MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Wood chips and shavings in deck siding

Question: We found piles of large wood shavings on the deck and there is some sort critter burrowing undernmeath the board and bay siding. It’s pulled out insulation from behind the sheathing and plywood and made a nest behind the siding. There are some large oval objects maybe egg sacs but no insects, whenever though wood shaving activity occurred yesterday. Any idea what this is? The wood shavings are large, not like what I’ve read about for carpenter bees.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied July 19, 2023, 8:14 PM EDT
response: Hi Meredith, I am not sure what did that damage and got under your siding. If you want to bring or send some of those large oval objects to us at the OSU Plant Clinic, I could take a closer look and see what I could tell from those. If you'd like to submit a sample, here is a link with instructions for how to do that.... https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/insect-id-clinic/how-submit-insect-and-spider-materials  Yours,

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 9:59 AM EDT
response: Hi BillInteresting that its a mystery! I will bring a sample in to OSU. Thanks!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 19, 2023, at 5:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied July 27, 2023, 4:59 PM EDT
response: Sounds good.
Yikes...Plum Pox Virus??

Question: I moved back last year to be greeted by a zillion aphids on my Italian plum tree (23 years old). I had my trees pruned last fall, and they seemed to be doing well. In the last couple days..the leaves on one side of the tree look bad..spotted, yellowing, turning brown. Does this look like plum pox virus? Suggestions? It's a great old tree, in the front yard, and would be a significant loss.
Thanks for any help or insight you may be able to give.

responder: Erica Chernoh Assistant Professor of Practice Community and Commercial Horticulture OSU Extension Lane County Replied July 17, 2023, 4:35 PM EDT
response: It is hard for me to get a good look at the yellow spots on the leaves, but plum pox virus tends to cause ring-shaped spots (see https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/peach-prunus-persica-plum-pox-sharka). The brown blotches on the edge of the leaves may be due to insufficient water, a disease, or nutrient deficiency. From what I can see the brown blotches start on the edge of the leaf, and then move into the interveinal area, but the veins stay green, at least initially. This points to an issue of insufficient water. How often do you water the tree during the dry summer months? Do you fertilize it? Do you see any ringspots or other symptoms on the fruit or stems?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 10:35 PM EDT
response: Thanks for this info. I will have a good tree guy come to look at it. -LaurieOn Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 1:35 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 12:20 PM EDT
response: Hello.A guy from Sperry Tree Care was just here. He admitted he wasn't an expert in PPV. He suggested I contact you to see if there is a test for it before I incorrectly have the tree removed. Is there a place that tests for PPV? Do you do that?Thanks for any help you can provide.-LaurieOn Mon, Jul 17, 2023, 7:29 PM Laurie Levites <<personal data hidden>> wrote:Thanks for this info. I will have a good tree guy come to look at it. -LaurieOn Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 1:35 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Erica Chernoh Assistant Professor of Practice Community and Commercial Horticulture OSU Extension Lane County Replied July 24, 2023, 12:51 PM EDT
response: For virus testing or plant disease diagnosis, you can send plant samples to the OSU Plant Clinic in Corvallis: https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic. From what I can see in the photos, it doesn't look like plum pox virus, but the lab can do a general diagnosis test for you. Refer to the plant clinic website for information on services, fees, and submitting a sample.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 7:51 PM EDT
response: Thank you. On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:51 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Strange lil borer?

Question: This Sassafras died quite a few years ago and has been a splendid snag in our gardens... yesterday I found quite a bit of borer activity and some borer larvae.  Any assistance on an identification of these critters would be appreciated.

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 July 17, 2023, 1:08 PM EDT
response: As you know, as a decomposing snag it would be natural to have boring beetles and other insects present and working on the tree, which is what makes it such a valuable and tasty food source for woodpeckers and other wildlife. Unfortunately, we are without a staff entomologist at this time so we can't give you a precise i.d..   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 11:01 AM EDT
response: Thanks much for the quick response!  Molly

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 18, 2023, 2:37 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Butterfly or Moth

Question: I saw this on my porch is this harmful?  I live in Golden Valley MN

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied July 16, 2023, 3:05 PM EDT
response: I can't enlarge the photo to see identifying clues.  But, a moth or butterfly is not harmful.  You can go to this link and do some browsing, maybe you can compare.  https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 4:54 PM EDT
response: Hi Barbara,   I thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly.   I hope I did not cause any confusion, especially since you could not enlarge the image.  My concern is that it could be harmful to my maple trees.       I had a friend isolate the image so you can see it better, I appreciate any assistance you can give me.   Thank again, Carmela             From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 2:05 PM To: Carmela Ariemma <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Butterfly or Moth (#0110804)

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied July 17, 2023, 10:37 AM EDT
response: Here is information on your moth. No, it will not harm your maples or anything else: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Epirrhoe-alternata

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 11:19 AM EDT
response: Thank you.  Sent from my iPhone  On Jul 17, 2023, at 9:37 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿
Blueberries

Question: Hi, wondering if someone can help me identify what this is? These are 20 year old blue crop bushes I have in my backyard. There are very small white raised bumps (and a very small brown/reddish ring around them) on the leaves and berries, some of the berries become misshapen or don’t seem to ripen properly. It seems localized to the lower shoots at this time, particularly at the base of the plant . I don’t have a photo of the stems but they do appear to have some sports on them also, I think brownish. Looking for diagnosis and treatment. Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 28, 2023, 12:56 AM EDT
response: This is Putnam scale. It is a very common insect pest of blueberries.   https://www.ontario.ca/page/identify-signs-scale-insects-blueberry-plants   If you are a commercial grower with a pesticide applicator license you could use Superior Oil (1% v/v),or Esteem 35 WP (5 oz) early in the season, pink bud stage.  If you are a homeowner, look for any over the counter Home & Garden insecticide at any supermarket

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2023, 12:25 PM EDT
response: I am a home grower. Are the over the counter insecticides fairly  effective/as effective ad the commercial products?  Also do I apply those now or same, pink bud stage? I had also read that lime sulfur in the spring is effective as an insecticide and fungicide, but are only commercial growers able to get this?Thanks,Rachel On Fri, Jul 28, 2023 at 12:56 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 28, 2023, 3:39 PM EDT
response: You can use “Safer soap” or a Nimb product. You can buy the at a place that markets organic pest control products.  There is nothing you can do at this time. You need to wait until the winter to apply the product.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Friday, July 28, 2023 12:25 PM To: Garcia-Salazar, Carlos <<personal data hidden>> Subject: New response added to your question (#0110799)
Plum tree dies within a week

Question: Why did this healthy plum tree die within a week?

responder: Gary Gao, Ph.D.  Replied July 18, 2023, 9:45 AM EDT
response: Hi Harry,  I wonder if your plum tree got peachtree borer and possibly lesser peachtree borer. You will see holes at the base of tree trunk with peachtree borers or holes at the crotches of large limbs with lesser peachtree borers. Peachtree borer can kill the whole tree quickly while lesser peachtree borer will kill large limbs.  Here is a fact sheet on peachtree borer:  https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef200  Hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 10:19 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much.RespectfullyHarry Acosta  On Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 09:45:59 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Rare Moth

Question: I found this moth in my garden i never seen anything like it before I live in Roseville, MI and have a pretty small garden in the middle of the city. Please let me know what type of moth this is, he is quite big but beautiful.

responder: Erwin 'Duke' Elsner, Ph.D.  Replied July 18, 2023, 9:47 AM EDT
response: It is called the black witch moth.  Natural home of this species is in southern states, but it shows up in Michigan once in a while.  See this article  https://insectlab.russell.wisc.edu/2020/09/30/black-witch-rare-midwest/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 10:12 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the information, very interesting!On Tue, Jul 18, 2023, 9:47 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Erwin 'Duke' Elsner, Ph.D.  Replied July 18, 2023, 4:42 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.  I've been hoping to find one of these in Michigan for about 50 years.  No luck yet!
Pine Woolley Adelphid

Question: I have a Pinus strobus Torulosa and I believe it to be infected with Woolley Aphids. I would appreciate your advice in this matter.  Thank you, Deborah

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied July 15, 2023, 8:38 PM EDT
response: Hello Deborah Would you please attach a photo taken far enough back so we can see the whole tree from soil line to top branches? This helps the expert see any patterns or other issues.  Also, I removed your contact info in your question text. It is important for your privacy not to include any personal info- phone, last name, email or address— in the body of your question since this is a publicly accessible database. We do not use this info- the system asked for your name and email separately, and the system will forward our replies to you that way. That info is not visible to the public.  To add pictures, click the link in your email and go into your question on the website. Click the “Drop files here or choose them” below the response box to attach them.  You can upload .jpg, .png, .gif, .txt, or .pdf.  NOTE- each picture must be 8mb or less. Regards, Laura S. Ask Extension Administrator

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 12:21 PM EDT
response: Here are the images you requested. Please let me know what other info is needed.  Thank you for your time.

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 17, 2023, 2:53 PM EDT
response: Hi Deborah, the white insects on the tree are likely pine bark adelgids. Please read through the article at the link below and compare the details with the insects you are seeing on the tree.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pine_bark_adelgid_becoming_active_in_white_pines If they are adelgids, and you wish to eliminate them, use a simple insecticidal soap or horticultural oil sprayed on the insects will kill them. Neem oil is one example. Or, you may choose to allow them to stay as they rarely damage the tree.   There is a lot of sap in two of the pictures, and it's hard to determine the source, which could help diagnose the issue causing the sap. If possible, please take a few more picture of the sap and it's origin for further information.  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 3:28 PM EDT
response: Sent from my iPad On Jul 17, 2023, at 2:53 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Japanese Maple Borer

Question: I believe my Japanese Maple is infested with borers. I peeled away the loose bark were they’ve been traveling up the trunk and branches. I lost about 20% of the tree last winter which I’m assuming is from the borers weakening the tree. What is the best way to treat it? Pictures attached.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 17, 2023, 12:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.  Yes, your tree does look stressed.  I'm concerned about the slits in the bark.  These could leave your tree vulnerable to disease and pests such as borers.  I also could not see a flare in the trunk where the trunk meets the soil.  Your tree may be  planted too deeply which could also stress it.  Remove soil/debris from around the trunk until the flare is exposed.  Make sure this area does not fill back in.  Not enough water can also stress a Japanese Maple.  Try and keep soil moisture consistant.  Do what you can to relieve stress on your tree.  If you find a borer, either adult or larvae stage, you should get an ID from your extension office.  You could purchase a systemic drench to treat the borer at your garden supply store.  Ask for help and read the label.  Please let us know if you have further questions.  Carol B. MGV  https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ent43 https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/common-pest-problems/documents/Borers%20in%20Trees.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 4:47 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your help.Bob Hanley (OSU 1978 Landscape Horticulture Major) From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Monday, July 17, 2023 12:34 PMTo: Bob Hanley <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Japanese Maple Borer (#0110774)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 18, 2023, 9:52 AM EDT
response: You are very welcome!  Carol B. MGV
What is it?

Question: Can you please tell me what the tall plant is? And what is on it?
I have several that have appeared this season in an already established bed and don’t know if I should keep and replant somewhere else or remove them.

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 July 17, 2023, 12:35 PM EDT
response: Hello; Thanks for submitting your garden and landscaping questions to the University of Maryland Ask Extension Service.  Try tearing one of the leaves of the plant in question - do you see any milky sap produced from the tear? Your plant could be a  dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) which is a perennial plant related to milkweed. It can grow 3' to 4' tall and wide and produces a cluster of white flowers in late spring, and it probably came to your garden bed by the wind or bird poop. Or your plant could possibly be a crape myrtle seedling as leaves are similar in appearance with crapes, although crape myrtle leaves are alternate on a stem, they can sometimes look almost opposite in arrangement.   So, if you find multiple uninvited guest plants growing in your nice garden bed they are likely thug plants wanting to take over your nice garden bed. If however you are curious about your discoveries, you could pot one of them up and let it grow to see what it does. It is much easier to identify a plant from its flower.  Holes in the leaves are likely from caterpillars or beetles.   Good luck in your gardening and landscaping efforts. Thanks; Christopher

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 6:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you- it’s Dogbane! Sent from Proton Mail for iOS On Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 12:35 PM, Ask Extension 'ask at extension.org' <hlvo2v97+ask=<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 19, 2023, 1:40 PM EDT
response: you're welcome!
Beetle Identification

Question: I've been finding the carcasses of this beetle inside my porch for the last few days and suspect they are also eating the leaves of my beautyberry shrub. I haven't been able to find information online.

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 July 17, 2023, 12:44 PM EDT
response: That looks like the Masked Chafer Beetle, which we commonly see here. You can see more here:  https://bugguide.net/node/view/11449 They are harmless to you and can feed on a wide variety of plant foliage but they rarely cause any serious damage and no insecticide use is needed.  They are really lousy fliers and are primarily active at night. They tend to bump into things and fall to the ground beneath. They are attracted to outdoor lights, so turning off porch or landscape lighting and pulling blinds may help keep them from being as abundant in the yard and on your porch.   Christine

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 17, 2023, 12:46 PM EDT
response: (empty)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 1:25 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Christine-this is very helpful!On Mon, Jul 17, 2023, 12:44 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 18, 2023, 9:59 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Tree Problem

Question: This summer, this tree in our yard has had small and sparse leaves as well as these brown clumps near the leaves. Wondering if this is normal or if there is anything to do about it? Thanks!

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied July 15, 2023, 7:21 PM EDT
response: The leaves indicate iron chlorosis.  Here is a link on the problem. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/maple/leaveswhite.html I also am concerned with the mulch piled up around the base of the tree.  That mulch should be pulled back 6" or more.  It could cause stem girdling roots which can kill your tree.  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/maple/branchesdead.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 2:25 PM EDT
response: Hi Barbara, Thank you for your response! Do you know who to contact/how to go about getting our soil tested? It looks like that would be helpful for the iron chlorosis issue. Also, thanks for the tip about the mulch around the tree, we will fix that.Thanks again, Kate On Jul 15, 2023, at 6:21 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: ﻿

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied July 17, 2023, 8:58 PM EDT
response: We have a wonderful soil testing laboratory at UMN.  The cost is $19.  Go to this web site and following directions: https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden
Goats beard leaves brown  edges, curling and spotted

Question: A few of my Goats beard branches are having problems.  Please see pictures.  Gets about 6 hours of sun, mid morning to early afternoon.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied July 15, 2023, 4:43 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon Cheryl and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension.  If you notice browning, your goat's beard may be getting too much sun, resulting in leaf scorch, or the soil is not moist enough.This perennial likes temperate conditions.  It will struggle in hot, humid weather. During heat spells, be extra diligent about providing it with adequate moisture. Goat's beard prefers consistently moist but not soggy soil. Even a brief drought can damage the plant and potentially kill it. If the soil feels dry when you stick your finger in about 1 or 2 inches down, it's time to water. if your plant has been in this place in your garden and has done well in past years, the heat and dry conditions we have been experiencing, is what is causing the browning.  Just be sure to keep it watered and hopefully it will be ok for the remainder of the summer.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 15, 2023, 8:29 PM EDT
response: That was helpful.  This is my first year with it. Didn't realize it needed that much moisture. Thanks!On Sat, Jul 15, 2023, 3:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Bug Investation

Question: Over the past few days these bugs are all over our deck in Elmhurst, Illinois. Can not identify them nor know how to get rid of them.  Appreciate your help. Thank you.

responder: Doug Gucker, MS, CCA  Replied July 17, 2023, 11:36 AM EDT
response: These appear to be Sycamore seed bug nymphs. They feed on the seeds of the sycamore tree.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 12:57 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your help. We do indeed have a large Sycamore tree!  On Monday, July 17, 2023 at 10:36:42 AM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: