MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Orange Growth on Purple Birch Tree

Question: I have a purple birch tree that has an orange growth on the trunk and branches.  On the lower part of the tree the growth is gone and white spots are left.  Pictures are attached.  Is the growth dangerous to the tree?  How should I treat the growth?

Carl Good

responder: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension!  Replied May 24, 2023, 2:12 PM EDT
response: These look like lichens, which are harmless to the tree: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_are_lichens_and_what_are_they_doing_on_my_tree If you can get a really clear, really close-up photo of the orange growth and a second really clear, really close-up photo of the white areas "left behind", please upload those so we can verify it is in fact lichens.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 4:01 PM EDT
response: Here are additional photos requested.

responder: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension!  Replied May 24, 2023, 4:03 PM EDT
response: Yes, those are lichens. No problem at all.
Mystery Caterpillar

Question: Wondering if you could identify this caterpillar found in my south hills (Eugene) yard. I've not seen this guy before. 1.5 inches in length, black and white colors and covered in what looks like shields over length of body.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied May 24, 2023, 4:59 PM EDT
response: Hi Chuck,  Wow! What a great find!   That is a caterpillar of the moth called the Ilia underwing (Catocala ilia). The pattern of the caterpillar allows it to blend in with lichens on tree branches. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of white oaks and grow in late spring. The adult moths are out and flying in the summer.  Here is what the adult moths look like... https://bugguide.net/node/view/559651  Enjoy!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 6:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your ID response. An impressive bug in both stages. Camouflage obviously rules. I do think I’ve seen the adult in my yard over the years. Good to have the larval/adult connection. ChuckAd Astra per AsperaSent from Chuck's iPad On May 24, 2023, at 1:59 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Is this a Honey Mushroom?

Question: What do I need to know about this mushroom.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 24, 2023, 3:15 PM EDT
response: Hello! That is a big mushroom! I'm not sure if you are looking to find out if it is edible or just identification. Honey mushroom is a very wide term for mushrooms in the Armillaria family. Identifying mushrooms can be very tricky outside of being a mycologist, and even then it is tricky. You can use the resources below to help identify or connect with others than can help. Here is a link on honey mushroomsHoney Mushroom Identification: Pictures, Habitat, Season & Spore Print | Armillaria mellea (ediblewildfood.com) Other Texas mushroom linksMushrooms in the Garden Beds | Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab (tamu.edu)Texas mushroomsTips for Collecting and Identifying Mushrooms | Horticulture and Home Pest News (iastate.edu)Hunting for Fungi in Texas: An Introduction to Mushroom Foraging - TexasRealFood Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 8:02 PM EDT
response: What I understand about Armillaria (or honey fungus) is a parasitic fungi that lives on trees and woody shrubs and includes 10 species formerly lumped together as A. mellea. Armillaria can be extremely destructive to trees and shrubs, but it is often under-diagnosed because it is difficult to properly identify.Feb 9, 2018 https://learnyourland.com/how-honey-mushrooms-may-help-to-treat-liver-cancer/   Armillaria Honey Mushroom is also used in pharmacuticals to destroy cancer cells as an apoptosis. To protect our trees and srubs we will remove it, trash it and wash our hands.  Honey Mushroom can be par boiled and well cook and is edible but I will pass on that. Very important not to eat when drinking alcohol. Can make you very sick.
White patch on tulip poplar

Question: I have a large (at least 4 stories tall) and well-maintained tulip poplar in my yard that is possibly 80+ years old.  In the past year, I have noticed a white patch about halfway up the trunk that seems to be discoloring the tree trunk below it.  Can you tell me what it is and whether I need to do something about it? 
Photos attached.
Thank you.

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 25, 2023, 12:53 PM EDT
response: We can't positively identify the object from this distance but it does resemble one of the common wood-decay fungi that can emerge from inner wood that the fungus is gradually consuming. It appears that it's growing atop a branch stub that might not have been pruned off correctly at the time (cut too close to the trunk perhaps), or it was but it happened to not seal-over properly. The vertical stripe of paler bark below it might not be related but, like the suspected fungus itself, should be evaluated by a certified arborist. (Some might be able to climb up there to get a better look, or they might see enough detail with binoculars.)  Some arborists are employed by tree-care companies while others consult independently. While they can't intervene to cure an existing problem of wood decay or other long-term issues, they can help make a diagnosis and also look for sources of tree stress that might be remedied to help trees recover as much as possible. Once certain wood-boring insects or wood-decay fungi enter a tree, little can be done because pesticides are only preventative measures, but fortunately not all infections/infestations spell immediate doom to the tree because they can feed in different zones within the tree, and sometimes only damage interior wood that is already dead tissue. Since this still creates the potential for storm vulnerability from hollowed-out trunks, though, this is one reason an arborist should be consulted. If not posing a great threat to tree stability or health, hollowed-out cavities in otherwise-healthy trees can be of great value to wildlife like nesting birds (owls, if the hole is large enough), flying squirrels, and other animals. Some arborists have additional training in evaluating hazard trees for the sake of safety, which you can search for using the link above if you feel the assessment needs to include this expertise.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2023, 2:25 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your excellent advice.  I will look into it. Best wishes.On Thu, May 25, 2023 at 12:53 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Dying arbor trees

Question: Hello Extension folks, thanks for taking the time to read this.  I have five of my arbor trees to completely brown in the last six weeks.  No problems with them previously.  It wasn’t a frosty dry winter nor has it been really dry recently.  Could it be fungus? I’ve been watering them a lot the last 10 days.  Do I cut them out to avoid spreading a pest to the rest of the arbor? thabks

responder: Kendal Johnson  Replied May 24, 2023, 7:34 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out! That is a bit of an odd one. Typically I would expect some progression with root rot or an insect pest, and not all 6 at once.  Has anything been sprayed near them?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 7:52 PM EDT
response: Thanks for writing back. We haven’t had any spraying, but there was significant excavation and drain work within 10 feet of these trees.  An arborist friend really thinks it is rot and these western red cedar are very fragile. Aaron Sent from my iPhone On May 24, 2023, at 4:34 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Kendal Johnson  Replied May 24, 2023, 9:04 PM EDT
response: Was the drain work recent/ close to all of them? Or just those 6?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 9:15 PM EDT
response: It was close to everything, but just these ones in the middle are dying. Attached is a video:AaronSent from my iPhone On May 24, 2023, at 6:04 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Kendal Johnson  Replied May 25, 2023, 11:21 AM EDT
response: I would expect one of two things:  1- they have root rot, digging the trench disturbed the roots too much on those because they have limited water uptake ability anyway, so they died.  2- They don't have root rot, but same as above, disturbing them killed them. I would remove them from a fire standpoint, as they are basically matches now, but I would worry about the root rot spreading, basically because it is too late if it is there, the others will eventually have problems with it. I am sure the heat we have had the last week exacerbated any existing condition.
Is this sawfly damage?

Question: The damage is on lemon drop evening primrose that has been in this bed for around ten years. And is there anything I can do to save them? The larvae are way too tiny to pick off.

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 25, 2023, 12:04 PM EDT
response: There is at least one sawfly species (we think native, though there is little info. about them we could find) that feeds on Evening Primrose. The photo of the larva is not in focus but it does generally look like it could belong to a sawfly. Fortunately, these plants tend to be so vigorous that any temporary defoliation caused by these larvae should not kill the plants; they should eventually produce new growth to replace what was lost.  Given that this seems to be a native insect and is valuable as a prey item to other wildlife, and given that the long-term health of the plants is probably not under threat, we do not recommend an insecticide. You could cut the plants back if too unsightly, but this might delay regrowth and reblooming as the plants would have to replace the removed stems as well instead of just the foliage chewed off the stem. Given how much damage has already been done, the larvae are probably almost finished feeding and will then mature into adults that won't damage the plant; there's also little that would be able to be sprayed with a pesticide anyway since most of the foliage is missing.  If you feel you must intervene, then either cut the plants down to force regrowth (dispose of the clippings in yard waste or a compost pile) or treat what is left with a lower-toxicity insecticide like horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Follow all label directions on the product about dosage and when to re-apply. Be aware that such products require thorough coverage of the foliage (tops and bottoms of leaves) because they have to literally contact the insects in order to affect them (dried spray residues on the foliage will not be effective). Since this can be hard to spray well on low-growing plants unless you can bend them over to hit the leaf undersides without breaking the stems, this is one reason it's simpler to forego pesticide use and just physically remove them, allow them to complete their life cycle, or to do the pruning we mentioned above.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 3:21 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much.  I'm perfectly happy with the "do nothing" recommendation... On Thu, May 25, 2023 at 12:04 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 May 25, 2023, 3:47 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Dark areas on tomato plant

Question: I purchase this hanging basket tomato at a local garden center last week. When I purchased it, the leaves were all green. However, a couple days ago, I noticed that the leaves had turned dark. Is this a fungus? If so, should I discard the plant? It is in close proximity to other tomatoes that appear to be fine.

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 24, 2023, 9:51 AM EDT
response: Hi- it does not appear to be a disease. The loss of normal color and discolorations could have multiple causes: moisture stress/inconsistent watering, insufficient root system for plant size and fruit load, weather extremes, change in light exposure, or exposure to a contaminant. We don't see obvious symptoms or signs of insect feeding but encourage you to look carefully at leaf undersides for such. If possible, try to remove the plant to examine the root system for signs of browning and decay.  We suggest that you water regularly and fertilize right away with a complete (contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) soluble fertilizer.  Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 10:00 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the very prompt reply!  I will fertilize and check roots.  Sent from my iPhone  On May 24, 2023, at 9:51 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿
Plant identification

Question: What are these red flowering plants?  Thanks!

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied May 24, 2023, 4:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Kris- Those are bread poppies or opium poppies from which come poppy seeds and... well... opium. They are illegal to plant in several states but don't know about Oregon. Hard to find the seeds though. https://museum.dea.gov/exhibits/online-exhibits/cannabis-coca-and-poppy-natures-addictive-plants/opium-poppy

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 5:07 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Rhonda!  That’ll what I told my husband, but he wanted to hear from om an expert!Kris On Wed, May 24, 2023 at 1:51 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied May 24, 2023, 5:24 PM EDT
response: Husbands!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 5:37 PM EDT
response: On Wed, May 24, 2023 at 2:24 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Grape vine disease

Question: Hi, I would like to know what is wrong with my grape vine. The plant looks really healthy and with lots of flowers but some leaves are turning vrown

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 24, 2023, 10:28 AM EDT
response: Hi- if this symptom started as small round spots with tan centers and darker borders it is probably caused by black rot, a widespread and significant grape disease in Maryland.  The disease also infects grapes causing them to dry up into "mummies."  https://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/ipddl/publications/5106e/ https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-fru-24  Remove and trash severely infected leaves, prune out excess leaves around fruit clusters to improve air circulation, and clean up and dispose of all infected fruit.  The disease is controlled by fungicides sprayed before, during, and after bloom. Immunox (myclobutanil) is the most effective fungicide)  If the symptom did not start off as small round spots but rather appeared suddenly, it's possible that this is some type of environmental injury (weather-related) or chemical burn, that is,  if pesticides were applied. In that case, you would see the injury on other leaves.  Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 12:36 PM EDT
response: Dear Jon,Thank you so much for your help! This is really helpful. Last year we saw the dry up grapes! so that must be it! Will spray!Thanks againEstefaniaEl mié, 24 may 2023 a la(s) 10:28, Ask Extension (<personal data hidden>) escribió:

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 24, 2023, 1:28 PM EDT
response: Good luck with your grapes. Jon
Asclepias purpurascens Chlorosis?

Question: Hi!  I bought two robust-looking Purple Milkweed plugs last week and planted them in on Sunday. I did not water the plugs just before planting because they were moist, but I did water them in after planting. Today I noticed that one looks paler than the other, with darker parts along the leaf veins, and the “good” plant has one leaf that is looking this way too. I stuck a finger down into the dirt next to both plants. In both places the dirt is cool and I would calm it damp — like a well-wrung sponge — but not necessarily moist or wet.  I did not dig them up to look at the roots, they looked fine the other day. I did not fertilize the plants after I purchased them or after I planted them.  I do have some Osmocote (12-12-12 I think) and some standard Miracle Gri. Looking for advice on how to save the one plant.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 24, 2023, 10:00 AM EDT
response: Hi Katie, thanks for the question.  The interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between the veins) may be just transplant shock although a nutrient issue may also be at play.  Fertilizing may not be helpful since this plant likes poor soils.  Wait a few days and see if it improves.  It may be a good idea to get a soil test (Home | MSU Soil Test).   I hope this is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 11:42 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  I will monitor. Do all the good you can,  for as many people as you can,  for as long as you can,  for all the right reasons. -- Peter M. Wege On May 24, 2023, at 10:00 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Invasive Plant?

Question: I have attached a picture of a plant that is taking over one of our landscaped areas. Can you identify it and suggest a way to remove it?

Thanks,
Phil Meyer

responder: Tom OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied May 29, 2023, 1:19 PM EDT
response: Phil,  It appears that you have a gift from the birds or a plant that has been in your woods prior to your renovations.  It is most likely the native Smooth Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum). It is neither invasive nor very aggressive, but will spread over time (as it has in some of my shady ground-cover beds). You can dig out the rhizomes and, if you want, move them to another shady spot that is more desireable. Here's a link with more information:  https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/solomons-seal-polygonatum-spp/  Please let me know if you have further questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 8:49 PM EDT
response: Tom,Thanks for the information. I began digging out the rhizomes, but some are growing up through day Lillie’s. I will probably need to wait to dig those out until the Lillie’s are done blooming. Thanks again for your help.PhilSent from my iPad On May 29, 2023, at 1:19 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Zoysia Grass

Question: Hi there,
I planted this zoysia grass last October. As its filled in and greened up this spring, I notice these spots throughout the yard.  They are all slightly different. Any idea how I should treat these? Not sure if it is a fungus, too wet, too dry, or urine burn from my dog.  Thanks so much!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 9:36 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  The first two photos you sent definitely look like chemical burn. As for the third image, do you typically use a rotary mower for your yard or a reel type mower?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 10:38 AM EDT
response: Thank you! I use a rotary mower. I think I’ve figured out one way I could be getting chemical burns; it’s runoff from my saltwater pool. But those that are in the center of my yard, I’m unsure. Any thoughts/ideas? Something I might not think of?Thanks again,JennSent from my iPhone On May 30, 2023, at 8:36 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 11:07 AM EDT
response: The damage in the third image could be blade damage from the lawnmower, the rings from the image appear to look like that of a lawnmower blade. Generally, for Zoysia turf a reel type mower is recommended over a rotary mower as Zoysia grass is prone to scalping especially on uneven areas.  Zoysiagrass - AggieTurf (tamu.edu)

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 11:53 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much! I’ll look into a reel mower. JennSent from my iPhone On May 30, 2023, at 10:07 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 11:55 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Bugs on passion fruit plant

Question: I discovered this bug on my indoor passion fruit plants.
I clean up all the plants and please advise how to dispose the plants and soil.
Thank you

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 24, 2023, 9:15 PM EDT
response: This appears to be a brown marmorated stink bug nymph.  There is also an earlier instar nymph and eggs in the various pictures. It is considered invasive.  Drown them in soapy water or vacuum up and put in plastic bag in the garbage.  You can also cut the leaves off with eggs and put the eggs in the plastic bag in the trash. It’s unlikely that they are in the soil. They probably were hibernating somewhere in your house for the winter.  Excellent photos!  See: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/brown-marmorated-stink-bug

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 11:28 PM EDT
response: Hi Mary,I am so relieved knowing the proper way to handle the situation.Thank you so very much.Helen Yu Sent from my iPad ProOn May 24, 2023, at 8:15 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 25, 2023, 7:18 AM EDT
response: You are welcome.  Glad to help.
"healthy" looking maple tree falls over

Question: Last night, a clear night, a small maple on the edge of the woods fell down.  The exact same thing happened in May 2022 in the same area (about one foot away).  The maple looks "healthy" with green leaves and good growth.  But the root is totally rotted out.  This area does not retain water; it drains reasonably well.  Is there an insect we should be looking for or something else?  I'd like to prevent this from happening in the future.  I've attached some pictures:  healthy leaf growth, picture of the rotted root system and the fungus growing on the branches.  Any insight would be appreciated!

responder: Catherine Freay  Replied May 24, 2023, 8:22 AM EDT
response: Based on the photos you sent, it looks as though another tree was growing here.  I can see a very large root at the top of the photo. Is it possible that the young maple was a shoot from the previous tree or a seedling with nowhere to grow its roots?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2023, 7:02 PM EDT
response: Here is a cross section photo of the trunk.  The tree was on the edge of a wooded area and had plenty of room to "stretch" roots, so I don't think it was root bound.  I'm wondering if it is insect related?  On Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 08:23:03 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Catherine Freay  Replied May 31, 2023, 1:55 PM EDT
response: That could be insect galleries through the tree trunk but I can't say for certain.  I would recommend taking the trunk piece into your local extension office to see if they can positively identify whether an insect was the cause of the tree falling.   Locate an Office | OSU Extension