MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
How can I stop the bugs from killing my maple tree?

Question: There are bugs growing into the bark of my maple tree. I found a tiny 1/2-in larvae attached to one of the dead branches. They are burrowing around under the bark and killing large branches. There are also black spots on the leaves. 
What can I do to save the tree from these bugs?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 7:44 AM EDT
response: The insect larva in the photo is in the beetle family buprestidae (flat-headed borers). There are several species of buprestid beetles that are known to infest maple trees in Michigan. They do not commonly kill trees unless the tree is already severely stressed or dying from another cause. In your case, they may just be taking advantage of weakness in some of the limbs and not actually attacking healthy wood in the main trunk. You can check for small D-shaped holes in the trunk to assess the level of infestation. Buprestid beetles always leave D-shaped holes when they exit the bark of infested trees. If you would like the specimen identified to species, you can submit it to the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory in East Lansing. You can find instructions for how to send samples to the lab on their website here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/ The other symptoms that are visible on the leaves of the tree are pretty common on maples in Michigan and by themselves are not typically cause for concern. The tiny yellow dots near the veins on the leaves are from small insects feeding on the underside of the leaves. This type of damage is typical of insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts such as leafhoppers, treehoppers, spittle bugs and related insects. The larger black blotches on the leaves look like a disease called tar spot of maple, which leaves unsightly blemishes but is otherwise harmless to the tree. Without more information I am unable to assess the overall health of this tree. If the loss of limbs or structural integrity presents a potential safety hazard, it would be a good idea to have the tree assessed by a certified arborist. A certified arborist could assess the health and structural integrity of the tree and recommend actions that might prolong its life. You can find a certified artist in your area on the website for the International Society of Arboriculture here:  https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 10, 2024, 5:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you for this response. I think I will bring an arborist out here to figure out what is going on with our tree.  It is very large and I would like to preserve it as long as possible.  On Mon, Jul 29, 2024, 7:44 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
other fruits for a canning recipe

Question: I have a ball canning recipe for strawberry lemonade concentrate. I am wondering if I can switch out the fruit used. Can I make blackberry, cherry, raspberry or blueberry lemonade concentrate?

Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 23, 2024, 3:05 PM EDT
response: With all that sugar and lemon juice I am sure it would not be a safety issue to use other high acid berries in place of the strawberries.  Just be sure not to reduce the sugar or the lemon juice.  Thanks for using Ask Extension  Nellie Oehler

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2024, 9:50 PM EDT
response: That's what I thought. I just wanted to double-check  thanks so much for the quick response!!!  On Tue, Jul 23, 2024, 12:05 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Can't identify

Question: Can you please help identify.

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 23, 2024, 1:59 PM EDT
response: This is a hornworm caterpillar, the adults of which are a group of moths called Sphinx Moths. Multiple species in this group occur in Maryland, and the type of plant they are eating helps with identification, as body color and pattern on caterpillars can vary with caterpillar age or genetics. Some are generalists, eating a variety of host plants, while others specialize in certain plant types. Is this individual on a Strawberry or Potentilla plant? We can't quite identify the foliage, unless it happened to fall off an overhanging tree and is wandering around on plant it's not eating (especially since most hornworm species feed on trees, shrubs, or vines).  Since several hornworm caterpillars look alike and can be hard to identify, but since this one is a bit more distinctive, our best guess is that this is a Nessus Sphinx. Their host plants are grape relatives -- wild and cultivated Grapes, Virginia Creeper, and the invasive species Porcelainberry. A gallery of the adults and a few caterpillars can be found on the linked page. Supporting this ID is this behavior note in the book Caterpillars of Eastern North America by David Wagner: "The caterpillar of the Nessus Sphinx descends from foliage to rest near the ground by day, a position for which its coloration is well suited."  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 4:41 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your assistance.    Andrew

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 24, 2024, 8:39 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 8:47 AM EDT
response: By the way I found it in the grass by my house, no trees or shrubs nearby.

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 24, 2024, 9:24 AM EDT
response: We don't know where it came from other than to say that, at some point, it was eating grape, Virginia Creeper, or Porcelainberry vines. Caterpillars can wander off of their host plant when they are done feeding and ready to pupate, so perhaps that's what it was doing. Sphinx moths pupate in the soil, rather than spinning a cocoon.  Miri
spruce leader needles stunted

Question: The leader on my upright Colorado blue spruce looks stunted. The needles are green, but very short.

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 23, 2024, 4:25 PM EDT
response: Hello,  The terminal shoot may have been chewed by the western spruce budworm earlier this spring. The good news is that the tree has set both lateral and terminal buds. These insects are usually kept under control by natural predators and climate.   Continue to invest in keeping the tree healthy and stress-free with regular water (including in fall and winter). This insect usually doesn't require the use of insecticides, except in forest situations where it is affecting many trees.   This also could be from environmental things too and can happen, especially if it's a newly planted tree.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2024, 7:15 PM EDT
response: Thanks. One of the reasons I was worried is that I have three of these, and this was the only one affected. Thanks for the prompt response.   Will Geiger   Sent from my iPad On Jul 23, 2024, at 2:25 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  ﻿
Japanese Maple Disease/Parasite Inquiry

Question: Hello. Can the attached photos be reviewed and a possible diagnosis provided. My Japanese maple seems to have developed disease or acquired a parasite and I am interested in information on addressing this concern. I very much appreciate your assistance.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 11:03 AM EDT
response: It does not look like fungal or disease issue. It looks like potential stress from some environmental factor. Are the leaves dying on that single branch in the photo or across the whole tree?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 8:28 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. The leaves are dying across the whole tree.   Heather Klein            On Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11:03:26 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 28, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT
response: It is likely an environmental stress. Was this tree recently transplanted? If not - has anything changed around the roots, trunk, or soil? It may be water stress - too much or not enough?  Other things to consider that can add stress: Is the root flare (the area where the roots begin at the trunk) buried under soil or mulch? There could also be a girdling on the trunk or larger roots that is impacting the movement of water and nutrients through the tree. Has the trunk been damaged by a mower or weed whip?
Problem with tomato plants

Question: All of the tomatoes in one of the plots in our community garden are sick.  I’ve attached some pictures.  I noticed this afternoon that it’s not just the leaves, but the tomatoes are also affected.  Can you tell me what it is?  Should I remove the plants from the garden?  Are the tomatoes that look OK good to eat?

responder: Melody Replied July 23, 2024, 7:07 PM EDT
response: Hello,  First, I am so sorry about your tomato plants.  I think the problem is bacteria wilt disease, which is in the soil.   The disease develops in high temperatures (over 85°F) and moist soils, (Which is exactly our weather this year),  and is very persistent if introduced.   I have a link below with pictures so you can confirm the diagnosis.  If it is bacteria wilt you will need to get rid of the plants and not plant tomatoes there again or for at least 3 years. And, you should not eat any tomatoes that look infected. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/bacterial-wilt-of-tomatoes   One way to manage growing tomatoes in our area is to grow them in pots.  I do almost all mine that way.  It really helps with soil borne diseases.   Clemson University has a good detail on the problem, https://www.clemson.edu/public/regulatory/plant-problem/fact-sheets/bac-wilt-tomato.html  Please let me know if you have any other questions.  Good luck with the rest of your garden and thank you for contacting us!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2024, 8:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the response!!  Not very good news, especially the 3 year wait.  Guess I know what I'll be doing tomorrow.   Thanks again.

responder: Melody Replied July 25, 2024, 3:24 PM EDT
response: Hello,  I thought you maybe interested in the Community Garden Network (CGN) of Wake County.  They just did a presentation on growing tomatoes.  It is ran by Master Gardeners who help educate Community Garden leaders through the Wake County Community Garden Network (CGN). The CGN is a loose group and Google Group email distribution listed (managed by Community Garden lead and Wake Co. Extension agent). The CGN distribution list offers members the ability of exchanging information about community gardens as well as free products (e.g. free seeds, potting soil, pots, plants....) to help CGS success. If you wish to be included in this distribution list, and are in Wake County please contact Deanna Bigio at  <personal data hidden>.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2024, 9:49 PM EDT
response: Yes, we’re a part of that group.  Thanks for thinking about us.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of North Carolina State UniversitySent: Thursday, July 25, 2024 3:24 PMTo: brendaroy <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Problem with tomato plants (#0148266)
Dahlia Leaves Deformed

Question: While ignoring the white powder on the leaves (diatomaceous earth), do these dahlia leaves appear to be affected by a virus or other disease? I've caught rollie pollies, grasshoppers, earwigs, and leafhoppers in this bed recently for reference.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 8:43 PM EDT
response: One additional picture.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2024, 4:10 PM EDT
response: A few more.

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied July 30, 2024, 1:50 PM EDT
response: Some of these leaves show signs of a mosaic viral disease. Viral diseases infect the plant DNA, so therefore cannot be treated to cure the disease. It is spread  to other plants by insects, which feed on the infected plants, and then go to another. The only treatment is to remove the plant.   https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2193/2017/08/Binder11.pdf
What’s wrong with my cucumbers?

Question: Planted cucumbers that were started as seeds indoors. Had the same issue happen last year. Brown spots and then leaves turn yellowish brown.  Plant leaves were sprayed with neem oil yesterday. Symptoms have worsened overnight.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 24, 2024, 5:04 PM EDT
response: Hi there, Are the cucumbers being grown in raised beds or directly in the ground? And are they currently planted in the same spot as they were last year, or in a different part of the garden?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 7:58 PM EDT
response: They are planted in the ground in the same spot as last year. They are growing on a trellis.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 9:56 AM EDT
response: Here is a link to an informational sheet regarding the common problems of cucumbers. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/key-common-problems-cucumbers/ If you scroll down to the virus diseases section, you will see leaves that show mottling like yours appear to have. This is generally indicative of a mosaic virus, which causes a yellow or green mosaic pattern or mottling of the leaves, among other symptoms. https://extension.sdstate.edu/understanding-and-managing-cucumber-mosaic-virus It is difficult to pinpoint exactly which virus it may be - and unfortunately there is no cure for it. The virus can overwinter in perennial crops and weeds, so it is important to practice crop rotation - I know this can be challenging for small gardens- and not grow the same plants or plants in the same family in the same spot every year. With any plants that appear diseased, I don't compost them after I pull them, but I am lucky to have a location where I can burn them. General garden sanitation is important too - keeping weeds that might already be infected at a minimum. If you want to be more sure of what is going on, the MSU plant and pest diagnostic lab is available - for more info, click below.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/ Good luck and thank you for using Ask Extension.
Jumping worms in organic compost pile

Question: I have an absolutely beautiful, " black gold"  organic compost pile that I have had for almost a decade. I have 4 chickens that "contribute" to the ingredients along with a good balance of all my organic kitchen scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds etc.
I was recently turning it and discovered a major infestation of jumping worms...gross. I'm desperate to find a solution to eradicating them so I can use my compost to fill my new, large raised bed garden. The little I've read it seems that heat kills them but how in the world do I heat it in a very short time in order to kill them??

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied July 23, 2024, 1:50 PM EDT
response: I have no easy answers for you.  Temperatures of 104 or above for 3 days will kill the worms and the eggs, but that might be difficult to produce in a finished compost pile.  Our recommendation is not to move infested soil into a non-infested areas.  You should also report your infestation to the DNR.  Here is a good reference: https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/jumping-worms

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2024, 1:56 PM EDT
response: The link to report doesn’t work      From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 12:50 PMTo: Chris Figenshaw <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Jumping worms in organic compost pile (#0148255)

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied July 23, 2024, 2:00 PM EDT
response: There is an e-mail address at this link: https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/jumping-worms#reporting-1883162  It is: <personal data hidden>
Ant Colony Needs Identification

Question: I have ants that have dug a hole about 15 inches in diameter and about 6 inches deep next to a small pine tree. They piled the dirt from the hole in a pile next to the hole. There are many tunnels in the hole 1/4” to 1/2” in diameter. I see many traveling to and from nest at distances at least 100 feet from this nest. Their head is red and the two rear sections are black. I think there are some all black ones to. Some have wings. There are thousands of them. I suspect they are carpenter ants. Do you know what they are and how to kill the next. I’ve included an image of the hole/nest

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 9:01 PM EDT
response: Hi Jim,  Based on your description and the picture of the mound, it sounds more like Western Thatching Ants (Formica obscuripes) than carpenter ants. Unlike carpenter ants, they do not attack trees. These ants are beneficial, consuming insects that may be garden pests ,, scavenging for dead insects/organic matter, and aerating the soil through their tunneling. May I ask why you consider them pests? Control can be costly and environmentally damaging, so I only recommend it when the insects pose a significant threat to safety or property.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2024, 9:43 PM EDT
response: I was concerned they were in the roots of the tree. I’ve seen the carrying/dragging insects including their dead, so it could be WTAs. I was fascinated but also concerned that they dug this hole. There is no mound, just the hole. I’ll leave them alone and read about them. Thanks for the info.  On Thu, Jul 25, 2024 at 7:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2024, 11:56 AM EDT
response: I greatly appreciate that, Jim. If you have future questions about anything insect related, feel free to reach out and I'll get back to you ASAP.  <personal data hidden>
Are these yellow jackets or wasps?

Question: I see these bees swarming on a path and entering cracks in the asphalt.  They can be aggressive towards each other.  Are they a wasp or yellow jacket?  There is also a small black bee that seems to be stuffing prey in the cracks.  Maybe the bees are looking in the cracks for the insects put there by the dark bee?

Thank you

responder: Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied July 25, 2024, 11:26 PM EDT
response: Hi Tom,   They look like the European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula). The black "bee" may not be a bee, particularly if it was carrying prey (bees are vegetarians that get their protein from pollen) been a non-stinging wasp (likely provisioning a nest in the crack with paralyzed insect prey). I am not super familiar with paper wasps, but I do wonder the same thing you do, namely they are trying to take the provisions from the wasp that was making its home in the crack.    Best, Andony

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2024, 9:49 AM EDT
response: Thank you!
brown spots in lawn

Question: I live in Hilliard OH. The past 2-4 weeks brown spots have been kind of rapidly increasing in the front yard in areas with lots of sun. I've had army worms in the past few years. I've treated them successfully with an insecticide but I thought they happened in August not July. Anyway I do suspect army worms. I saw one white moth a week ago which might be the parent. Is this a good time to treat the lawn for them? I have liquid Spectracide Triazicide spray which I think will kill them. 
   Earlier this season my lawn was in pretty good shape. I've applied Scott's Weed and Feed a few times and I don't have much of a weed problem. Photos attached.

responder: Loisr1  Replied July 22, 2024, 6:35 PM EDT
response: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2021-29/unusual-fall-armyworm-outbreaks-are-taking-many-surprise  I am including this article which covers some important information about the army worms. Recalling the big invasion recently, I was surprised to hear on the turfgrass team times broadcast from about ten days ago that the team did not think that Beryl, the tropical depression, had brought them into Ohio. The broadcasts are available to the public. Three or four experts meet to report on various aspects of turf management. I am going to try to get more information for you from one of the team and i will get back to you with the update.  If you go online try adding “edu” or “extension” to your word search for reliable university based information.

responder: Loisr1  Replied July 22, 2024, 6:37 PM EDT
response: https://news.utcrops.com/2024/07/rumors-of-armyworms-appearing/  Found another article. Still searching.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 7:45 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the info you provided.   Additional info about my yard - I've applied Scott's Weed and Feed 3 times, maybe 4, this year. Directions on the bag say not to use it more than twice per year. I've had persistent weeds and the extra applications have helped control the weeds. Could this extra use cause my scattered brown spots? I doubt this as the brown spots carry over to my neighbor's yard.    We seem to have had enough rain for the grass in the past month.    I plan to apply Spectracide Triazicide soon as there may be other bugs causing the damage.   If not armyworms, what are other possible reasons and cures for the brown spots in my yard?- Brian   On Mon, Jul 22, 2024, 6:37 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Loisr1  Replied July 24, 2024, 10:15 AM EDT
response: https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/brown-patchI am still waiting to hear from my expert about army worms. In the mean time this article might be helpful.  I will wait to hear from my guy and then try to address your other questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 4:25 PM EDT
response: Sounds great, thanks, Now I'll read the article you sent me. - Brian   On Wed, Jul 24, 2024, 10:15 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Loisr1  Replied July 24, 2024, 5:24 PM EDT
response: Ok. Let me know what you think about the article.