MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Weeds

Question: Hello,

I’m trying to kill everything on my lawn. I sprayed with round up grass and weed killer. The weeds in the picture survived. I tried pouring boiling water on them and they have still survived. 

Do you know a way that I can kill them? I want to reseed in a month.

responder: Terri   Replied July 24, 2023, 10:06 PM EDT
response: It looks like horsetail. As you have found, it is really hard to get rid of. It spreads by underground roots as well as seed. As you found, glycosphate, which is pretty effective in killing most vegetation, doesn’t work very well.Your best bet is to keep cutting it down, either by mowing or weed whacking. It can take several years to get it under control. I realize that doesn’t fit well with your schedule  and I am sorry that I don’t have an instant solution, but this is one tough weed.  See https://smallgrains.wsu.edu/weed-resources/common-weed-list/horsetail/ for more info.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 10:45 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the response. Are you sure that it's not prostrate knotweed? It looks more similar to that than horsetail. Do you have any tips on killing a prostrate knotweed?  thanks!On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:06 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Terri   Replied July 25, 2023, 11:41 AM EDT
response: They look similar without leaves, but the knotweed would have been killed by the glyphosate. Horsetail looks different at different life stages.   There are some pre-emergent chemicals that can kill knotweed, but for post-emergent in a non-lawn area, glyphosate or glufosinate ammonium are recommended. See https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/weed/idlist.html#PKnotweed for more info.
Can you identify this?

Question: A neighbor found this on their deck, do you know what it is?

responder: Dan Stark, Assistant Professor of Practice (he/him)  Replied July 26, 2023, 10:13 PM EDT
response: Hi Rebecca:  Thanks for reaching out to Ask Extension. I am happy to help! I LOVE this type of question.  My guess is your friend has a shore pine or other pine, or a Douglas-fir nearby. This looks like a big glob of goo, or a wad of bubble gum, but there is something in particular that solves the mystery; there is "frass" or moth larvae excrement in the goo. This is a dislodged pitch wad of the, wait for it, sequoia pitch moth! Check out the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Fact Sheet here. Be sure to check out the pictures.  Pitch moth attacks create large, unsightly pitch masses on the bole of pines, and sometimes Douglas-fir. Attacks do not cause serious damage on large trees, but attacks on small diameter stems can make them more susceptible to breakage.  Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. I serve Lincoln Co, so please reach out at any time.  Cheers,

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2023, 6:54 PM EDT
response: Wow, thanks so much for the info. How interesting. I love stuff like this too. I will forward your reply to my neighbor. They have a forest of pines that hang over their deck so this seems to be spot on. The link to the forestry page didn’t work but I think I can find the fact sheet on their webpage. Thanks again Dan, what a great service, RebeccaOn Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 7:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Dan Stark, Assistant Professor of Practice (he/him)  Replied July 29, 2023, 11:32 AM EDT
response: Happy to help!
Blossom end rot?

Question: This is my first tromboncino zucchini. Is it blossom end rot? I also read it may be poor pollination? Thanks for any insight.

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, 2023, 10:16 AM EDT
response: Hi- this does not appear to be a pollination issue because the fruit is fully formed in the characteristic shape.  It's possible that blossom-end rot is the cause, although the inconsistent browning along the fruit body is unusual for blossom-end rot in general but it may be how it presents in this very long squash. Another possible cause for skin browning is rubbing or some other physical injury.   Keep the plant well-watered and let us know if you see the same symptom on other fruits.  Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 16, 2023, 8:33 AM EDT
response: Hello, thank you for your thoughtful response to my previous query. I had a few good fruits and this is now what I am seeing. I picked off all the browining fruits, although there were not many for a plant of its size. It does not appear to be producing much fruit.

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 August 16, 2023, 2:57 PM EDT
response: Hi- the fuzzy growth on affected flowers and young fruits could be a sign of Choannephora rot which starts in flowers. In the future, remove the flower from the fruit as soon as you seed the fruit expanding. This lets you know that pollination and ovule fertilization was successful.  Incomplete pollination/fertilization could be the issue where no fuzziness (fungal fruiting bodies) is observed, fruit tips turn brown, and young fruits shrivel.  Jon
What is this volunteer in my hydrangea?

Question: Here’s a volunteer happily growing in my hydrangeas.
Maybe a Joe Pye Weed? Which I would replant to happier place.
If not, is it a weed to dispose.

Thank you

responder: MJ Replied July 24, 2023, 4:47 PM EDT
response: Hi,  Yes, this is Joe Pye weed. An excellent pollinator plant! Even small Joe Pye plants have a determined root system so be prepared to use a shovel and dig hard. It would be best to wait until mid-August or so to move the plant. Stems will sag, but don’t worry — just cut the stems back to about half their height so the plant still has some leaves but will direct more energy to establishing roots. Water well right up until frost. Don’t be surprised if the plant doesn’t pop up immediately next spring. Mark the spot this fall and wait. My Joe Pyes emerge quite late, and then shoot up! Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 6:47 PM EDT
response: You folks are the best! Thank you.Sent from my iPad On Jul 24, 2023, at 3:47 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: MJ Replied July 24, 2023, 6:51 PM EDT
response: You’re welcome!
Identify indoor insect/bug

Question: Can you tell me what this insect/bug is. Its shell is hard and found in bathrooms and on kitchen cabinets. Crawling on walls and cabinets.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 24, 2023, 5:22 PM EDT
response: It's most likely a strawberry root weevil. They enter structures in the summer looking for moisture. They are considered a nuisance, in that they are not harmful to people, pets, or structures. The use of pesticides is unnecessary and ineffective. Keeping them out is the best recourse - look for cracks, loose-fitting screens, or doors, that is usually how they get inside.  More information here:  https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/home-invading-weevils

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 2:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information and quick response     On 07/24/2023 4:22 PM CDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Bugs on Basil

Question: I was harvesting basil last week and found about 20 tiny bugs on the underside of one leaf.  I didn't think to take a picture at first but see attached for a photo of one to the left of the leaf after I had scraped them, and the white egg sacs off.  It's not the highest resolution but if you zoom in I'm hoping you can tell me what they are and what, if anything, I should do about them.
Thanks.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2023, 5:42 PM EDT
response: From your photo it appears to be a nymph of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.  The article linked below will provide  additional information on identification and control of this pest.  https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/brown-marmorated-stink-bug-1

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 7:51 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  StephenOn Tue, Jul 25, 2023 at 5:42 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Pear Tree Disease

Question: Hello,

This showed up recently. Does it look like pear rust. This is a Bartlett pear tree on the North side of the property.

Are there safe (minimal impact to the environment and birds) treatments for this? This tree is surrounded by a Cotonester, Holly and Rose. Thanks!

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied July 25, 2023, 12:03 PM EDT
response: Good diagnosis, this is pear rust, but more specifically it is pear trellis rust. The alternate host is juniper. I have seen it be very mild but in other cases quite severe. Read through the following information to learn more about it including possible management tactics: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/pear-pyrus-spp-trellis-rust-european-pear-rust

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 3:29 PM EDT
response: Just a follow up question-Are these treatment options available in stores such as Home Depot or other garden stores? Thank you!PatSent from my iPhone On Jul 25, 2023, at 9:03 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied July 25, 2023, 3:50 PM EDT
response: Sorry about that, most of the chemicals are for commercial growers. You might try Bonide Fruit Tree and Plant Guard RTS is registered but also contains an insecticide in addition to a group 7 + 11 fungicide. Not sure chemical control will be all that effective in the long run.
Mini Love Watermelon

Question: My watermelon vine gave me one very delicious fruit but it stopped flowering and the vine has slowed growth.  I’m growing it vertically along side a cantaloupe that doing very well and setting fruit. Lots of bees. The buds get brown before they can develop.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2023, 9:16 PM EDT
response: Hi Sonia, This is a perplexing question.  I want to suggest that it's a pollination problem. That seams odd since you are getting cantaloupe and you see lots of bees ? My second thought is the entire plant is failing and you are just noticing the flowers. From the photos, the watermelon looks less healthy. Is the whole vine becoming limp ? https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/cucurbits/fusarium-wilt-watermelon/#:~:text=Symptoms%20and%20Signs,-If%20inoculum%20levels&text=More%20commonly%2C%20however%2C%20Fusarium%20wilt,collapse%20and%20the%20plant%20dies. I really don't know what the problem is. I'm going to send this question out to other Master Gardeners to see if anyone can be more helpful. Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2023, 9:21 PM EDT
response: Hi Sonia, I now wonder if it is the extreme heat that is affecting your  melons. I also recommend hand pollinating the flowers. See if that helps at all ?  Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2023, 9:34 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  About a week after I picked the one watermelon it started growing again. Not many flowers and some days just male flowers. I’m hoping I get both male and female at the same time so I can hand pollinate. On Wed, Aug 9, 2023 at 8:21 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 10, 2023, 10:03 AM EDT
response: One more thing, did I mention to pick off most of the male flowers ? This will stop the plant from putting wasted energy into them and hopefully produce more female flowers.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 10, 2023, 3:27 PM EDT
response: Great idea! Thanks  On Thu, Aug 10, 2023 at 9:03 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Magnolia Tree Question

Question: There is a growth on my Magnolia tree, at the end of the branch, that I have not seen before.  Can you identify It for me?  Is there something I should do?  One gardener said it might be a seed pod.  If it is a seed pod, will the tree still set buds for next spring to bloom?  Your help is appreciated.  Thank you!

responder: MJ Replied July 24, 2023, 5:13 PM EDT
response: Hi P.J., Yes it’s a seed pod. You can leave it or prune it off if it bothers you. Leaving it on the tree will not stop it from blooming next year.  On a different note, I’d urge you to watch your tree for magnolia scale, a serious disease we’re answering lots of questions about right now. This is just an FYI so you know what to look for, and if your tree gets it and you act early you’ll be able to treat and save the tree: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/ Enjoy your magmolia!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 8:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for answering my question about the seed pod on my magnolia tree.  Also I appreciate you mentioning to watch out for magnolia scale.  In fact my tree had it several years ago and so did my friend's.  We treated our trees for two years and they look great  four years later.With Gratitude- Pam JOn Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 4:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied July 24, 2023, 10:25 PM EDT
response: That’s excellent news! And thanks for the question.
Lizard bug on Coneflower

Question: What is this? I can usally figure out most bugs, but this guy....105MM Macro taken Sunday 7-23-23 Spring Lake Park, Prior Lake MN

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 26, 2023, 8:09 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Jay,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  From viewing your photo, I believe the insect is an American ambush but, a species of Assassin bug (Reduvidae).  Here is a link that discusses this insect: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/ambush-bugs

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 11:39 AM EDT
response: Hi,  thanks! I found the precise bug from your suggestion.  Phymata americana, known as the Jagged Ambush Bug, is a Phymatinae, or ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. ...I have other photos of the same kind eating an Admiral butterfly on a ConeFlower (Echinacea) So, it makes great sense it's called an Ambush Bug.   Jay- On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 7:09 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 26, 2023, 10:25 PM EDT
response: Glad you found it!
Silver Lace plant is dying

Question: my 3 yo plant has been beautiful until about a month ago. it is dying and the death is spreading throughout the plant. can u help me?

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 25, 2023, 2:13 PM EDT
response: Hi Marlene, Has the dieback been progressing over the last month or has there been any indication of new growth/revival? Has anything changed in regards to its care or has there been any mechanical (potentially affecting roots) or chemical (i.e., herbicide) activity in the nearby area of the plant? Thanks! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 4:03 PM EDT
response: thank you for your questions. the dieback probably started a month ago. it was beautiful when spring came. looked good first part of June. then small sections started turning brown with tons of leaf drop. it has progressed into the entire area. we have 3 silver lace along the fence all three are affected. No chemicals used. nothing different from the 2 previous years. it has been a stunning spectacle until now. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 25, 2023, at 12:13 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 25, 2023, 4:37 PM EDT
response: Hi Marlene,  Silvery lace vine can be a very finnicky plant. Considering it is a drought-tolerant plant, it may be possible that the cold, rainy spring weather, and resulting saturated soils, may have been a big stressor for the plant. Alternatively, is it possible that any chemical or herbicide could have been sprayed on the other side of the fence? If you scrape the bark of the vines with your fingernails, is the tissue underneath green or brown? Green would indicate that the branches are still alive and may come back, while brown indicates that the branches have actually died off.  Thanks,Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 10:20 AM EDT
response: thank you hania for your responses. i am hopeful that maybe some of it will survive. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 25, 2023, at 2:37 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Bug in our home - we think related to all of the rain

Question: Hello,

Over the past few weeks we have had a number of bugs infiltrate a bedroom in our home. This room is on the 2nd floor over the garage and has a skylight. We notice a large concentration both on the inside and outside of the skylight as well as the bugs being on the bed just below the skylight (probably about 40-50 of them) and we have also found them in our bathtubs throughout our home upstairs, especially when there is water left from a shower. They are very, very tiny. We had an extermintator come to look at them but he could not identify them so recomend we send pictures to you all. We have never seen them before until this summer when the heavy rains started. We would like to identify them to understand how to prevent their entry. Thank so much.

responder: Taffy Replied July 24, 2023, 6:25 PM EDT
response: Sharon, It's hard to tell from photos, but they look and sound like springtails - Spring fleas (Various species in the order of Collembola). Do they jump or appear to disappear when poked?   Springtails do not harm anything in the house itself, nor do they bite, but can be an indication of moisture leak issues, high humidity, and possibly mold/algae (which they eat) in damp areas.  Seal gaps/cracks, dry the area out (dehumidifier or fix leaks). No pesticide warranted or needed https://extension.umd.edu/resource/springtails  https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/occasional-invaders/springtails/  Good luck and thanks for contacting Ask Extension.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 8:50 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the quick response, Taffy. We greatly appreciate it.Cheers,Sharon On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 6:25 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 25, 2023, 8:54 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
What is this indoor bug

Question: Hello,

I’ve never seen this beetle type bug before this summer in my house. They attach on the ceiling and walls and when I was bathing my dog I had to pull one off of his belly. I need to know what I can use to get rid of them as I’m killing between 5-10 a day in my house. Never seen them before. Picture is zoomed in they are the size of the top of my finger. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 24, 2023, 1:26 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. It is one of the many kinds of ground beetles. Here is some information for you. https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/ground-beetles

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 1:37 PM EDT
response: Thank you! Wanted to make sure they aren’t harmful to my dogs.   Have a great day!   Get Outlook for iOS    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, July 24, 2023 12:26:07 PM To: Shari Mitchell <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: What is this indoor bug (#0112237)

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 24, 2023, 2:29 PM EDT
response: One of our experts suggests a strawberry root weevil. What do you think?  https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/strawberry-root-weevil
Garden pests question

Question: Hi there, I'm attaching some pictures of some issues I am having in my yard. The lilac, hollyhocks, and sunflowers seem affected. Could you please advise on what this might be and how to treat? Thanks!

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied July 24, 2023, 3:53 PM EDT
response: Hi Laura- Thanks for your question about what is happening on your lilac plants. The pictures you sent are of an infestation of lilac leafminer.   https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/lilac-syringa-lilac-leafminer  It looks to me like you may already have the parasitoid which will help control the problem, as I don't see any larvae on the pictures you sent. Notice the article says there is conflicting information about whether to rake up leaves as they fall, since they may have the leafminer, but they may also help the parasitoid over-winter.  If the problem continues to get worse this year, and you decide you want to use a chemical control, find a pesticide that includes some of the the following active ingredients and follow the directions very carefully: acephate acetamiprid S (this means it will get into the System of the plant) azadirectin O (this means it is considered Organic) carbaryl clothianidin S dinotefuran S emamectin benzoate fluvinate imidacloprid S insecticidal soap O malathion pyrethrins O pyrethroids P (this means it will kill a broad spectrum of insects) spinosad O thiamethoxam S  Now I have to go check my lilacs and see how they are!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 12:50 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your help. I'm pretty overwhelmed by all of the ingredients and trying to find them in the pest control area of the store- I just don't know what I'm looking for. Is there possibly a brand or brands you can suggest? Thank you- I'm just having trouble with trying to compare the list with so many different products and I pretty much turn into a deer in the headlights!  Laura

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied July 25, 2023, 5:13 PM EDT
response: Hi Laura- Yes, it's overwhelming trying to sort through pesticides. (I'm glad my trees didn't show any signs!) If it were me, I would start with an insecticidal soap or spinosad. While still insecticides, they are organic and some of the least harmful to other insects. We can't recommend brands but you can ask at the store to get help with those two ingredients. If no one knows anything (common at stores these days) try a garden store where the helpers are a bit more knowledgeable.  Good luck!