MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Thought I'd Share this mornings creature...

Question: Looked through over 500 images online of moths but couldn't be sure what kid this 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 June 06, 2023, 12:11 PM EDT
response: This looks like a type of fishfly. We have two similar-looking species, Nigronia, here in Maryland. They are related to dobsonflies.   Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 4:11 PM EDT
response: This "bug" was at least 1.5 inches long.  The Dobsonfly resembles it the most, except the wing bars.  Thanks for your research, SandeeOn Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 12:11 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 June 07, 2023, 8:44 AM EDT
response: You're welcome. Yes, they can be over an inch in length. There are additional photos here, for comparison.  Christa
Moth I.D.

Question: Friend or foe? On my peony this morning.

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied June 06, 2023, 4:36 PM EDT
response: Cool! Thanks for the good pictures. It is one of the sphinx moths and it will not harm your peonies.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 4:52 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much!! Much appreciated.On Tue, Jun 6, 2023, 3:36 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied June 06, 2023, 6:54 PM EDT
response: Thanks and happy summer
Azalea Question - Do I have a problem?

Question: Good morning, 
I have 2 small Azaleas that have purple blossoms that are about 15 years old and slow growing.  They came from runners from a friends large old Azalea.  I do not know the variety.  After this year's blossoms died away, I started noticing new buds, but they are not blossoms.  When they open a rubbery-like white mass starts to appear.  The mass can get to be about a inch long before it falls off the Azalea.  I have attached 2 pictures, one of the bud and one having opened with the white mass starting to grow.  What is this and what do I need to do?  Is this a disease and spreadable?  I have other Azaleas in my yard and never have seen this ever happen before, even with the purple Azaleas.
Thank you.

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 June 07, 2023, 11:27 AM EDT
response: Your azaleas look well and happy. What you have there is Exobasidium gall. They are not of concern and you can just pick them off and throw them away.  Here is our page on them:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/exobasidium-gall-azalea   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 08, 2023, 5:26 PM EDT
response: Hi Christine, Thank you for providing me with the information regarding my azaleas.  I'm glad to know that this condition is easy to take care of and that the azaleas are OK. Alan

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 June 09, 2023, 12:31 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
poison ivy control

Question: We live in Montgomery County  (Residence) and we found poison ivy in our garden. Do you have a suggestion
for Poison Ivy control that is acceptable in Montgomery County?
Thank you,
Liz

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 June 07, 2023, 11:25 AM EDT
response: Hi,  Pesticide regulations in Montgomery County pertain to lawns, playgrounds, mulched recreation areas, or childcare facilities, so if this is a private garden it should be fine to use a non-organic herbicide if necessary. You can read about how to deal with poison ivy on our webpage. Cutting and carefully spraying with a chemical systemic herbicide such as glyphosate or triclopyr to help reach the root system.With that being said though, these photos do not appear to be  poison ivy. They might need to be re-sent more clearly (close-ups where we can see leaf arrangement and if they are compound). We think this looks like an Ash sapling and possibly Bishop's-weed (Aegopodium) but to be safe you should protect your skin when trying to take photos and wash hands or pruner immediately afterwards.  Let us know if you have further questions or feel free to send back additional photos.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 3:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the response! Here are some close up pics. If it is not Poison Ivy that would be a relief, but thank you for  the info! Liz

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 4:11 PM EDT
response: Here is a side view of the same plants above, I hope this helps. Thank you again, Liz

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 June 07, 2023, 5:04 PM EDT
response: This isn't poison ivy because we can see thorns in the photo labeled 1. The other photos don't clearly have thorns but they look like the same leaves, so assuming it is the same type of plant.  It is probably a type of bramble (Rubus sp.), as in a raspberry or blackberry shoot, but there are a lot of different ones and it can be difficult to identify beyond that.   You can wear thick gloves to protect your hands and pull or dig it out. The roots can be tenacious so it may pop back up. If you want to be a little more proactive you can cut the stem and squirt a little herbicide on it to help with any more shoots popping up, but you still may have to do this on occasion.  You can learn to ID poison ivy on our website and there are plant ID apps for your phone you can try. (sometimes they aren't always accurate) But when in doubt feel free to send us photos again!  Emily
Serbian spruce

Question: White gummy material in tree

responder: Julie Crick  Replied June 06, 2023, 11:45 AM EDT
response: Hi Tom, These look like white woolly aphids. If the majority of the branches on the tree look like the branches in the images provided, the tree may be weakened from their feeding. You may choose to use an insecticide for control or you can wait and see what happens.    The article below describes both woolly aphids and gall aphids. Please be sure to read information pertaining to woolly aphids; I couldn't find a reliable source with information only on woolly aphids. More specifically, you'll want to read Alternative 2 for chemical management of woolly aphids.  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r10/forest-grasslandhealth/?cid=fsbdev2_038384 If you do choose to use chemicals to control the population, be sure to read and follow all label directions.  Feel free to reach out with any questions.  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 11:58 AM EDT
response: Thank You!!! On Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 11:45 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Sycamore Problem

Question: Can you help identify the issue with my sycamore? Is it a pest or disease?  The issue is only on a few limbs.  What recommendations do you have for treatment?  I have attached pictures.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 16, 2023, 10:25 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question. When did you start to notice the tree leaves turning brown? Also is it mainly the older leaves that are being affected?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 5:08 PM EDT
response: I noticed it a couple of days before I emailed you. Yes, it is the more mature branches. I cut some off and there were little black things on them. On Jun 16, 2023, at 8:25 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2023, 1:37 PM EDT
response: It's hard to tell what the culprit would be. Skeletonization of the leaves say it's a chewing insect. Trees in the landscape can tolerate low to moderate levels of infestation without permanent damage. We wouldn't recommend treatment. Just keep an eye on it.
Houseplant question…small black flies

Question: Hello… I have a question about one of my house plants… I re-planted my shamrock plants recently, and have been waiting for them to re-emerge from their rhizomes.  After about a week, I suddenly noticed that there were quite a lot of small black flies on the plant… Much smaller than house flies, but bigger than fruit flies. What could they be?

responder: Bill Hutmacher  Replied June 06, 2023, 7:26 PM EDT
response: They could very well be fungus gnats.  These gnats like the damp soil regularly found with houseplants.  Let soil surface around houseplants dry out between watering.  Try catching the adult flies with sticky yellow paper.  Here is some information about fungus gnats and some suggested management information - https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7448.html#:~:text=Because%20fungus%20gnats%20thrive%20in,plumbing%20or%20irrigation%20system%20leaks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 9:43 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much! Sent from my iPhone On Jun 6, 2023, at 4:26 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Not sawfly? Pine tree problem

Question: Our young white pine (6â€™ tall) has some kind of larvae thatâ€™s eaten all the old needles. Not sure if it will also move on to new growth. They donâ€™t look like sawflies to me, and they are making webs of some kind. 
Will needles grow back where they were eaten?

responder: Steve MilesÂ Â Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using humanÂ intelligence, notÂ AI)  Replied June 06, 2023, 11:55 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. That appears to be a European Saw Fly,Â https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/european-pine-sawfly/ http://www.wildlifeinsight.com/sawfly-caterpillars-or-larvae/  It is a confusing area because there are diverse bugs called sawflies.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 6:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you! However I have figured out that it is actually Pine False Webworm,Â  Acantholyda erythrocephala.Â  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pine_false_webworms_are_active_in_scots_pineOn Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 10:55â€¯AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Weed identication

Question: Trying to figure out what the attached weed is....has a strong smell like spruce

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 06, 2023, 3:25 PM EDT
response: Technically I am not supposed to answer questions outside Wake County, so you may get a better answer from Pitt Co Master Gardeners as your coastal weeds are likely different from our weeds.  I was curious because it looks a lot like some marine plants.  I showed the picture to a horticulturist in Raleigh and he did not know, but thought it was terrestrial. I used the app PlantNet and my iPhone plant ID feature and their best guess was pineapple weed or Matricaria discoidea.  You can compare and decide with the actual plant in hand.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 4:04 PM EDT
response: I will since you don't know....thanks On Tue, Jun 6, 2023, 3:25 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Oak tree question

Question: My question, we have a beautiful hardwood oak tree which we planted 35 years ago. (picture attached).  (Reason it has 2 main trunks – I pruned it myself when it was a baby and messed it up!)

We occasionally get babies that sprout up in our garden – I’m assuming from acorns, though we rarely see any acorns on the ground.

We have dug them up – usually when very small, may 6” tall - , and transferred them to pots - but they all die.

I’ve attached a picture of one that is getting pretty big – about 4’ tall.  We would like to remove him from the garden but don’t want him to die.

Do you have any advice on how to best do this?  

Should we pot him first, let him grow a bit in the pot and then move him to the ground?  

Or should we put him in the ground right away? 

Also, are we too late in spring to try now?  Would we be better off waiting till fall?

Thank you for your assistance.

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied June 06, 2023, 3:31 PM EDT
response: Hi Debbie, I'm closing this question since we already chatted via email. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 3:39 PM EDT
response: OK. Thank you! From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 1:32 PMTo: Debbie Cavanaugh <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Oak tree question (#0103862)
Help diagnosing River Birch issue

Question: I have attached a few pictures of our River Birch. They are 18 yrs old and late last Summer we noticed one of them had leaves turning yellow, then brown and then no leaves. The issue seems much worse this year as the one barely has leaves nearest the house and it appears to be spreading to the other birch tree although that one appears mostly healthy at the moment.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 06, 2023, 11:08 AM EDT
response: Last summer’s drought stressed many trees and we are seeing the effects this spring as trees fail to leaf out.  This also makes trees more vulnerable to pests. One likely pest is the bronze birch borer.  Compare what you are seeing with the following websites: 1. https://extension.umn.edu/tree-and-shrub-insects/metallic-wood-boring-beetles 2. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/birch/branchesdead.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 12:56 PM EDT
response: Thank you.According to the website, River Birch seem to be immune to the bronze birch borer. I do not see any evidence of the pests affect on the tree. There are also no mushrooms or excess growths around the base of the tree which would exhibit some type of rot.Are there some additional pictures I could send or does the U make house calls?On Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 10:08 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 06, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Resistant is not the same as immune.  Stressed trees may become victims.  The drought last summer into fall could either be the cause or a contributing factor. We do not make house calls. Many arborists will do first complimentary visit.  See:   1. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional 2. https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 1:39 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the info.  On Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 12:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Leaf problem on Korean Spice Viburnum

Question: Our Korean Spice Viburnum plants are two years old, and this year have developed some problem which is curling some leaves up.  What is causing this, and what can we do about it?

FYI, we prefer to use natural methods rather than chemical approaches when possible. We have an organic lawn care company helping us with the lawn, with good results in general - occasionally have had to spot-treat a lawn issue with pesticide, but no broad applications. We do all the weed pulling by hand.

responder: Jennifer Andon  Replied June 15, 2023, 12:31 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon, and thank you for your question.  I apologize for the delay in getting back to you.  I am in the Columbus area and have noticed the exact same thing on my Korean spice viburnum.  I believe it was a result of cold and or frost damage during the bud stage.  In fact, we've noticed this on quite a few of our trees in shrubs this spring.  The plant will outgrow this, but you can also prune back some of the branches since it is done blooming for the year.  Best of luck with this fragrant beauty.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 3:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you, this helps a lot!  Have a great summer! Kirby Date  On 6/15/23 12:31 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Jennifer Andon  Replied June 21, 2023, 2:48 PM EDT
response: You're very welcome.  Take care.
Milkweed Weevil

Question: All of my milkweed plants are damaged.  The leaves have been eaten at the top including the budding flower.  The stems have cuts in them and I found several little black insects. I identified them as the milkweed weevil and am wondering what to do. Pesticides are not an option since my garden is organic and for the monarch butterflies. The milkweed has been in my garden for at least 6 years and this is the first year that I have had this problem. I am thinking of taking out the present milkweed , am wondering if I should cut it or pull the plant out. Also wondering where these insects came from.

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 06, 2023, 10:17 AM EDT
response: The milkweed stem weevil is another specialist of milkweeds, though less frequently encountered. Beyond hand-picking the weevils off, there are few options for non-chemical control.  Instead of pulling the plant out, I'd suggest cutting most of the way to the ground. It should regrow and may bloom later in the season.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 11, 2023, 11:23 AM EDT
response: I have cut all the milkweed in the garden. There is new milkweed that is starting to grow. They are very small and as soon as they emerge I am finding the weevils and/or evidence of them laying the eggs in the stem.  So I have been cutting those also.  How long is the life cycle of these insects and when the eggs are laid in the stem how long before they emerge?  Would it be okay to use neem oil on the newly emerging milkweed plants? I can't imagine a monarch laying  eggs on such small leaves that aren't even fully opened. How long does the neem oil stay on the leaves?

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 12, 2023, 10:50 AM EDT
response: The adults are present through early July, and damage can continue in the larval stage as the eggs hatch. This article has additional information about them: https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=693  If you're trying to kill the adults, Neem will be ineffective on a hard shelled beetle. Pyrethroids would kill the adult beetles. However, they are a broad-spectrum and can also kill monarchs and other milkweed specialists. Unfortunately, there is not a great option here. Your milkweeds have drawn in specialist insects but one that is a bit more destructive.
Help Determining Pest In Perennial Bed

Question: Hi, Team! I have a flowering perennial bed that’s bordered on one side by my garage and on the other side by my patio. The heat from both sides means I water a tad more frequently. I’m careful to water at the soil level, rather than from above, avoiding watering foliage. 

This year, I’ve noticed considerable leaf damage to two out of several perennials and I’m attempting to determine the pest so I can appropriately remedy the issue with some sort of pest deterrent. Worth noting- not every plant is affected. 

The two plants with severe leaf damage include Butterfly Bush and Purple Bee Balm. 

The unaffected plants (no visible damage) include Purple Coneflower, Globe Thistle, Purple Balloon Flower, and Bachelor Button- all nearby the two plants with issues.  

Thanks so much for any insight you can provide! (I think from my FOG course, this pest has chewing mouth parts!)

responder: Thank you for your question! and have a great gardening season.  Replied June 05, 2023, 7:39 PM EDT
response: From your pictures the damage seems to be caused by chewing insects. The main culprits could be aphids, thrips, or earwigs. Look your plants over carefully to see if you see any soft bodied insects, especially on the under side of the leaves. These could be aphids. Thrips are very hard to see as they are almost microscopic. Place a sheet of white paper under a leaf or flower and tap the part of the plant. If you see small black dots on the white paper that is a good indication of thrips. Earwigs only come out at night so you will have to search for them after dark with a flashlight.   All these insects can be controlled with a treatment of insecticidal soap. Further information on using environmentally safe pesticides can be found here: How to control invasive pests while protecting pollinators and other beneficial insects - Pollinators & Pollination (msu.edu)   Thank you for your question and have a great gardening summer

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 3:51 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the rich info!  A quick update and follow up question I tried the white paper idea, didn't see any little black dots. I tried going outside at night to spot earwigs, no luck. Then today, I decided to go leaf by leaf and inspect the undersides. Took a while, but I FINALLY spotted something! Are you able to make out this bugger from these photos? On Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 7:39 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question! and have a great gardening season.  Replied June 20, 2023, 11:11 AM EDT
response: Sorry I can not make out the insect you have on your plant. IOf you spray with insecticidal soap or Neem oil make sure to spray the tops and under sides of the leaves.
Tree Damage

Question: Hi,
We are having a home built on Lake Fremont in Zimmerman, MN (Sherburne County).  One of the pieces of equipment moving dirt around hit one of our oak trees (I believe it is a red oak) and left a pretty good size gash in the bark.  We would hate to lose this tree.  Is there anything I can do to "bandage" the gash?  Please see attached photo.
Thank you for your help!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 05, 2023, 4:43 PM EDT
response: Trimming and smoothing the rough edges of the damaged bark will promote the development of callus wood trees produce to close wounds.  Generally speaking, covering the wound with tree paint or other sealants isn't recommended.  However, it's advisable in this case to reduce the risk of oak wilt.  It may be best to hire a certified arborist to care for the tree.  Learn more here: https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/tree-wounds-and-healing/  Also, be sure the soil above ground level that surrounds the tree shown in the photo is removed as soon as possible and do what you can to prevent trenching or digging in the tree's root zone.   https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/maintenance/construction_damage.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 9:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your expert advice.     We will do what we can to keep the tree healthy.     Thank you again!  On 06/05/2023 3:43 PM CDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: