MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Identify Insect

Question: Hello,

Do you know what this insect is?
There are many of them on all different types of plants, house etc. 
I have never seen them before.

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied September 10, 2024, 1:59 PM EDT
response: This is the nymph of the green stink bug, Chinavia hilaris - https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/VEG/BEAN/green_stink_bug.htm.  They have been found in large numbers in NW Michigan this year. One of my colleagues is soon publishing an article about them. Check back on our website soon - migarden.msu.edu.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 10, 2024, 2:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you On Tue, Sep 10, 2024 at 1:59 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Variant of the helicopter seeds our Maple tree this year

Question: We are curious if there is a known explanation as to why the helicopter seeds on our maple tree might be producing  a large number of three winged seeds rather than just the two winged ones which we usually see?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 16, 2024, 1:35 PM EDT
response: When teaching tree identification, I often tell students that should try to look at a few leaves/seeds/buds if possible because there is always some level of atypical growth on a tree.  While the three-winged fruits are uncommon, they do happen. I'm not sure of a specific reason why your tree might be experiencing a particularly heavy set of these types of seeds...unless perhaps, it is experiencing a generally heavy seed set overall this year and it's producing three-winged seeds at a similar percentage rate. Seeds are produced at different rates from year to year. Trees will often produce an abundance of fruits/seeds in years with an abundance of resources...but the opposite can also be true, as stress sometimes results in high fruit/seed production. I'm curious if you notice that these seed clusters are coming from a particular branch or portion of the tree?

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 16, 2024, 2:31 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your response. It appears the seeds appear to have all fallen. I do note the leaves on the tree have a lot of holes in them which is not at all typical for this tree. We do have Deering Tree Services treat /manage our trees and had them look specifically at this tree earlier in the summer because the leaves seemed wilted. At that time the person who came out thought maybe it was due to the very rainy weather we had when the trees were first leafing out in the spring. Our tree was fertilized per our usual tree maintenance schedule a few weeks ago. JulieBy the wonder of iPhone  On Sep 16, 2024, at 1:35 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Fungus on Magnolia tree, in cracks of bark, extensive… can it be saved?

Question: There’s a lot of fungus on Magnolia tree growing in the parking strip of my property. It is extensive, in cracks of bark. Can it be saved? If so, how?

responder: Talon Becker Replied September 10, 2024, 12:43 PM EDT
response: Hello Susan,  The fungal fruiting bodies (mushrooms) shown in your images makes me think there is probably some internal rot in the tree, which you are unlikely to be able to cure even with expensive fungicide treatments.  By the time the fungus is putting out fruiting bodies, its mycelium is well established in that wood.    It also appears there may be some new shoots or perhaps branches that are still healthy and appear to be unaffected by the fungus.  If that is the case, you may be able to prune away the dead or dying wood and allow those shoots to develop into a tree.  That would likely take several years and some pruning/training, but that may be your only alternative at this time, other than completely removing and replacing the tree.    The only other thing I'll add is if the tree is in an area where a broken limb may cause injury or damage to property, it would be best to prune back that dead tissue ASAP so as not to risk those outcomes.  I hope this helps.  Please let me know if you have any follow-up questions.   Talon Becker Illinois Extension

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 10, 2024, 2:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick response. That’s exactly what I needed to know. Much of the fungus is in the main trunk of the tree, so I think the whole tree will have to go.What great extension service???Susan On Tue, Sep 10, 2024 at 11:43 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Native grasses/wildflowers for yard

Question: I live in Ottawa County and have a strip of grass about 3’ wide by 40’ long in my yard that is bordered by some pine trees.  I’d like to replace the grass with some type of wildflower/native grass/etc. that does not require mowing.  Any recommendations?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 13, 2024, 4:45 AM EDT
response: I just haven't had time!  It's 4:00 a.m. now.  I'll try to do it tomorrow. ~Denise  On 9/12/2024 5:02 PM, Ask Extension wrote:    Denise Nash, A question assigned to your group, #0154600 has presently gone unanswered.  Please try to respond or reassign the question at your earliest opportunity.  To view or respond to the question, please login. You're receiving this notice because the question is assigned a group of which you're a member.   This message was sent by Ask Extension. If you need help, please visit https://askhelp.extension.org/.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 13, 2024, 2:25 PM EDT
response: Hi Andrew - Are you looking for a substitute for grass that you can walk on?  Or wildflowers?  It looks like a rather shady area, and it looks like you have a lot of deer wreaking havoc there.  Both of these limit what you can do in that area.  Do you want to make this a "garden" that you would have to weed?  Let me know.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 16, 2024, 1:33 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the update Denise. No real rush.    Andy   From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 4:45 AM To: Andrew Wood  Subject: Re: Native grasses/wildflowers for yard (#0154600)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 17, 2024, 2:28 PM EDT
response: Hi Andrew - I have a link for you that will give you an idea of the native plants and grasses that would be hardy in your area.  It's a good starting point.   https://www.canr.msu.edu/nativeplants/plant_facts/local_info/index I hope this helps!
Bird Identification

Question: I live in SW Loveland (near Lon Hagler) and have never seen a bird like the one in the picture attached. I have flickers that come to my back yard and thought this was one but it's about half the size of the flickers. Thank you for your help.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 10, 2024, 3:20 PM EDT
response: Hi Brenda,  The bird in your photo appears to be a Rock Wren. They are found throughout Colorado. Here is more information about them from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rock_Wren/overview   Let me know if you have any questions!   Thanks,  Lisa  Lisa Mason Horticulture Specialist Colorado State University Extension in Arapahoe County

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 10, 2024, 3:52 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much! On Tue, Sep 10, 2024 at 1:21 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Over fertilized incrediball hydrangeas

Question: In the spring I fertilized all my flowering things with miracle grow for blooms 10-52-10 not realizing it was a bad idea for my incrediball hydrangeas.  They’ve looked sickly all summer and no blooms.  I’ve tried lots of watering and also put wood chips around them but no changes. Is there anything else I should try?  Do you think they may rebound next year?  Thanks for your thoughts.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Replied September 09, 2024, 10:53 PM EDT
response: Hi- It's still green, so it's highly likely it will survive. Was it the one labeled 'water soluble, instantly feeds, feed every 2 weeks'? Also, was it something that you just did once, or repeatedly applied? So that we can determine your next step.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 10, 2024, 10:20 AM EDT
response: Yes that was the fertilizer I used. I applied it only once on April 16.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Replied September 10, 2024, 6:40 PM EDT
response: If you only did it once, that long ago, while it is possible you burnt the roots, I would not expect the only cause to be your one time fertilizing, so I attached a link with possible problems that might occur, in case you are interested. If you have loamy or clay soil type I would recommend not fertilizing it at all next year. If it was over fertilized, there may be residual nutrients bound to the soil over winter. If the shrub leafs out and does not look good next year, you can take pictures and update this question at that time. As for future fertilizing, aim for something that either says hydrangea, ideally, or some sort of flowering shrub when shopping, as opposed to ‘flowers’. A slow-release, 12-4-8 fertilizer, or something similar, is probably going to be the best option as these are standard nutritional needs for gardens, as there should be enough phosphorous in the ground; unless a soil test told you otherwise. Incrediball is a smooth hydrangea which grows on the new wood, so you can prune it low to the ground in the fall or trim it down around the last frost date in spring. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-hydrangeas-best-bloom#sources-3009710 https://extension.umd.edu/resource/hydrangea-identify-and-manage-problems/ https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-hydrangeas/ https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/growing-hydrangeas

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 11, 2024, 8:37 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much!
Gladiolus crop failure - need instructions for possible thrips eradication, over wintering corms and soil treatment

Question: We believe we had/have an infestation of gladiolus thrips in our flower farm gladiolus bed this season. Were not able to use any of the 400+ that we planted. Plants are currently in the garden bed but need to be removed. What steps do we take to salvage the corms safely, eliminate the thrips or whatever has affected them, overwinter them and do we need to treat the soil in the bed they were planted in? We need to get them out of the garden bed soon.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 12, 2024, 2:54 PM EDT
response: Hi Cynthia, My name is Jeremy and I'm a floriculture agent with MSU Extension. Thrips are a big challenge in most specialty crop systems. Based on your photos, however, I think there's more going on here than just thrips. Any chance I can call you? I think a conversation would be are more efficient. -JJ

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 12, 2024, 3:04 PM EDT
response: Yes, please!<personal data hidden>. Thanks. Cynthia On Sep 12, 2024, at 2:55 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 16, 2024, 4:26 PM EDT
response: Hi Cynthia, I left a voicemail this afternoon. You can give me a call anytime tomorrow except 3-4pm.<personal data hidden>. In the meantime, I'll share these photos with one of our pathologists and see if they have any thoughts.  -JJ

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 25, 2024, 3:40 PM EDT
response: Hello. We delivered our specimens on Monday 9-23-24 to MSU lab. Can you please let me know what to expect from here? The status says “closed” above so that confused me. Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 25, 2024, 4:38 PM EDT
response: Hi Cynthia, The diganostics lab isn't connected with the Ask Extension platform. You and I already have a game plan. I can keep this particular question open, but it can take a week or two for the lab to provide a diagnosis (depending on whether they need to incubate microbes). Closing this question doesn't affect what we're doing offline.  Kindly, Jeremy

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 25, 2024, 5:09 PM EDT
response: Hello. We delivered our specimens on Monday 9-23-24 to MSU lab. Can you please let me know what to expect from here? The status says “closed” above so that confused me. Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 25, 2024, 5:10 PM EDT
response: Oh, thank you so much, Jeremy! I understand.
Tree Mold?

Question: Hello,
We have a large, old growth, oak tree in our back yard that has developed some white growth on the lower bark that looks like the spray insulating foam.  Can you help me identify it and advise as to whether I need to treat it and how?
Photos attached.
As always, thanks for your time and advice.
Regards,
Steve

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 10, 2024, 11:26 AM EDT
response: Hello Steve,  This is the growth of a wood decay fungus called Inonotus (it doesn't have a common name). It's an active pathogen (instead of passively decaying already-dead wood), so unfortunately it means the tree will decline and die (and possibly fall as the internal wood degrades). We recommend having the tree evaluated by a certified arborist or licensed tree expert. They won't be able to treat it, as wood decay is incurable, but they can help to assess how at-risk the tree may be for falling, if they can determine or estimate how much structural stability was already lost.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 10, 2024, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Hi Miri,Thank you for that (albeit unfortunate) information.  The tree has a lean to it and is not far from the house, so I'm sure it'll need to come down.  I guess the next question is how concerned I need to be about neighboring trees?  We have several that are near by this one?  Does the Inonotus spread easily?Thanks again,Steve  On Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 11:26:18 AM EDT, Ask Extension 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 10, 2024, 4:53 PM EDT
response: You're welcome. As the Purdue web page about Inonotus that we linked to notes, "Inonotus is regarded as parasite of living oak trees so it appears to be more aggressive than other wood decay fungi and also may account for why we find it more commonly on oak species. However, the fungus has not been observed to jump to nearby oak trees. Trees infected by Inonotus are solitary, not found in clusters, and tree-to-tree spread has not been reported." Therefore, although environmental stressors like compacted soil or drought could be impacting all trees in that area and making them more vulnerable to a range of issues, in this case, it's not likely they'll also succumb to the same infection as a direct result of this tree's demise.  Miri
Area of lawn lying flat and pulling up easily

Question: Problem area on an otherwise perfect lawn - likely Kentucky blue grass

I’ve been dealing with this problem area most of the summer. It started out as one tiny area of the lawn laying flat and has spread to be a larger area browning, grass laying flat and extremely easy to pull up. Like a carpet. I put down the 24 hour grub killer back in June but that didn’t seem to help. 

Just measured the amount of water being thrown in this area and it matches the other areas. No pipes under here that would leak either. I had just watered before these pics were taken. Watering schedule is 2x per week. (2 inches per week for KBG in Colorado)

Main symptoms are that the grass is laying flat and it’s very easily pulled up. It has also turned into brown patches since late July. 

As you can see it is pulling up like a carpet. Very easily. 

I’m not opposed to tearing up the grass and reseeding in this area if needed. 

Could it be a fungus?

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied September 10, 2024, 2:20 PM EDT
response: Some observations  it seems very wet.When you pulled up the grass did you see any grubs or other insects.The grass might not KBG.  The first step is id of your grass.  I've attached the link from CSU called “Diagnosing Common Lawn Problems. https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2021/06/Diagnosing-Lawn-Problems-CMG-June-2021.pdf  This document will lead you through identification of grass and grass common problems. It may raise follow-up questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 10, 2024, 5:24 PM EDT
response: Thanks! I'll give it a read. It was definitely wet as it was just watered before I took the pictures. I do have one of those moisture checker gauges (example below) that you can buy online or at a hardware store and it's typically in the wettest zone.  Would I be better off somewhere in the middle, or depends on the grass type?On Tue, Sep 10, 2024 at 12:20 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied September 14, 2024, 12:41 PM EDT
response: Hi John, The amount of water required will indeed depend on the species of grass you have, as well as the location (shade vs. sun). If you have variable conditions in your yard (shade vs sun) you may have to experiment with the correct amount of water, so that all areas are receiving the appropriate amount of water instead of a blanket approach.    As the Lawn Problems PDF relates, you'll also want to take note of any other environmental pressures, like pet urine, higher than usual foot traffic, the presence of pests, etc. It can also help to do a visual inspection of your irrigation system as it runs, in case there are any issues with the heads or coverage. Irrigation is often the primary cause of issues with turf.   Good luck!
Do red squirrels do damage to homes?

Question: After being away from home for one month, I came home to a large cache of black walnuts in front of my side door over the stairs. A red squirrel is amassing this treasure trove for the coming winter. I’m wondering about the wisdom of putting the walnuts under the stairs for their use. Are there any reasons I should not encourage a red squirrel to live so close to the house? I recognize the squirrel’s efforts in collecting this food for his survival, and I don’t want to impede their progress unless there’s a good reason to do so. I would love to know more about the risk I may be incurring by providing a safe space for this squirrel. Thanks for your help, Steve

responder: Dr. Sarah Rautio Replied September 13, 2024, 1:06 PM EDT
response: Hi! Sorry for a small delay getting back with you.  And, WOW!, that's a good amount of cache!  Made me smile.  The squirrel's goal is to either eat them or save them in their current or future den for winter (cache) as you mention.  If you move them out into the yard, the squirrels will find them and move them elsewhere - no worries.   I would check for any holes in the foundation or porch to be sure they don't have access to move into your house as they have been known to move into buildings for the winter.  If it is pretty solid with no building entry, it is really up to you and your cute dog as to whether you mind a den that may be close by?

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 15, 2024, 2:51 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much, Dr. Rautio.  The cache was actually a good bit larger originally.  We moved all the nuts off the porch and our red friend stashed them elsewhere very quickly.  We, our red squirrel, and our cute dog, all send you a big thank you.  Have a wonderful autumn and winter, and I look forward to next time.  Be well, Steve Schneider On Fri, Sep 13, 2024 at 1:06 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Dr. Sarah Rautio Replied September 17, 2024, 1:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you for such a kind reply!  I appreciate those who want to work with our wildlife rather than just get rid of them.  Have fun and reach out to us anytime you need to.
Help for neglected peach trees

Question: Hi,
We have two neglected peach trees planted by the previous owner of the house we recently bought; I'd like to start taking better care of them.

As you can see from the close-up photos, the leaves seem to have small holes in them, and are very wilted, particularly near the tops of the trees. I've only watered the trees a few times this year, and am guessing they needed more water. The few peaches they produced had small black spots all over them. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of those. 

Do you have any advice on watering and treating possible infections? 

I currently water them by using a regular garden hose on low, placing it just outside the drip line and moving it every 15 minutes or so, hitting four to six places around the tree. 

Is there a recommended product for spraying for infection, and if so should we do that now, or wait till spring?

Finally, I do hope to find more info on pruning--should we wait till next year to prune? We do plan to get rid of the underbrush growing around the bases of the trees, as well as to place compost around the base this fall. Any general advice for making these trees happier would be appreciated.

Thank you!

responder: Linda, OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Thank you for allowing us to help you with your gardening questions. Here are some other helpful websites: BYGL Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/ OSUE FactSheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu State Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.os  Replied September 11, 2024, 1:13 PM EDT
response: Renovating and rejuvenating neglected peach trees can be very difficult, and some tree specialists might actually recommend removing such trees and planting new ones that can be properly cared for.  See: Home Gardening: Pruning to Renovate Old Fruit Trees (psu.edu) If this is not an option for you, I would suggest you pay close attention to irrigation.  The wilting you observe could be due to lack of water.  On the other hand, too much water leading to root problems can also cause wilting.  Removing the underbrush, as you mentioned, would be very important as the trees are possibly being out competed for water and nutrients.  Excessive heat and sun could also be affecting your trees.       Fall is fast approaching, and the leaves will soon drop.  Be sure to collect and dispose of all fallen leaves and twigs so as not to spread any possible disease or pests. In the spring reevaluate the trees.      Here is a publication that includes information on how to care for peach trees:    Growing Stone Fruits in a Home Garden - Cherries, Peaches, Plums | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)   Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 11, 2024, 5:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you, this is helpful!






On Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 01:13:12 PM EDT, Ask Extension <ask> wrote:</ask>