MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
white wood aster pest?

Question: We planted 2 white wood asters under our silver maple tree 3 years ago. For the past 2 years, the asters bloomed, and then something ate all the leaves off the stems. Not the flowers. We have not seen anything on the plants. The damage is too small to be deer, which love other flowers and plants in our yard. The squirrels seem to bury things in that area. We sprayed deer spray on it, but that is all. I have a friend in another area of our neighborhood who said the same thing happened to her white wood asters. Do you know what kind of pest does this and is there any way to treat or prevent this happening again?

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 April 11, 2023, 11:06 AM EDT
response: Hi,  From these photos we can't tell from the damage alone, but Asters are a host plant for a few of our local butterflies, some of which feed gregariously as caterpillars. Pearl Crescent Caterpillar. https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Phyciodes-tharosYou can check the plant if the damage begins to appear again later this season (the insects are likely long gone by the time this much damage was done when the photos were taken). Look for the caterpillar or similar munching insect when if you see more damage and send us a photo.  Thanks for planting something for a native species and supporting our local biodiversity! Should they return, they shouldn't damage the plant enough to kill it. You can feel good that you are giving it the required food source. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 11, 2023, 11:39 AM EDT
response: thanks for getting back to us.  We’ll keep an eye out for the critter.   If it’s really a caterpillar or butterfly, that’s OK with us.   Sent from my iPhone On Apr 11, 2023, at 11:06 AM, 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 April 11, 2023, 12:44 PM EDT
response: you're welcome
Animals have eaten the bark of my tree branches!

Question: Hi. I'm hoping you can help me. With the snow being so high this winter I believe that the rabbits (and maybe some deer) have eaten the bark off some of the lower branches of my apple scab tree. The tree is 23 years old and I've never had this issue before. I'm wondering if I need to be worried about this affecting the overall health of the tree or if I need to do something to the tree to help it. Thanks for your help, it's much appreciated!

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied April 10, 2023, 9:23 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Cory,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Please click on this link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about rabbit damage in the winter: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/ash/trunkchewed.html Here is another link about protecting trees and shrubs in the winter: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter From your photos, it appears that the branches that are damaged are not significant branches and should be pruned off. If the bark is chewed off all the way around the branch, it will not survive.  Here is another link about pruning techniques. If you scroll down, there is a video series about pruning apple trees: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs#how-to-prune-apple-trees-%28videos%29-1 Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 10, 2023, 10:31 AM EDT
response: The information you supplied was very helpful. Thank you so much! Cory

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied April 11, 2023, 7:45 AM EDT
response: Cory,  You are welcome!
Help with identification of microscopic ectoparasite on goat

Question: Please assist in identifying this suspected ectoparasite found on an itchy goat. Sample was taken with scotch tape on the ear. Goat has hair loss and erythema on legs, but is itchy everywhere. I can’t identify it as any of the normal mange mites or lice. Is it a larval form of a different kind of insect? Or a mite I’m not familiar with? I’m wondering if it’s just an incidental finding and not the actual cause of itching.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 13, 2023, 8:59 AM EDT
response: Maybe send to your local veterinarian's office.

responder: Ed Brown  Replied April 13, 2023, 9:05 AM EDT
response: I was able to consult with a veterinarian on the insect and itchy goat. The response I received is: "This is most likely a spinose ear tick since that is the location you found it and that is an arachnid. Very hard to say as I think the specimen is upside down, squished, and has no reference scale for size. You would find the juvenile form in the ear. That is a guess. They need a veterinary exam. I would not expect that the whole animal would be itchy, so I am guessing there is more than that going on" I hope that this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 13, 2023, 9:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much! This is very helpful!Lauren Sent from my iPhone On Apr 13, 2023, at 9:05 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
What is wrong with my roses?

Question: My roses have looked like this for 2-3 years.  I have used dawn dishsoap spray, and neem oil spray.  I have pruned for air flow and for damaged branches.  They are always attacked by Japanese beetles and bindweed.  Can you tell me what this is?  Also, what is the best way to get rid of the affected branches or plant - compost or fire?

responder: Shelley B.   Replied April 12, 2023, 1:01 PM EDT
response: Hi Nicole. Thank you for your question. Japanese beetles lay eggs in the soil in autumn and these hatch in the spring. I would avoid compositing the pruned branches out of caution - in case there are some hatchlings on them. Below is a link to – “Managing the Japanese Beetle: A Homeowner’s Handbook”. It includes information regarding the lifecycle of Japanese Beetles along with methods for managing them.  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/jb/downloads/JBhandbook.pdf

responder: Shelley B.   Replied April 12, 2023, 1:05 PM EDT
response: I also recommend soil testing. This may reveal the more about what is causing the issue. Below is a link with further information.  https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 12, 2023, 3:14 PM EDT
response: Shelly, So you are thinking this is all caused by Japanese beetles?  Thanks, NicoleSent from my iPhone<personal data hidden> On Apr 12, 2023, at 1:05 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Shelley B.   Replied April 12, 2023, 3:57 PM EDT
response: Hello Nicole. I am not certain that Japanese beetles are fully responsible for this condition. However, they could likely be a contributing factor in stressing the plants.  This condition could be a nutrient deficiency or a fungus issue in the soil or mulch as well. https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/disease-and-pests/common-rose-diseases/ Having a soil test is a good place to begin accurate diagnosis. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
I have this Little stink bug

Question: I have relative of a stink bug in my house.20 to 30 a day. They where brown for awhile now they are green. If you step on it it stinks. Not a stink bug

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 12, 2023, 7:13 PM EDT
response: Tamara: Is it possible to get a better close up of the bug. I am unable to ID the bug from the picture as I do not see any details I need for an ID. Thanks

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 12, 2023, 8:37 PM EDT
response: Ok I will try when I get homeOn Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 4:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 13, 2023, 12:09 PM EDT
response: I hope u got the pictures On Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 5:33 PM Tamara Jarland <<personal data hidden>> wrote:Ok I will try when I get homeOn Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 4:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 13, 2023, 12:10 PM EDT
response: I hope u got new pictures

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 13, 2023, 12:52 PM EDT
response: Tamara: No, I did not get any pictures. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 13, 2023, 1:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you! On Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 9:52 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 13, 2023, 1:13 PM EDT
response: Let me know if you got these ones total of 3On Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 9:58 AM Tamara Jarland <<personal data hidden>> wrote:Thank you! On Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 9:52 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 13, 2023, 3:11 PM EDT
response: Nope, still no pictures.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 13, 2023, 3:47 PM EDT
response: Ok I'm going to start over and send new pictures On Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 12:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 13, 2023, 7:09 PM EDT
response: Sounds good. Not sure what is going on.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 13, 2023, 10:27 PM EDT
response: I'm going to start a new claim and send the better pictures On Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 4:09 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 14, 2023, 10:36 AM EDT
response: OK. Thanks for your patience..
Soil Rot

Question: Dear Oregon State University,

Can you please help me, tell me what I should do. Last week I planted 238 new fig cuttings in half a gallon pots. Now I see rot is growing in the potting mix and in the lower part of the stem. What should I do now?? I have asked CHAT GPT and one of the recommendations was your website, that is how I got your email. Is there any medicine or something I can water them with? Please, this is urgent.

Sincerely,
Mohammed Al Khuzairi

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied April 10, 2023, 1:58 PM EDT
response: Lets take this one step at a time. Your images show what does look like fungal growth in the potting media. We see both white mycelia and what appears to be fruiting bodies forming. It is possible that some of the growth might be impacting the fig cuttings but it is also possible that it is not.  Since you just planted recently I suspect the cuttings have not rooted yet. You can verify this by digging up a few to see what they are doing. If not, then I would suggest re-potting into new media from a different source. The fungi are likely coming from the media (not the cuttings) and using that as a nutrient source. You can check the cuttings at the soil surface to see if anything has penetrated the wood. I suspect you might be able to just wipe it off, maybe treat with a disinfestant and then replant just fine.  If the cuttings have rooted then re-potting will be hard on them. One or two little root initials is nothing to worry about but a few inches of fine root strands might be heavily damaged by the re-potting. In this case you might have to just wait and see if the cuttings take or not. You can scrape off the top half inch or so of the potting media and see if that helps remove the problem. The fungus growing on the top of the potting media might make water percolation difficult. You may have to water from the bottom.  Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 11, 2023, 5:25 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much Doctor Pscheidt. I will work on your advices.On Mon, Apr 10, 2023 at 10:58 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
plant/weed identification

Question: Please help identify this plant.  Deer or some animal likes to eat it.  It looks like it might be in the radish family, but I have not been able to get a positive ID.  These pictures were taken this week.  It does seem to be spreading as if it is invasive.  Animals seem to eat it eventually before it flowers.  Not sure of what the flower looks like yet.  Rosettes pictured are about 10 inches in diameter.  Sometimes some leaves show a reddish cast.  Is it edible?

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 April 10, 2023, 7:23 PM EDT
response: This looks like a species of Youngia or oriental hawksbeard...which can be quite invasive. I have read that it is eaten as a vegetable in Asia, but I don't think I would try it myself...I would leave it for the deer...smile! Unfortunately, you may need to be a little more aggresive to control it due to the amount of seed it produces. See the links below for more information.  https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/youngia-japonica/  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/weed-identification-and-management-home-landscapes  Happy Spring! Robin

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 10, 2023, 10:41 PM EDT
response: Robin,Yes, that's it!  Thank you!  Previous owners of our home were from Asia.  Maybe they started it.  It does like to grow between cracks in our brick patio.  I will be sure to cut the flowers.  I have been trying to ID this plant for years.  Now I can eat it, along with the dandelions, garlic mustard, mugwort, and winter cress that I so much enjoy in the spring.  Good job! PeterOn Mon, Apr 10, 2023 at 7:23 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 April 12, 2023, 9:53 AM EDT
response: Hello Peter,  We do not recommend eating any wild plant unless you are 100% sure of its ID, since sometimes two different species can look very much alike. Plant ID relies heavily on bloom traits, for instance, and foliage alone may not be sufficient in many cases. We recognize the foliage in your photos as resembling Youngia japonica, but cannot be positive of the ID thus far. If you decide to leave the plant until flowering, you can compare the blooms with the linked gallery page. Flowering tends to occur around late spring into early summer. Weedy and invasive plants spread readily on their own and just because this can be used as a food by other cultures doesn't necessarily mean anyone deliberately planted it for that purpose, so even if you remove these individuals, expect that it might return in future years (especially if whatever nearby source of seed created these plants still exists).  Miri
Plant Identification

Question: Hello, Can you help me identify the attached plants, and also tell me if they are good for bees? The first picture, I tried to capture the weedy looking plant growing around my lawn. Thank you, Eric

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 April 10, 2023, 1:29 PM EDT
response: It is hard to say for sure, however the photo attachments came in, they can't be zoomed in from our end, but they appear to be the following  (1) looks like Hairy Bittercress that is going to seed. It isn't native but in terms of being good for pollinators, it does provide some early season flowers. It is a cool season annual so it doesn't last long into the  spring/summer when the weather warms up.  (2) This appears to be Vinca minor or Periwinkle which is an invasive ground cover. As long as it is controlled so it doesn't spread to a natural area it could be fine to leave it. Again for bees it does provide some source of pollen but probably not a highly value resource as it doesn't flower for that long. Incorporating other native ground covers or perennials that bloom at different times would be more beneficial for pollinators.  (3) Grass or what appears to be a grass can be really difficult to identify. This could be Poa annua, or Annual Blue Grass. It doesn't really have any value to pollinators. Rabbits and deer probably eat it but it is a European invasive as well and cool season annual. Other native wildflowers or grasses would be a better substitute for pollen and seeds. You can explore different plant or pollinators and more information on our Pollinator Garden web page.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 11, 2023, 2:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much Emily! Eric

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 April 12, 2023, 7:38 AM EDT
response: you're welcome
Bugs On My Plant

Question: Hello, Can you tell me what these bugs are that are on my plant? Will these bugs hurt my plant? And what can I do to remove them (if they damage). Thank you, Eric

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 April 10, 2023, 10:40 AM EDT
response: Hello; Thanks for submitting your garden and landscape questions to the University of Maryland Ask Extension service.  Hooray spring! Finally we can begin gardening. Err, yes, your bug question: your iris plants have an abundance of aphids crawling on foliage. Please see this UMd Extension webpage "Aphids on Flowers" to learn more about this common insect pest https://extension.umd.edu/resource/aphids-flowers.   You can easily deal with this pest by spraying your iris plants with a strong stream of water which will knock aphids off of plants. Aphids are slow-moving and are not likely to crawl back up to re-infest your plants. Also, there are many 'good bug' predator insects in landscapes that will also take care of aphids once warmer weather reappears.    Good luck with your garden. Thanks; Christopher

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 11, 2023, 2:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you Christopher! Eric
D diseased tree

Question: While hiking I noticed a group of trees that all had the same pock marks.   The trees were dead.   I would just like to know what it is?  Picture attached from 4/7/23 Monroe Falls Park

responder: Erik Draper--  Replied April 14, 2023, 9:46 AM EDT
response: Hello Esther,  What you are seeing there is is called Target canker caused by the fungal pathogen Neonectria ditissima.  It can affect over 60 species of deciduous trees and shrubs in the landscape!  Here is a great fact sheet explaining this disease and it's impact on trees.   https://forestpathology.org/canker/perennial/  Hope that helps,

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 15, 2023, 7:00 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much

responder: Erik Draper--  Replied April 17, 2023, 8:43 AM EDT
response: You are very welcome.  Have a great day!
Missing tree bark

Question: We have a small berry tree in our yard. The rabbits (or other animals) have eaten a big chunk of tree bark off of it. Should I treat the tree with something or leave it alone?

responder: eGardener  Replied April 12, 2023, 10:51 AM EDT
response: Hello, happy to help. I'm so sorry about your damaged tree. It seems that the rabbits were able to get to it because the snow levels rose up high enough for them to cross over the fence and chew the bark. I would suggest shoveling snow away from fenced trees and shrubs when the snow pack gets too deep in the future. It appears to have been chewed the entire circumference of the tree which means the cambium has been so damaged that the roots will not be able to support the canopy. You may see some leafing out this spring due to stored energy in the canopy but those leaves will probably drop off later. There's nothing you can do for the damaged bark. If there is any remaining connection between the roots and the canopy (a segment of unchewed bark), your tree may live but it'll be stressed. In that case, make sure it gets lots of TLC like an inch of water each week once the ground is no longer saturated by the melting snows. And keep watering into the fall. Good-luck!

responder: eGardener  Replied April 12, 2023, 11:18 AM EDT
response: Hello, I have a question. Was the snow level any higher than the fence? I may have assumed too much. Thanks!

responder: eGardener  Replied April 12, 2023, 11:18 AM EDT
response: Hello, I have a question. Was the snow level any higher than the fence? I may have assumed too much. Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 12, 2023, 1:34 PM EDT
response: Yes I noticed that the snow was almost up to the fence so normally the animals can’t get to it to eat bark. But now I’m wondering if I have to do something to treat the tree or if I just leave it aloneLaurieSent from my iPhone On Apr 12, 2023, at 10:18 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: eGardener  Replied April 19, 2023, 9:40 AM EDT
response: Hello, Laurie, There's nothing you can do for the tree. I'd wait and see what happens. Good-luck!
Can you identify these plants?

Question: I have two plants in my yard and am hoping you could identify them for me. The green shrub i just found in my yard and replanted. It may be a weed. The other in the planter was purchased at a nursery three years ago. Thank you very much

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 April 10, 2023, 11:53 AM EDT
response: Hi,  The glossy leaf shrub looks like a Wax-leaf Privet which is an invasive plant in Maryland. and the shrub in the planter looks like a Barberry variety, which is also an invasive plant. Both tend to spread by seeds. Birds eat the berries and disperse them, however deer and other wildlife won't eat the foliage/stems and the plants then tend to take over woodland areas, out-competing native plants.  We would recommend removing these plants and finding native species, or native cultivar varieties to replace them. You can explore some recommended native plants on our web resource and feel free to ask any questions or for recommendations.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 10, 2023, 12:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much!Sent from my iPhone On Apr 10, 2023, at 11:53 AM, 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 April 10, 2023, 1:57 PM EDT
response: you're welcome!