MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
What’s eating my tree?

Question: Something is eating the leaves of my tree google says it is a Tilia cordata.

responder: BarbLB   Replied July 26, 2024, 12:05 PM EDT
response: Shannon, Before I can accurately identify the problem can you provide a photo of the whole tree?  It’s bark as well.   If this is indeed a Linden tree I can then determine what the likely culprit is.  Please post it to this inquiry. Thank you.  Barb

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 11:27 AM EDT
response: We have 2 of the same tree and both are being eaten by something. Here are the pictures you asked for. I’m not sure if this is what you were looking for with the bark photo

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 11:33 AM EDT
response: We have 2 of the same tree and both are being eaten by something. Here are the pictures you asked for. I’m not sure if this is what you were looking for with the bark photo

responder: BarbLB   Replied July 29, 2024, 3:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you for showing these extra photos to me. Yes, this is a Linden tree. Unfortunately they are a favorite of Japanese Beetles.  A mature tree such as this should survive the foliage damage.  If these were younger trees there would be more of a concern.  The damage will likely force the tree to drop leaves sooner this fall but hopefully when the frost comes in the beetles will be gone.  You may want to test your soil around this area to see if the beetles are impacting the nutrient value there. They lay eggs and larva then can damage the grassy areas.  Use these links to learn more about Linden trees, Japanese beetles and treatments.  It is recommended you contact a professional should you decide to apply anything.  https://hles.unl.edu/plant-month-linden You can obtain a soil test at your area extension office. https://agsci.psu.edu/aasl/soil-testing   https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/japanese-beetles-are-defoliating-my-linden-tree-will-they-kill-it  Thank you.
Red Fungus

Question: Good morning! When I went out in my garden this morning, I noticed this reddish substance growing in the mulch. It was only in the spot shown in the photograph. My toes are in the corner of the picture for a sense of scale. I am thinking it is some type of fungus, but I am not sure if it is harmful and also what I should do with it. I appreciate your help and advice. Thank you!

PS - I apologize if this is a duplicate as I did not receive a confirmation email and wanted to resend just in case.

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 26, 2024, 12:34 PM EDT
response: This may be a type of the less-commonly-seed slime mold species, and if so, is harmless as slime molds only consume other microbes and do not infect plants. The linked gallery page shows some examples of slime mold species found in Maryland, and a couple do look like what you found, though we can't be certain they're a match. Other types of slime mold can be quite common on garden mulch.  If not a slime mold, this could be any of a vast number of fungi, though similarly harmless in this case, as it would just be decaying the mulch (which is good, as it recycles nutrients into the soil) or decaying any organic debris just under the mulch. No treatment or physical removal is needed, and the above-ground growth will probably disappear fairly soon, especially if the weather remains dry.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 12:38 PM EDT
response: Great! Thank you so much! Sent from my iPhone On Jul 26, 2024, at 12:35 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 26, 2024, 1:38 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Cucumber Prickles

Question: Good morning! I have grown cucumbers for years and have never seen the little black prickles growing from the bumps. This is something I even noticed when the cucumbers are very tiny and starting to grow this year. I have just been rubbing them off prior to washing and eating and everything tastes fine. Is this anything to be concerned about, or perhaps due to growing conditions and perhaps the variety? I circled some of the bumps in the photo as an example. I am not 100% certain, but believe I planted pickling cucumbers and Straight 8s, but did not save the seed packets. Thank you again for your help!

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 26, 2024, 2:04 PM EDT
response: There doesn't appear to be a lot of information about what influences trichome (the structure producing the "spines" on cucumber fruit) color, and from what we can tell from looking for research on this subject (there isn't much), it does not seem to indicate any problem with the fruit or plant health overall. Environmental factors, combined with plant genetic expression, likely contributes. If the overall plant has been growing and fruiting well and doesn't have any other symptoms, we wouldn't be concerned.  Miri

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 26, 2024, 2:11 PM EDT
response: Some varieties of cucumbers have black spines, some have white spines, and others are spineless. It all depends on the variety. Some types with black spines include Long Green Improved, Boston Pickling, and National Pickling. Straight Eights have white spines. This is normal growth for cucumbers and nothing to worry about. Rubbing off the spines prior to washing is exactly the right thing to do.  Enjoy your crop and let us know if you have any further questions. Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 5:55 PM EDT
response: Great! Thank you!-Jessica Sent from my iPhone On Jul 26, 2024, at 2:04 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 5:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much!!!-Jessica Sent from my iPhone On Jul 26, 2024, at 2:11 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 July 26, 2024, 6:13 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
symetric holes in tree bark of crabapple tree

Question: I recently observed a series of drilled holes in my flowering crab apple tree.  I have observed woodpeckers in the area during the sprin time.  Is it likely from wood peckers or something else?  is the damage fatal to the tree?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 13, 2024, 11:25 AM EDT
response: Good morning and thank you for your question. My response is a copy given by another master gardener to the same question from another client. I think it might give you the information you need. Jeanne   This looks like the work of a Yellow Bellied Sap Sucker. These are large birds and look a lot like a woodpecker.  In the spring, when the weather warms up enough for the sap to flow, they make small, round, shallow holes- usually in horizontal rows, on the trunks of trees including, but not typically, Crabapple species. These holes create sap wells where they return to drink the sap and eat the occasional insect. Their holes range in size from 1/4- 3/8 of an inch.  To protect the tree from these birds you can wrap a barrier- such as a net, burlap or 1/4 hardware mesh, around the tree trunk. The woodpeckers are active in spring and fall, so you can remove the trunk protection over the summer and winter months.  Another remedy is to use fright tactics like hanging shiny, reflective objects that move in the wind—aluminum pie plates, reflective tape or old CDs or DVDs—anything that flashes light. Like plastic owls that are effective until birds become accustomed to them, these objects have to be relocated from time to time.  If you do find piles of frass at the base of your tree or around the holes on the trunk, your tree is likely the host of a borer insect. Your pest could be one of several insect pests that enjoy a crabapple host including the shot hole borer, apple tree borer and dogwood borer. These insects attack healthy trees and deposit their larvae by boring into the branches and trunk. Apple tree borer holes are found near the base of the tree, and are exit holes which appear in spring as the mature beetles emerge. If you do find frass, please get back to us.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 13, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT
response: Thanks very much.  We do have woodpeckers in the area.  Sometimes trying to drill into roof.  Will try some of your suggestions.  Thanks again.      Sent from my iPad On Aug 13, 2024, at 11:25 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 15, 2024, 3:36 PM EDT
response: You're very welcome. We're all here to help with any questions you have. Jeanne
White  Mold in Raised Vegetable Garden Beds

Question: Hello, I have noticed some white mold growing in my raised vegetable garden beds. They have good drainage, and I have been using these beds for 6 years. It seems to be growing in a layer under the top layer of soil. Some plants seem to be doing fine, but other seem faded and spotty. I looked online, some mold is good, some mold is bad. Do you have any advice for me? THANK YOU!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2024, 10:20 AM EDT
response: Dear Marysa It looks like Mycorrhizae in your soil which is actually good!  We attached a fact sheet to further explain.  Hope this helps! Your friendly Master Gardener Shari   file:///C:/Users/mg/Desktop/Master%20Gardener%20Documents/Mycorrhizae.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2024, 1:54 PM EDT
response: That's great news! Thank you.    On Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 10:20 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Please help identify

Question: These Boxwoods are about 30+ years old and at the SW corner of our home in Medford, Oregon. I have never seen anything like this before.

responder: Chris Rusch Replied July 28, 2024, 10:47 PM EDT
response: This is likely a result of drought stress. When boxwood roots can't absorb enough water to keep leaves green, they may turn brown, pale, or sickly, and eventually drop off. This can happen in newly-planted landscapes, or in areas without irrigation or rainfall for a long time, or in very warm temperatures. To help prevent drought stress, you can add compost to the soil and water regularly.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2024, 11:15 PM EDT
response: Really? Dehydration can cause white flaky detritus only on the tops of the leaves of 30 year old Boxwoods with an underground drip system? That is so interesting! I have never heard or seen that! I will definitely spread the word that this diagnosis came from OSU Extension service! Thanks!  On Sun, Jul 28, 2024 at 7:47 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Chris Rusch Replied July 29, 2024, 12:09 AM EDT
response: The presence of an insect or disease may not be the cause of the problem or the symptoms. Sometimes pests will take advantage of damaged or stresses plants. Many types of insects can attack boxwoods, including mites, scales, and psyllids: There are multiple insects that can cause white webbing or other issues on boxwood, including:Boxwood psyllids: These piercing and sucking pests leave white flecks or a white powder on the tips of leaves and when the bush is shaken. The nymphs feed on the sap of young leaves and unopened buds in the spring, which can cause the leaves to cup inward at the tips.
Strange Substance on Zucchini Plant

Question: I recently discovered a strange substance around the base of a zucchini plant in a planter of mine. It resembles a foam, almost like a fire retardant. The plant otherwise seems healthy, although it has not produced any zucchinis this season. The leaves display no discoloration or spotting. I'm puzzled what this is, as I've googled various search terms describing this growth to no avail. Thanks for taking a look.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2024, 12:19 PM EDT
response: Hi Rory, I think what you're seeing is actually a slime-mold that's growing in your mulch, and is merely adjacent to the zucchini plant. Slime molds are related to fungi, and are not dangerous to humans or pets.  You could leave it alone, or you could remove it and throw it away, since they are a bit ugly.  Some people refer to them as "dog vomit" fungi.   This page from our Extension colleagues in Texas has a bit more information: https://plantclinic.tamu.edu/factsheets/slime-mold/ I hope this is helpful! Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 2:59 PM EDT
response: John, Thank you so much for the quick response! Your analysis makes a lot of sense. I hazily recall seeing bits of this appear in the mulch around our property from summers past. Thank you for everything you do, I’m a hugr fan of the Extension!  Rory Regan  Sent from my iPhone On Jul 26, 2024, at 10:19 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Is my lilac bush dying? Can it recover?

Question: Is my lilac bush dying? Can it recover? What's wrong with it? Could someone have poisoned it? Been here forever!!!!!

responder: MJ Replied July 26, 2024, 9:33 PM EDT
response: Hi Darlene, Many lilacs are getting bacterial blight this year. Here's some helpful web pages: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/lilac-bacterial-blight http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/lilacbacterialblight.pdf Both of the links above suggest ways to manage the disease, including raking up and disposing of fallen leaves and pruning to open up the plants and allow better air circulation. Hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2024, 12:17 AM EDT
response: Hi MJ,Thank you for the information!!!!:Darlene  On Friday, July 26, 2024 at 08:33:39 PM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied July 27, 2024, 7:55 AM EDT
response: You’re welcome!
Ant ID

Question: I found these ants in only one bedroom of my house and I don’t think I have ever seen this kind in this area before. The legs and antennas look odd to me. Can you please help me identify what kind they are and how to get rid of them before they spread throughout my house please? Thank you so much!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2024, 6:40 PM EDT
response: Hello, Thank you for reaching out with your ant question. I appreciate the photos, but unfortunately to key out the ant and identify it, I would need to see a specimen to look at identifying features under a dissecting scope. Would you be able to bring your samples to the Yamhill County Extension office in McMinnville for a Master Gardener to look at it? Unfortunately the office is closed Monday due to county fair set up, but it will be open Tu-Fri next week. Here is some general ant information for the meantime: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-extension/featured/how-control-household-ants  Thank you for using Ask Extension.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 11:05 PM EDT
response: As soon as I can get away I will bring you bugs. Silly question, do they have to be alive?Sent from my iPhone On Jul 26, 2024, at 3:40 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 02, 2024, 2:11 PM EDT
response: Hello, No the ants don't need to be alive, but they need to be in good condition to identify them (no squishing please!). They can be placed in rubbing alcohol to kill them if you like.
leaf discoloration on Crape Myrtle

Question: Hello!   We have a lovely Crape Myrtle that we planted this last spring.  I noticed this morning that it has discoloration on outer leaves, in between the veins.   The discoloration appears to be brownish/yellowish and it does seem to be limited to leaves toward the ends of branches.  I've been watering regularly, using a Tree Gator, as can be seen in one of the pictures.  It has a 15 gallon capacity and, depending on the heat, I fill it every 4th or 5th day.

What might be causing the discoloration?   Thank you SO much!

responder: Deb K  Replied July 26, 2024, 10:54 PM EDT
response: Thanks for contacting "ask extension" with your question about your Crape Myrtle.  Since your tree was recently transplanted, I suspect the root system is not established enough to support the upper canopy. The root system cannot efficiently transport nutrients to the leafs.  The tree may drop leaves or branches to compensate, until the root ball catches up, but it should work itself out.   Another possibility is too much water. Before you refill your tree gater, first check the soil about 3-6 inches below the surface to see if it's still  wet. If so, wait until it is dry to add more water. Not as probable, but something to rule out is insect or bacterial/fungal damage. Check the underside of the leaf for insects and keep an eye out to see if the spots are spreading. If the spots spreads down the branch to the older leaves or if you see possible insect damage, please take pictures and send them to me.  Hope this helps,

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 6:52 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your helpful response!   ~Katherine   On Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 7:54 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb K  Replied July 30, 2024, 9:58 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Lawn Insect

Question: Could you help me identify this lawn pest? It is killing our grass and we need help.

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied July 27, 2024, 3:46 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately I cannot make out what is in your photos. It looks like a piece of fuzz. If you are able to get some better photos I will be able to research what it may be.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2024, 9:43 AM EDT
response: Hi

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2024, 10:14 AM EDT
response: Hi Amy, these are some new photos. The white insects are all over the lawn. They fly like a piece of cotton from a cottonwood tree and then land on the grass and feed on it. I sent a picture of the dead grass also. Marilyn

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied July 28, 2024, 5:56 PM EDT
response: The white areas in your photos look like cottonwood from the tree versus insects. Woolly aphids are an insect that appear fuzzy, however, they feed on trees, not turf (grass). Here is a link that contains information about woolly aphids. They may be impacting a tree in your area. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids#damage-caused-by-woolly-aphids-347961  In the photos you sent it does look like something is impacting your turf. There are many causes of yellowing, declining grass. From your photos I wonder if you may have rust. I am including the extension "What is wrong with my plant" link regarding turf. It drills down on symptoms (including photos) you see in your full lawn. I am hopeful this tool can assist you in identifying what is occurring. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/turf/
Lawn spots

Question: What would be causing a big pass to turn brown in my yard and little spots turning brown in my yard? Is it grub worms?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 2:47 PM EDT
response: Hi Alvin, I'm sorry to hear about your lawn!  I think you may have two things going on. the large brown patch nearer the fence has the hallmarks of Ascochyta leaf blight, though it is a bit late in the season for it to develop.  I would need close-ups of the transitional area of the lawn, where it's going from green to brown, to better be able to diagnose if that is what is happening.  This fungus establishes in early spring, but symptoms develop when conditions become hot--the plant has extreme water stress and you end up with big patches that look dead.   If that is indeed the issue, the good news is that it is usually fixed by adjusting the sprinkler system, and the grass is not dead below ground.  With the restoration of adequate water, it usually resolves within a couple of weeks.  Water, rather than fungicides, are the recommended treatment. The other area, with the ring-shaped dead patches, could be a result of necrotic ring spot, a different disease.  It is also favored by wet conditions in the spring, and heavy fertilization can make the problem worse.  Fungicide applications in the spring (doing it now will not help) can mitigate symptoms, but it is difficult to manage.  Keeping the lawn on the drier side in the spring can help--and waiting to fertilize until June.   One of the easiest remedies for necrotic ring spot is to overseed the affected area with perennial ryegrass, which is immune to the disease.  Its texture matches that of Kentucky bluegrass and it will fill in where the bluegrass succumbs.   I hope this is helpful! Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2024, 10:15 PM EDT
response: Here are some closer photos.    Alvin Lamle  On Jul 25, 2024, at 12:48 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 12:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you! To rule out stress caused by irrigation (and disease that can be aided by that stress), you might consider conducting this irrigation audit, paying particular attention to that large dead patch. https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/irr-audit-tutorial.pdf It may be solved as easily as making some adjustments to your sprinkler heads.  Please let me know what you find! Cordially, John