches, but it seems like many times the tips turn red/dry before the bases of the needles. Please help us save the tree, each day it appears worse and it's our only ponderosa - thank you! Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States. If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.  This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.

responder: Amy BakerOregon State University | Extension Communications Replied September 30, 2024, 5:57 PM EDT
response: Hi, Jenni! Jenna is having trouble logging into her Ask Extension account and asked me to give you her email so you can contact her directly. Please send her an email at <personal data hidden> if you would like to continue the discussion.
Diseased catalpa trees

Question: I have two large catalpa trees about 15 years old. One of them started losing leaves this summer. Leaves turned spotty yellow, curled up and fell off. Whole branches are now leafless.
I suspect Virticillium wilt.
Is there a registered arborist that could help me diagnose/fix this problem, for a fee?
Thank You.

responder: V/r,  Replied September 27, 2024, 6:06 PM EDT
response: Good Afternoon, To verify that you do in fact have vertcillium wilt you need a lab diagnosis.  Services & Fees - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  Confirm your field diagnosis by sending a sample to MSU Diagnostic Services for positive identification. Fungicides are not effective against this disease. Avoid using a susceptible host as a replacement when replanting in an area where a plant has died of verticillium wilt. Avoid using wood chip mulch made from trees or shrubs that died from verticillium wilt, as recent research suggests that the fungus may remain viable in wood chips for considerable periods of time. Trees and shrubs reported as resistant to verticillium wilt that could be considered as replacements include: arborvitae, fir, juniper, larch, pine, spruce, yew, birch, beech, boxwood, ginkgo, hawthorn, hickory, honeylocust, hophornbeam, katsura, mountain ash, bur and white oaks, pear, sweetgum, sycamore, walnut and willow.  You can find an arborist here TreesAreGood.org  Verticillium wilt - Integrated Pest Management (msu.edu) Identify & Treat Hardy Catalpa Tree Diseases (Catalpa speciosa) | Cultivating Flora  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 27, 2024, 9:00 PM EDT
response: Dear Doreen, Thank you for responding to my catalpa tree problem. I would like to submit a sample for analysis. What do I submit (bad leaf, twig, soil?) and where do I send it? Thanks again for your response.  Harold Herta, CANR grad, 1974!  On Sep 27, 2024, at 6:06 PM, Ask Extension wrote:    ﻿

responder: V/r,  Replied September 28, 2024, 1:36 PM EDT
response: Good Afternoon,Trees with Suspected Vascular Wilt diseases including Verticillium Wilt, Dutch Elm Disease, Oak Wilt Suitable oak wilt submission Select branches that are partially wilted, with symptomatic leaves progressing from the tip of branches inward to the trunk. Be sure that branches are not totally wilted, dry, or dead. Select samples from up to three symptomatic branches per single tree. Branch samples should be at least 1 inch in diameter, cut into 6-8 inch lengths, and placed in large re-sealable plastic bags. Keep samples cool during sampling, shipping, and storage, but do not freeze. Ship samples overnight mail (no later than Thursday) or deliver in person to the laboratory.Read our general guidelines on submitting tree samples for wilt diagnosis.Oak wilt clients, please read "The best sampling procedures for accurate oak wilt testing". I hope this helps.
Berry Identification

Question: Can you tell what type of berry this is, are they poisonous and other cutting them down, how to get rid of them? My son and his dog will be visiting in a couple of weeks. I don’t want her to get sick.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 25, 2024, 1:29 PM EDT
response: Hi Debbie,  The vine in your photo is Bittersweet nightshade.   All parts of the plant are toxic, containing the chemical Solanine.  Click on the link attached for more information.  learn.misin.msu.edu/webapp/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=167&cname=Bittersweet nightshade  Thank you for using Ask Extension.  Pam MSUE Master Gardener  ps. Hope you are enjoying retirement!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 29, 2024, 2:10 PM EDT
response: Thanks Pam. Not much of a retirement yet. Have transitioned to full time caregiver for my mom. :( Thought you retired?!Best Regards,Debbie Bogan  On Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 01:29:55 PM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:
Mushroom Identification

Question: Hello-
Is this a Hen of the Woods, and is it edible? I found it in the Font Hill Wetlands Park in Howard County. It was by itself in a grassy area, and there were no others in the vicinity.
Thank you.

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 September 24, 2024, 9:25 AM EDT
response: It superficially does resemble that type of mushroom, but we cannot ID a mushroom with precision from photographs (confirmation can would require microscopic examination of the spores, or potentially chemical testing). We also don't comment on edibility, since it can be too easy to mistake an edible mushroom for a toxic one.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 24, 2024, 3:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  I'm not going to eat it, just interested. Would  the fact that it was found alone in a grassy area with no trees tend to make you think it is not a hen of the woods?

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 September 25, 2024, 10:17 AM EDT
response: Our plant pathologist says this does appear to be Hen-of-the-Woods, but that it would be associated with trees as a type of wood decay, so maybe there is a buried stump or old root in the area under the mushroom clump.  Miri