MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Pests Identification in Towson, MD

Question: I have had a multi-mint species garden for a decade+ that is usually planted with other herbs (lemon balm, yarrow, rosemary, thyme, catnip, etc.), and a variety of vegetables/fruits (tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, etc.). In recent years (3+), there has been observable damage to the mint and lemon balm plants by various pests. Two pests in particular seem to be abundant, which I be much obliged to have identified. Any further recommendations on organic pesticides or integrated pest management techniques for these particular pests would be greatly appreciated too. 

Yours sincerely,
Khalil

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2023, 9:21 AM EDT
response: More photos of the pest(s)-infested catnip.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2023, 9:24 AM EDT
response: For video file, and more images, of both the catnip and mint-infested plants, see the following Google Drive folder that is public: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EuugO3ai9uwRFziwfOZrdy6CQZB-l_ul?usp=sharing

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 May 11, 2023, 11:28 AM EDT
response: Your first couple of photos show the young, nymphal stage of a common pest called Four-lined Plant Bug. They can be really fast and secretive so to get that photo you did well. Their feeding makes the black, angular, necrotic spots on leaves, and they have a very wide range of host plants they will feed on. Here is our page that includes them:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/plant-bugs-flowers  They are pesty, but they only have one generation per year and the plants grow out of the damage without any problem, so we do not recommend any treatment. If you like you could cut back or pinch out some of the worst affected leaves if they bother you.  Your other photos are harder to see clearly but it looks like it could be a sucking insect called aphids. There are many types, and they tend to be more of a problem early in the season before natural predators like lady beetles, birds etc. arrive and help with control.  Putting on a glove and squishing what you can find or blasting them off with water from a hose can help. Here is our page on them https://extension.umd.edu/resource/aphids-flowers   Christine
Deer Damage?

Question: Itz a zelkova.

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 May 11, 2023, 10:30 AM EDT
response: This does appear to be damage from deer antler rubbing, we agree. There's not much you can do about it (don't coat the injury with any type of sealant, nor should it be sprayed with a pesticide in an attempt to prevent problems), though you can put up a barrier to shield it from future antler rubbing in forthcoming autumns. Time will tell how well the tree is able to recover from the damage, though if the canopy does not appear to show any decline in the year or so, it's probably going to be fine.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2023, 10:56 AM EDT
response: thank you. On Thu, May 11, 2023 at 10:30 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
unknown plant

Question: What are these plants?

responder: Elizabeth Betagole  Replied May 12, 2023, 3:09 PM EDT
response: Hello,  I believe that the plant is Carolina Geranium, or wild geranium. But, I'm wondering if the yellow flower that I see in the background in growing from that plant. If it is, then it is probably not Carolina Geranium. It develops a pink or white flower.   I have listed two links below for the Carolina Geranium. Please take a look at these and let me know if you think the articles are describing your plant(s). If that is not the correct plant, I could research this further.  Thanks for asking Ask Extension.  Betsy B. - MGV   https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/geranium-carolinianum/  https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=geca5

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2023, 1:32 PM EDT
response: I took a look at that small yellow flower.It is growing from a different plant. This wild geranium is growing in an abandoned flower bed.There are other types of plants growing as well. I wonder where the seed came from.On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 3:09 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Elizabeth Betagole  Replied May 15, 2023, 6:56 AM EDT
response: Hello,  The seeds can be dispersed by any of a number of means. Some of these would include animals, wind, water, fire, and humans. Also, a seed pod may burst open as it ripens, which may send the seeds a distance away from the original plant. Below is a link for an interesting article about seed dispersal.  Have a great day.  Betsy B. - MGV  http://calscomm.cals.cornell.edu/naturalist/Naturalist-Outreach-Seed-dispersal.pdf
Help with diseased blueberry plants

Question: Hello I have two of my blueberry bushes that developed similar symptoms of disease.  I have never seen any thing like this on my plants some of which are up to nine years old.  I am attaching some photos.  But generally some of the canes seem unthrifty, not leafing out and having the lead buds dying before even opening.  Others go ahead and leaf out and have the blooms come out strong only to die back and look sickly.  I tried looking up in your selection of blueberry disease and also some other internet articles on blueberry diseases.  Any help, recommendations, or advice would be helpful  Of particular concern is should I remove these bushes before they spread it to others.   Thank You!

responder: Erica Chernoh Assistant Professor of Practice Community and Commercial Horticulture OSU Extension Lane County Replied May 12, 2023, 6:55 PM EDT
response: There are a number of plant diseases that can cause these symptoms in blueberries. From what I can see in the photos, I see blighted leaves and stems, dead buds, and lesions on the stems (red splotches and water-soaked spots). It is possible that you are dealing with shock virus, scorch virus, bacterial canker, Botrytis blight, or a combination of these diseases. They all display similar symptoms, and laboratory testing may be required to diagnose the issue. If you can bring a plant sample into the OSU Extension Master Gardener Plant Clinic in Eugene, we can take a closer look at the symptoms, or send a sample to the OSU Plant Clinic in Corvallis for laboratory testing. The easiest thing to do would be to remove and destroy the infected plants to prevent spread to the healthy plants.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 8:55 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much!  I will take your advice and remove the plants.  Dana  On Friday, May 12, 2023 at 03:55:48 PM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Insect hills in yard

Question: We have dozens of little mounds in our yard, from just a few last week. How to tell if they’re ants or termites/ other insects? Safe way to treat since we have a dog?

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 May 11, 2023, 10:01 AM EDT
response: It is definitely not termites. The ones we have in Maryland live underground (subterranean) and you'd only see them when some winged alates fly for reproduction.  We think those are likely ant mounds or possibly totally non-aggressive and harmless solitary ground nesting bees called mining bees. You should be able to tell which by taking some time watching the area.  Both of these possibilities require no action on your part. They are beneficial insects that are part of a natural, healthy ecosystem and belong outdoors. (Ants can actually keep termites away). They are of no threat to you or your dog.  Here is our page on mining bees:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mining-bees-lawns  The main reason that you are seeing and noticing the activity is because the ground is bare. Normally grass or other plants would block the view of them.  Fall is a good time to overseed with turf grass.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 13, 2023, 9:51 AM EDT
response: Thank you!AimeeSent using the mobile mail appOn 5/11/23 at 10:01 AM, Ask Extension wrote:   From: "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>>Date: May 11, 2023To: "ahermina" <<personal data hidden>>Cc: Subject: Re: Insect hills in yard (#0099282)
Bug webs in Japanese Maple

Question: Hello. I have a large Japanese Maple that for the first time this year has many  web clusters throughout. I've cut off as many as I can reach, but there are still several high up. Are these a threat to the tree's health? Is there something I can apply to the tree to help? Or should I hire a professional? Thanks for your advice.

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 May 11, 2023, 11:49 AM EDT
response: We see this from time to time. Those are not going to hurt your tree and no pesticide is needed. You can prune them out or even just tear them open with a gloved hand or stick.  There aren't any serious web-making pests of Japanese Maple.    Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2023, 12:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  On Thu, May 11, 2023 at 11:49 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Trimming bush

Question: I have a Diablo Ninebark tree form that is losing it's form.  New growth is coming from the ground rather than above. I've attached a picture which will hopefully show what I'm describing.  I'm wondering if I can cut back the 'trunk' for aesthetics without harming new bush-like growth?

responder: eGardener  Replied May 11, 2023, 5:43 PM EDT
response: Hello, happy to help. Yes, by all means cut that out. It's not going to produce foliage.  Shrubs like the ninebark are great because they can rejuvenate from their roots like yours is doing. I don't think you'll need to do anything more with it as far as pruning is concerned because it should look pretty filled out in a few months on its own. Make sure it gets an inch of water each week until it goes into dormancy in the fall.  Good-luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2023, 5:57 PM EDT
response: Thank youSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 5/11/23 4:43 PM (GMT-06:00) To: mnwoman1987 <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Trimming bush (#0099269)
Question about damaged Live Oak

Question: The main trunk of this mature Live Oak tree broke in the recent ice storm. The tree is about 10 inches in diameter. What will happen to the part of the tree that remains? Should I just remove it?

responder: Sheryl - Horticulture Program Assistant Replied May 10, 2023, 10:41 AM EDT
response: Hi Jim,  It's really up to you. You might consider cutting the trunk closer to the ground and then guiding the sprouts into new trunks. Paint the wound within 72 hours to help prevent the spread of oak wilt.   Or, you can take this opportunity to dig out the tree and plant something else. If you choose this option, just be aware that the tree may continue to sprout from the roots.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 11:36 AM EDT
response: Hi Sheryl,Thanks for your reply to my last question. I'd like to ask another question. Many years ago (I'm guessing 25 years or so), I had hardy red oleanders in my landscape (I live in Lakeway). Each spring I would have to trim back the freeze damage from winter, but they would always come back as big and as beautiful as they had been the year before. However, one spring they didn't come back. I sent a question to A&M's horticulture website. They informed me that there was some kind of disease that was infecting and killing oleanders in Central Texas, that there was no known cure or treatment, and recommended against planting them again. Has anything changed? I still see oleanders for sale in nurseries, but I don't see many growing in landscapes around Lakeway. Thanks!Jim  On Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 09:41:14 AM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Sheryl - Horticulture Program Assistant Replied May 23, 2023, 12:02 PM EDT
response: Hi Jim,  The problem still exists. In addition to that, we don't normally recommend oleanders for the home landscape because of their toxicity to people and pets. If you'd like ideas for shrubs, check out the Grow Green Native & Adapted Plant Guide database: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/grow-green/plant-guide
Dry spots on dwarf Japanese red maple?

Question: Are you able from attached pictures  identify these small  dry areas on my dwarf Japanese Red Maple tree? This is is 2nd full year of growth. Otherwise seems healthy? located in City of Richmond. Thank you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 10, 2023, 9:52 PM EDT
response: Tio clarify, the noted dry soits/areas on actually on some leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 10, 2023, 10:00 PM EDT
response: Sorry for typo's on additional comment:  Just clarifying these small dry spots are on some leaves not the trunk or stems/branches.

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied May 11, 2023, 3:20 PM EDT
response: I don't think those are biotic.  I think they are environmental/cultural in nature.  The closest disease this looks like is phyllosticata leaf spot, but I'm not seeing the typical dark boarder.
Boxwood issues

Question: I have about 10 american boxwoods with some leaves looking like the photos. Oddly, the new shoots coming out of the tree are bright green and healthy looking.  What do you suggest I should do?
Priscilla

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 May 10, 2023, 11:51 AM EDT
response: Hi,  These appear to have old leaf miner damage, and maybe also some winter burn. The management directions on the link provided are pretty straight forward. You can try to prune the infected and damaged leaves out and that should drastically help reduce the population. If you start to see signs of new leaf damage (the mines from the worms) in late June you can treat with a systemic insecticide, just be cautious and read label directions as certain ones can be more harmful for beneficial pollinators.  The leaves also show damage (perhaps from prior years) of Boxwood Mite, another typical pest for this shrub. Boxwoods are unfortunately vulnerable to several pests and diseases (though few plants are pest-free, to be fair); the linked page presents these symptoms and discusses management options (when treatments are practical). Periodic sprays with a forceful stream of plain water will help to reduce mite numbers, though nothing can heal the damage to leaves already present. In time, evergreen shrubs shed damaged foliage along with a handful of older leaves, a normal process that occurs each year despite being considered evergreen overall. A fungal Volutella infection can be quite common as well, as is dieback from root decline (such as from overwatering or recurring drought stress) or vole damage around the base of the main stems (especially if heavily mulched). There are disease-resistant boxwood cultivars on the market these days (though they are in the minority), but none are immune to these or other ailments common to boxwoods. Worst-case, if the management of recurring outbreaks of these pests or a disease is too tedious or expensive, consider replacing the shrubs with a different species. Better yet, hedges or other mass plantings or plant groupings are best planted with a variety of species instead of a single species, which makes the planting more resilient in the face of potential problems since not all of the species in the planting will have equal vulnerability to the same issue. Always try to select a species that fits the site space availability well since, even though some shrubs are quite tolerant of pruning, they will be healthier and lower-maintenance overall if allowed to mature to their natural size (or close to it). Fortunately, many shrubs have dwarf cultivars available since small-maturing plants are currently popular. Let us know if you have any further questions with the care for your boxwood.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 10:30 PM EDT
response: Wow, this is fantastic. Thank you!On Wed, May 10, 2023, 11:51 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Asian lady beetle, what to do.

Question: I have seen some Asian lady beetles in my front yard and on my maples (which I'm reading they love to destroy). Not an infestation, but enough. Should I be worried, take action?

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 May 10, 2023, 10:03 AM EDT
response: You should not be worried and you do not need to take action. What you have there is the larval/young stage of the Asian Lady Beetle. We are not sure what you are reading, but Lady Beetles, are beneficial to have in your landscape, even the Asian ones. They are great to help control other insects that are pests of your plants, for instance, sucking insects like aphids or scale that may be on your maples. Here is our page with more information:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/multicolored-asian-lady-beetle   Christine

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 May 10, 2023, 10:04 AM EDT
response: You should not be worried and you do not need to take action. What you have there is the larval/young stage of the Asian Lady Beetle. We are not sure what you are reading, but Lady Beetles, are beneficial to have in your landscape, even the Asian ones. They are great to help control other insects that are pests of your plants, for instance, sucking insects like aphids or scale that may be on your maples. Here is our page with more information:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/multicolored-asian-lady-beetle   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 10, 2023, 10:05 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much, Christine! Carol

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 May 10, 2023, 10:52 AM EDT
response: You are welcome. We are happy to help.
Honey Crisp Trees

Question: We have a few (8) honey crisp trees in our yard they are approx 6 years old. Every spring they all look good but by mid summer the leaves on each tree turn bad (see attached) trying to figure out if this is a fungal disease or a PH issue or something else. These honey crisp trees are in close proximity to other fruit trees that are doing great. Please give me some advice

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 10, 2023, 12:02 PM EDT
response: You may have more than one issue going on.  The brown edges throughout the tree are an indication of drought stress. The spots are difficult to see when enlarged but they do appear to be rust.  Compare what you are seeing with the following website. https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/cedar-apple-rust Also compare the following pictures: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/apple/leavesspots.html   You can send a sample to the Plant Disease Clinic: https://pdc.umn.edu/

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 10, 2023, 12:22 PM EDT
response: Does it cost anything to send in a sample?    Get Outlook for iOS   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 11:02:04 AM To: nelsonredangus <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Honey Crisp Trees (#0099159)

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 10, 2023, 4:19 PM EDT
response: A routine sample is $50.  This means that you apply the right management rather than spend money on sprays etc that don’t work. https://pdc.umn.edu/services-fees Here is another website that may be helpful. https://www.canr.msu.edu/apples/pest_management/diseases
I have a weed and also a caterpillar I need identified

Question: I dropped the weed off at the Newport Office but they did not reply.  I now have this weed (that grows around bamboo) and also a caterpillar that I need idenfied.  I hope your office can help me.  I will try to upload my images.

responder: Bill Hutmacher  Replied May 10, 2023, 3:32 PM EDT
response: The plant looks like Tufted Loosestrife (Lysimachia thyrsiflora). When it produces flowers, you should be able to see if it matches this description - https://calscape.org/Lysimachia-thyrsiflora-(Tufted-Loosestrife)?srchcr=sc5d46ed4b5ab76  The caterpillar appears to be a Silver-spotted Tiger Moth caterpillar.  Here is some information - https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Documents/ForestBenefits/silverspottedtigermoth.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2023, 12:27 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much.  The caterpillar does match the silver spotted tiger moth caterpillar and I do have Doug fir in my yard.  They say no treatment is necessary.  The webs would be too high for me to get to anyway, but I may try Bacillus thurengensis. The weed does look like Tufted loosestrife -- but I will be certain once I have flowers.  It grows abundantly via rhizomes in my dry mostly pebble and dandelion covered backyard.  The plants are up to 12" tall now and there are no opposite leaves.  The central vein is quite white -- so the pictures don't match exactly.  It may just be a variant -- but I will send another pictures once it flowers.  Thank you so much for your time.