MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Pest ID help!

Question: Good morning,

Wondering if you could help me ID the pest problem here:

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied September 02, 2024, 4:30 PM EDT
response: Hi Catherine and thanks for your pictures of the plant problem. My first flash was mite or gall damage, but it would really help to know what kind of plant it is, whether it is inside or outside and what kind of care it has been getting (ie. water, fertilizer, sun amount etc.).  I'll await more information or you can just pick off the affected leaves and destroy them.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT
response: Morning Rhonda,Thanks for your reply.The plant is a Cistus - purchased from a reputable nursery December of 2021. It lives in a 15g container on my W facing balcony. Lots of sun and enough water are all the care it gets.I have been picking off infested leaves which usually does the trick, but in June I had several tiny spiders (which bit me) in the apartment. Was wondering if they might possibly be connected to the plant; as I’ve lived here for 13 years and this is the first instance of spider infestation.Thanks for your help w this!CatherineOn Sep 2, 2024, at 1:30 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied September 04, 2024, 5:15 PM EDT
response: Hi Catherine and thanks for the further information about your cistus plant. In the third picture I see some thread-like filaments which may be a sign of spider mites. They can also cause the deformation of the leaves and often arrive when the plant is over-watered.   The University of Minnesota gives the following advice:  "If your houseplants are infested with spider mites, consider moving them to a cooler room away from healthy plants. Keep the soil moist but not overly saturated. A good rule of thumb is to water your houseplants when the top half inch of soil is dry. Washing plant foliage using a soft cloth or a forceful spray of lukewarm water can help reduce the spider mite population if done repeatedly.... Insecticidal soap and horticultural oil are  effective. If using a pesticide, always read the label carefully before buying and again before using the product. This is especially important as the availability and recommended use of specific pesticides may change from year to year. The label is the final authority on how you may legally use any pesticide."  Spider mites don't usually bite humans, and although in the same family, are not spiders. If you do catch one biting you, send a picture or take it to the Extension office for identification. We are having more insect problems as our warm weather comes earlier and lasts longer these days!  Hope this helps your cistus!
Termites in Mn?

Question: I have thousands of dollars worth of damage to my rim joists in my 1891 home in Stillwater. What I saw looked like small ants and larvae that were chewing up the wood.  Definitely not carpenter ants. There was a lot of sawdust type material in 4 different areas. The rim joist was very moist and the wood just crumbled. I don’t think termites were present in MN but my research says they are?  I don’t actually see any ants in those areas just sawdust type material as shown in the pictures. However I have had in the past swarms of flying winged insects that came and went.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied August 26, 2024, 4:21 PM EDT
response: They probably are carpenter ants.  Your home has older, damp wood.  You should have an exterminator inspect and treat the wood.  Sometimes that damp, older wood needs to be replaced with sturdy, treated lumber.  Here is the information on carpenter ants.  Open all the drop down boxes.  Yes, there are winged carpenter ants.  https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/carpenter-ants

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 4:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you as I said in my text definitely not carpenter ants!  I did have a very experienced pest control expert tell me they are regular ants from a picture. Thanks

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied August 26, 2024, 4:44 PM EDT
response: You will still need to make the necessary repairs replacing the rotten wood and improving air circulation.  Good luck.
Beetles

Question: What can I do to stop these beetles? They seem to be attracted to the roses but recently moved to my swamp roses

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied August 26, 2024, 4:06 PM EDT
response: Insect identification is difficult unless the insect in question is very common. To try to identify your pest a crisp photo would be very helpful. Your camera focused on your beautiful flowers and not the bug. So I haven’t even a guess.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 5:06 PM EDT
response: On Mon, Aug 26, 2024, 3:06 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied August 26, 2024, 6:59 PM EDT
response: Thank you! So easy, it is a Japanese beetle. Thankfully they will be gone soon.  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/japanese-beetles
Plant ID

Question: Can you tell me what this plant is?

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 August 26, 2024, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This looks like Common Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca although the shiny tinge to the leaf is throwing us off on the ID. The leaf venation does look like it though and the whirled  arrangement on the stem. You can break a leaf and see if it has the milky sap and that would confirm it for you.  Its a great native beneficial plant for many insects and, of course, the host plant for Monarch butterflies, but can be aggressive in a home garden setting if you don't have the space for it to run free. You may determine that it isn't the right home for it and choose to pull it.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 1:31 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much On Mon, Aug 26, 2024, 1:23 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 August 26, 2024, 2:46 PM EDT
response: you're welcome
Bug on Princeton American Elm 3" planted last year

Question: Hello,
I found 3 dead bugs on the lower branch of my 1-year-old Princeton American Elm.  Can you advise what this is and what I should do?

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied August 28, 2024, 8:57 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Julie,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Insects are part of nature and do not necessarily harm your plants. These are the nymph stage of cicada. Cicadas are the insects that are buzzing from the trees at this time of year. As they grow, the will leave behind their exuviae (shed skin) and you may find those, also.  Did you see any damage to your tree? You don't need to do anything but enjoy the outdoor sound and witness their growth.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 28, 2024, 9:03 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  I haven’t seen any change in the tree     Julie Armbrust  . 4516 Moorland Ave.  Edina, MN   <personal data hidden>   From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 7:57 AM To: Julie Armbrust  Subject: Re: Bug on Princeton American Elm 3" planted last year (#0152914)

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied August 28, 2024, 9:15 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!
New type of goldenrod?

Question: I think I may have discovered a new kind of goldenrod in my Saint Paul yard. I have attached photos. Please advise.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 26, 2024, 4:13 PM EDT
response: It might take an expert or a group of experts to identify the goldenrod in question.  It's not something we can do by viewing the photos.  Sometimes minute identifying characteristics must be taken into account.  The identification apps I checked think your plant is Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) or a closely related species.  However, the following publication explains why it's difficult to be sure.  https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/canada-goldenrod  The leaves on the plant shown in the photo appear to be toothless.  That alone puts it a bit out of step with the Canada  goldenrod complex.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 7:22 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your prompt reply!I have Canada goldenrod in my yard. This plant looks nothing like it. For one thing it’s over twice as tall and the flowing parts are three times the size. You probably get a lot of people who message you without trying to do any research first. I can assure you that this plant does not resemble any form of goldenrod on over a dozen websites I looked at. You were a last resort. I feel that I have discovered a new variety but have been disappointed to find that it is impossible for anyone anywhere to ascertain if that is the case. On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 3:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 26, 2024, 8:24 PM EDT
response: Try sharing your photo with those who have compiled and manage Minnesota Wildflowers.  They are well qualified to help you ID this plant and will share your excitement and interest if it is in fact unusual or new to Minnesota.  https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/page/about-us
White spots within leaves on herbs

Question: All of my outdoor herbs have white spots within the leaves, visible on both sides but mostly the top.  No apparent bugs or substance.  What is this?  Can I eat and/or dry the herbs?  How do I eradicate?  Thank you!! Attached is photo of oregano

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 26, 2024, 11:11 AM EDT
response: This is probably feeding damagei from neects that suck plant sap. It's not terribly unusual and you can still wash it and consume it if you like.  Herbs taste good to insects too and there is usually plenty to go around. You can pinch out the affected leaves if they bother you, and the plants should produce new, fresh leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 1:57 PM EDT
response: Thank you! It's often too many leaves to pluck out.  The white just seems to appear and there are no visible insects on the leaves or plants.On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 11:11 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identify Butterfly

Question: Is this a SpiceBush Swallowtail or a Black Swallowtail?

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 August 26, 2024, 8:41 AM EDT
response: The pictured butterfly is a female Spicebush Swallowtail.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 9:03 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your assistance.   Andrew

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 August 26, 2024, 9:07 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Peach tree issues

Question: I planted red haven peach trees which have been doing great until recently. I havent watered much the passed 2 months due to all the rain we received. Pictures are posted. Please let me know if you have any ideas on what could be wrong or could give me a good resource locally. 

The second and third pictures is my pear tree which was thriving up until the last month. Any thoughts?

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied August 25, 2024, 8:06 PM EDT
response: Your peach has bacterial spot. This bacteria infects the tree around bloom each year. It won't kill it but can weaken it over time and reduce yield. The only way to stop bacterial spot is to apply a copper-based bactericide or streptomycin in spring. See p26 for mor einformation: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ID/ID-146-W.pdf If you choose not to spray, your tree can still produce peaches even if affected.  The pear tree looks like it has a nutrient issue. You'll also want to remove about a 1/2 - 1 foot diameter of the turf/grass around the tree to avoid competition for nutrients. Young fruit trees often benefit from an annual fertilizer application in the spring.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 11:16 AM EDT
response: So helpful thanks! I will a couple more trees I will send via the extension. You guys are great. Maggie Wilk “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa  On Sun, Aug 25, 2024 at 8:06 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Concern for Aspen Tree Base

Question: We have an Aspen tree in our from yard, it is about 6 years old and was put in by the builder as a sapling.  Over the last year the base seems to be deteriorating and we'd like to know what if anything we can do about this or if it is natural.  Originally the lower part of the tree was wrapped but we removed that wrapping when it really started to grow. I have attached a picture of the tree for your reference. Thank you in advance for your help. Jeff Knight

responder: Kind Regards,  Replied August 26, 2024, 4:27 PM EDT
response: Hi, Jeff -  Your email about the damage to the base of your aspen tree was forwarded to us at the Douglas County Master Gardeners Help Desk.   You do not mention that the growth of the tree is any different or deteriorating so I assume that, except for the damage visible in the picture (thank you for sending it - helps a bunch!), the tree seems to be healthy.   The picture shows that the lawn is growing right up to the base of the tree and is neatly mowed. So one possibility is that either a lawn mower or weed whacker did damage to the trunk. Another possible cause for the visible damage is voles.   If only a mechanical lawn maintenance cause, an easy to implement suggestion is to mulch around (not right up against) the trunk to eliminate the need to mow or trim close to the trunk.   If voles are the cause, the best solution is to put up a physical barrier at least 1" - 4" out from the trunk and 1' or greater in height to block the voles from the tree. Either plastic tubing or hardware cloth are viable options as long as the mesh in the hardware cloth is small enough to keep the critters out (1/4" - 1/2").   The publications at the links below may be helpful.  Wyoming Tree Owner's Manual: https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/resources/landscaping/wytreeownersmanfinal.pdf Mechanical Damage to Trees: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-492-w.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 6:24 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for you quick and helpful response. I will work on making some extra space around the tree base. Again thank you. Respectfully,JeffJeffrey W Knight<personal data hidden><personal data hidden>On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 2:27 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Insect damage on Royal Plum tree

Question: Can you identify what is causing the leaf damage on two young plum trees, and give guidance on what action we should take?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 25, 2024, 4:28 PM EDT
response: Here is the completed intake form for my question. Thank you!

responder: Melanie,  UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied August 27, 2024, 8:37 AM EDT
response: Hi Faith, Thank you for contacting the UVM Helpline and providing excellent photos. You photos were forward to UVM’s entimologist, Margaret Skinner and her comments are: It is pretty impossible to identify eggs. They could be stink bug (stings fruit does not feed on foliage) eggs or perhaps a noctuid moth (common plant feeder). They could be good guys or bad guys. She suggested putting them in a jar to see what hatches out. They may need to go through a winter before hatching, however. She was leaning toward the noctuid moth eggs since the pupae looked like it was from a type of moth. The damage on the foliage may have been caused by the caterpillar stage of the moth or it could be Japanese beetles. The key is to watch next year earlier in the season to see who is doing the damage and control when the larvae are small with something like Bt (if it is a caterpillar). The plum should be fine next year, just try not to let the damage happen a few years in a row.  The following websites provide additional info for hatching eggs and raising caterpillars: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/green-speak/2017-09-13-raising-monarchs-tips-monarch-rearing-indoors https://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/butterflymothrearing290.shtml Some general guidelines to help you get started: - Place the leaf with eggs in a small container with a lid that allows ventilation to prevent mold growth, e.g. a plastic container with holes on the cover. - Temperature typically need to range between 70-80F - Monitor the eggs daily since they may change color or develop small cracks as they get ready to hatch. - Once hatched, provide the caterpillars with plum leaves. At this time, the caterpillar should be able to be identified. Good luck with your new project!
Sick Boxwoods

Question: My many boxwoods look very sick. They have had beautiful growth for the prior 4 years. This started late last summer, but there was a lot of  new growth from the bud ends in Spring. Now they are suffering the same symptoms as late last summer. I will attach pictures

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 27, 2024, 8:46 AM EDT
response: The leaves are turning yellow, then brown... Look very thin and light instead of lush dark green.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 29, 2024, 7:47 PM EDT
response: Boxwood can be prone to a number of insect and disease problems. These appear to possibly have damage from two different pests...there is damage from boxwood leafminer and maybe also from boxwood mite. Boxwood leafminer: A serious pest of a favorite landscape plant - MSU Extension The Boxwood Leafminer Makes Its Yearly Entrance in Spring (psu.edu)  As the MSU article above mentions, you can treat for boxwood leafminer next spring but you'll want to confirm the presence of the larva first. These articles discuss boxwood mites: Boxwood insect pests - MSU Extension Boxwood Mite | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu) If you do treat for these pests, be sure to follow all label instructions for the proper application. If you want to send in a sample to MSU plant Diagnostics lab to confirm the exact pest(s) issues, below is the link and instructions. Be sure to send in a sample with older leaves and new leaves. Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)
Diseased apples

Question: How can I keep my apples from getting spits from insects and turning brown? Also, they are smaller than previous years.

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied August 26, 2024, 8:10 PM EDT
response: Looks like you have a combination of apple scab and codling moth issues: For scab, you can read about it here: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/apple-malus-spp-scab  For Codling moth, you can read about it here: https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/apple/apple-codling-moth

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 29, 2024, 12:39 AM EDT
response: Hello, Thank you for the links. I am reading through them.  Do you have a simple how to guide to how to get rid of the moths and scabs?

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied August 29, 2024, 7:43 AM EDT
response: For home orchardists we have this resource for IPM of these pests: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/ec631.pdf
Our tree is dying

Question: Our tree has been declining over the course of this year and we do not know why. We have not seen any pests. Can you please help us identify a cause and solution?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 29, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT
response: This appears to be a crabapple. Crabapples are suspectable to a number of fungal diseases. Crabapples can easily have a couple different fungal issues going on at the same time. Many drop much of their leaves in summer each year and are able to live with these diseases for many years. This has been a particularly bad year for fungal issues, given all the rain we have had. Lots of the newer varieties are selected for better resistance to these fungal issues, but in a bad year they could still be susceptible. There is nothing that can be done at this point in the season, other than being sure to clean up and remove all of the fallen leaves to help minimize the chance of infecting the trees next year. If you haven't noticed this problem in previous years, you could just clean up the leaves and hope for less favorable fungal weather next year. It looks like a disease called apple scab, but if you want to know exactly which fungal issue(s) this tree has, you should send a sample to MSU's Plant Diagnostics Lab to confirm. Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  If you do want to treat for fungal issues, treatment would be in spring before you really see the damage and may possibly require multiple treatments. Many of the larger arboriculture companies commonly treat crabapples for various fungal diseases. Here is a link to find an arborist in your area if you would like to treat preventatively next spring. I would recommend looking for one that has is ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified. Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)   Here are some links about apple scab: Why is my crabapple tree losing leaves? - MSU Extension  Is your crabapple losing leaves? Apple scab may be to blame | Good Growing | Illinois Extension | UIUC Apple Scab – Wisconsin Horticulture

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 29, 2024, 6:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you very muchSent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Thursday, August 29, 2024, 11:35, Ask Extension wrote: