MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
caterpillars or disease?

Question: Please see the pic of a maple leaf.   Yes, we have plenty of spongy moth caterpillars, but none of the other plants they have attacked have these spots on the leaves.  Does this tree have a disease/infestation in addition to the caterpillars and if so, how should we proceed? 

Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 10, 2024, 11:43 AM EDT
response: Barbara, Looks like tar spot.  You can apply a fungicide making sure the entire leaf is covered.  As an ongoing measure, rake up fallen leaves and destroy them.  In the Fall makes sure all leaves are raked, removed and destroyed.  The fungus does survive throughout the winter, overwinter.  Attached is a fact sheet. tarspotofmaple.pdf  Good luck, Cynthia B, MGV

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2024, 11:49 AM EDT
response: Thanks. This is very helpful.    the pdf is not clickable.     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Monday, June 10, 2024 11:43 AM To: Barbara Lawrence <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: caterpillars or disease? (#0142132)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 10, 2024, 11:57 AM EDT
response: http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/tarspotofmaple.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2024, 11:59 AM EDT
response: Thank you... I have done a bit of googling since you told me what it is.    This link is broken at the Cornell end it appears.    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Monday, June 10, 2024 11:57 AM To: Barbara Lawrence <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: caterpillars or disease? (#0142132)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 10, 2024, 6:04 PM EDT
response: Hi Barbara, I couldn't tell if you ever received the PDF in a format you could open. Hopefully the attachment works this time. Let us know if you need anything else. thanks, Holly

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2024, 6:36 PM EDT
response: You are great!  Thank you.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Monday, June 10, 2024 6:04 PM To: Barbara Lawrence <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: caterpillars or disease? (#0142132)
What is the plant with the orange leave?

Question: Please help me identify the plant in the picture. Just the smaller plant with orange leaves.. Thank you very much!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 07, 2024, 8:08 AM EDT
response: This looks like a type of Bramble (raspberry, blackberry, etc.).  I think it might be having some nutritional issues or maybe some type of pathogen is impacting its normal growth.  It appears to have thorns like a bramble.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2024, 10:56 AM EDT
response: Here is another larger picture of the same type of plant, This plant is about 3 foot high. We have about 15 plants like this in various sizes with 20 yards. I've never seen these plants in the fifteen years we've owned the property. I just thought more information and background might help. Thank you for your time.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 07, 2024, 11:07 AM EDT
response: I am wondering if these plants have orange rust.  Does it look like there is orange powder on the undersides of the leaves.  https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/orange-rust-brambles

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2024, 11:27 AM EDT
response: It's not real powdery because of the rain but yes my finger turned orange when I ran my finger across them. I checked about 6 plants small to large and they all left the orange residue.                   On Fri, Jun 7, 2024 at 11:07 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 07, 2024, 11:34 AM EDT
response: So, I think this is orange rust fungi on brambles.    https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/its_that_time_of_year_for_orange_rust_in_brambles  The above link will have some information.   That is why the plants are orange and the leaves look distorted.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2024, 12:36 PM EDT
response: On Fri, Jun 7, 2024 at 11:34 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2024, 12:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much!!! On Fri, Jun 7, 2024 at 12:36 PM Ronald Angove <<personal data hidden>> wrote:On Fri, Jun 7, 2024 at 11:34 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Plant Identification

Question: Can you identify these plants in my yard?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2024, 7:03 PM EDT
response: In the picture there is one plant with tiny white flowers.  Under that there are green plants with big serrated leaves.

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 June 04, 2024, 3:01 PM EDT
response: This is Bishop's Weed or Gout Weed.  It can be very difficult to control. The link provided will give you details and guidance on how to control.  Most importantly you could clip the flower heads off before these go to seed and spread further.  Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 04, 2024, 4:59 PM EDT
response: Thanks Emily, Can you tell what the green serrated leaves below the Gout Weed is?   Could it be poison ivy? Muriel

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 04, 2024, 7:48 PM EDT
response: Could the plants with the serrated leaves under the Gout Weed be poison ivy? On Tue, Jun 4, 2024 at 3:01 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 June 05, 2024, 7:05 PM EDT
response: The majority of the foliage in the photo (the serrated foliage with leaflets) belongs to the Goutweed.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2024, 7:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you VERY much.  I really appreciate your expertise. MurielOn Wed, Jun 5, 2024 at 7:05 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 June 06, 2024, 9:54 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
What is this bug?

Question: I have just noticed these bugs on quite a few leaves of our Rose of Sharon Bush. Yikes! What are these and how do I get rid of them. Will they cause a big problem for the plant? I have never seen these in past years. Thanks for your help!

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 04, 2024, 9:03 AM EDT
response: Unfortunately, I can't determine what this is beyond saying it's a caterpillar, possibly a painted lady.   While caterpillars can feed on the leaves, they are unlikely to completely kill a plant. Keep an eye on the foliage, and if you decide to hand-pick off, use gloves as hairy caterpillars can sometimes cause a reaction on the skin.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 04, 2024, 1:29 PM EDT
response: Would it help to identify the actual bug if I sent a magnified picture of it?On Tue, Jun 4, 2024, 9:03 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 04, 2024, 2:15 PM EDT
response: Yes!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 04, 2024, 4:08 PM EDT
response: Here is a bigger specimen On Tue, Jun 4, 2024, 2:15 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 05, 2024, 11:18 AM EDT
response: Much appreciated! These are lady beetle larvae. Leave them on the plant, as you're getting free predation!!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2024, 3:39 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the tip! On Wed, Jun 5, 2024, 11:18 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Nest of Eggs

Question: Cleaning out my poppy gardens this morning and found a nest of seven eggs on the ground under the poppies. The eggs are 2 1/4 inches in length.  I live nest to Loukenon Resevoir and would like to know what type of eggs these are. (turtle, snake, or bird) See attached photograph

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2024, 8:17 AM EDT
response: Hello, I had sent your inquiry to our Wildlife Masters group but haven't received a confident response. I am still trying to get an answer for you on this, and wanted to let you know I am working on it. Have you seen anything come around the eggs or made any other observations since you sent your question in? Best regards, Lyndsay Gonzalez, Boulder County Small Acreage Management Coordinator

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2024, 2:14 PM EDT
response: Thanks for updating my inquiry. We haven’t seen any wildlife visit the nest.  Google search showed ducks lay their eggs on the groundin the reeds or tall grass, with a gestation period of four weeks.     Barbara  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Sunday, June 9, 2024 6:17 AMTo: Bjlewellen <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Nest of Eggs (#0141176)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2024, 11:53 AM EDT
response: Hi Barbara,  I apologize for the delayed response. I worked with someone from The Bird Conservancy, and they believe those are duck eggs and their best guess was teal eggs. They explained turtle and snake eggs are usually buried under soft soil/mud, usually have a soft shell and are round.  Did the eggs hatch? They should have within about 20 days.  Regards,Lyndsay

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 7:01 PM EDT
response: No, the eggs haven’t hatched yet.  Will give them another couple of weeks.  Just cant’ believe that Neither the mom nor dad are tending the nest.    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Monday, July 1, 2024 9:53 AMTo: Bjlewellen <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Nest of Eggs (#0141176)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 7:01 PM EDT
response: No, the eggs haven’t hatched yet.  Will give them another couple of weeks.  Just cant’ believe that Neither the mom nor dad are tending the nest.    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Monday, July 1, 2024 9:53 AMTo: Bjlewellen <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Nest of Eggs (#0141176)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2024, 7:25 PM EDT
response: You should have seen them by now. Maybe the nest has been abandoned. Hopefully that is not the case, and you will see some action soon.
Tree roots emerging from ground

Question: Hello. We have an 8 year old maple in our front yard. Its roots are beginning to protrude from the ground. We're concerned that the roots will damage our driveway. Is there anything we can do?

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied May 20, 2024, 10:13 PM EDT
response: What type of maple is your tree? Could you take a photo of the base of the tree? Thank you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2024, 12:32 PM EDT
response: Hello. Yes. See attached photos. I’m not sure what type of maple it is. It was planted before we bought the house.On a different subject, I’m wondering if you can tell me anything about how to care for this plant. I just bought it at Costco, but it didn’t have any instructions or even the name of what it is. Thanks On Mon, May 20, 2024 at 9:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied May 23, 2024, 12:09 AM EDT
response: I can not be certain but the maple in your yard may be a silver maple. Maples are known for having surface roots. They can make growing grass difficult and mowing over them can damage the tree. They are best managed by planting low growing ground cover, such as vinca or pachysandra. Another option is to use a layer of mulch over the area around the tree. I am uncertain if or how the roots may impact your driveway.  I am not familiar with the plant in your photo so cannot give instruction on the care of it.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2024, 9:45 AM EDT
response: Hi there. What does the ground cover do for the roots? Is there a way to stop the roots from pushing up?Thanks again. On Wed, May 22, 2024 at 11:09 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2024, 3:28 PM EDT
response: Following up on this. Thanks. On Thu, May 23, 2024 at 8:43 AM Tina Mortimer <<personal data hidden>> wrote:Hi there. What does the ground cover do for the roots? Is there a way to stop the roots from pushing up?Thanks again. On Wed, May 22, 2024 at 11:09 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2024, 3:28 PM EDT
response: Following up on this. Thanks. On Thu, May 23, 2024 at 8:43 AM Tina Mortimer <<personal data hidden>> wrote:Hi there. What does the ground cover do for the roots? Is there a way to stop the roots from pushing up?Thanks again. On Wed, May 22, 2024 at 11:09 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied May 29, 2024, 10:01 PM EDT
response: I apologize for the delay in response to you. Thank you for reaching out again. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the roots from pushing up. Maple trees are prone to this. The purpose of the ground cover is to fill in around the tree rather than having grass in the area. Mowing over tree roots can be harmful to the tree.
What is the problem of this blueberry plant

Question: Suziblue blueberry

responder: Chris Rusch Replied May 13, 2024, 11:41 PM EDT
response: Nutrient deficiencies and pH imbalances cause yellow leaves on blueberries. Test your soil for pH and nutrients; visually inspect for pests and stress. Treat with soil amendments and adjust watering for plant health. Before planting blueberries, have a soil sample tested. Collect soil samples up to a year or more in advance. This allows adequate time to amend the soil, if necessary. Take samples from the top 12 to 18 inches of soil, where the roots will grow. Blueberries require a soil pH of 4.5 to 5.5. If the test results indicate that soil pH is too low (too acidic) or too high (too basic) for blueberry production, amend the soil to improve the pH (see “Soil pH;” below). A typical soil analysis will also include phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na). Test for organic matter and for boron (B), especially in the Willamette Valley where B deficiency is common. Nitrogen (N) levels in soil are not useful because N is not added prior to planting. Instead, supply N with fertilizer after planting.  Here is an informative publication:  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1304-growing-blueberries-your-home-garden

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2024, 2:21 AM EDT
response: Thank you. Is it possible a mosaic virus and not minerals deficiency ?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2024, 9:21 AM EDT
response: In this Suziblue blueberry 2 years old plant, Could it be a mosaic virus or something else , and not nutritional or pH problems ? Avi

responder: Chris Rusch Replied May 14, 2024, 11:47 PM EDT
response: not likely. Mosaic virus would be a different discoloration.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2024, 4:41 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much בתאריך יום ד׳, 15 במאי 2024, 06:47, מאת Ask Extension ‏<<personal data hidden>>:

responder: Chris Rusch Replied May 16, 2024, 11:54 PM EDT
response: Thank you for contacting "ask an expect".
Beech Tree Leaf Abnormalities

Question: A group of several Beech trees along our property line and others on our small wooded lot are exhibiting a variety of abnormal looking leaves. Could this be a form of leaf disease? Does the variety of abnormalities indicate more than one disease or infestation?

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 06, 2024, 10:21 AM EDT
response: Hi,  Yes, this looks like Beech Leaf Disease to us. Studies are still be performed on the best treatment options. Since this is a newer disease to Maryland the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is asking that homeowners report any suspicious cases. We have reported and passed on your photos to the MDA and let them know what county you are in. They may ask for more information and if so could we pass on your email?  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2024, 11:50 AM EDT
response: Of course, feel free to share my info.We also have a large wooded area across the street that is showing the same signs of infestation.This could be very sad  Sent from my iPhone On May 6, 2024, at 10:21 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2024, 11:56 AM EDT
response: Also of concern - Susquehanna State Park, which has a large number of Beech trees, is less than 10 miles from my neighborhood.


Sent from my iPhone

> On May 6, 2024, at 10:21 AM, Ask Extension <ask> wrote:
> 
> Yes</ask>

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 06, 2024, 2:23 PM EDT
response: Ok I will forward your email. It is already documented in Harford Co so they may not do any in person visits. You can also reach out directly if you wanted to share public places. The email is listed on our page but also is: <personal data hidden>.  It is very disheartening and we are hopeful that a treatment will show progress soon.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2024, 9:09 PM EDT
response: I walk the trails in Susquehanna State Park as a birdwatcher. If I see anything of concern I report it.  Also, I’d be willing to offer my small wooded lot as a test site for observation or treatment options.  Theresa

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 07, 2024, 9:49 AM EDT
response: Hi Theresa,  Thanks so much. The contact from MDA said around June so if you don't hear from them, you could reach out to that email again.  Emily
What is this plant

Question: What is this plant?

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied May 03, 2024, 3:17 PM EDT
response: Making accurate identifications is difficult even with good quality photos.  Yours is not good.  Please send better photos, indicating time of year (was photo taken this year?) and good quality closeups of flowers and leaves.  Also what is growing nearby and is there fruit after flowering.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 03, 2024, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Dennis these pictures might be better. Hard to get in windy weather.It’s in neighbors yard against our fence. It is a plant that just came up from nature. Not like anything around here. Thanks for trying to help.PatSent from my iPad On May 3, 2024, at 2:18 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied May 04, 2024, 3:29 PM EDT
response: The second photos were helpful, but not definitive.  My guess would be a nannyberry, a kind of viburnum: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/shrub/nannyberry  The reason I was concerned about when the photo was taken is that there are several plants with similar inflorescence but which don't bloom in early spring.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2024, 4:21 PM EDT
response: My best guess is some variety of wormwood due to the toothy leaves.ThanksPatSent from my iPad On May 4, 2024, at 2:29 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied May 04, 2024, 5:12 PM EDT
response: You have the plant and I don't, so you decide.  However, it does not look like wormwood to me: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/absinthium

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied May 05, 2024, 3:32 PM EDT
response: Another Master Gardener has suggested red elderberry.  Check here: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/shrub/red-berried-elder

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 05, 2024, 5:51 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your help. that makes sense to me and I will watch as the berries appear.PatSent from my iPad On May 5, 2024, at 2:32 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Sick cactus

Question: What is causing my cactus to die and can I trim off the dead parts?

responder: David Hillock  Replied April 30, 2024, 11:33 AM EDT
response: It is difficult to determine the exact cause of your cactus decline from the image. I recommend reaching out to the Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center for assistance. Samples submitted to the office may be needed. The extension office can submit the samples to the diagnostic lab if necessary. https://extension.okstate.edu/county/oklahoma/

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 30, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  This happened after the freeze we had in the winter.  Could that be the problem?Roberta Hollen  On Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 10:33:31 AM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: David Hillock  Replied April 30, 2024, 3:11 PM EDT
response: That is very possible. We have seen many plants, otherwise hardy to our winters, become damaged due to the extreme temperatures along with other factors such as mild temperatures before the sudden drop in temps as well as prolonged periods of colder temperatures. Hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 30, 2024, 3:16 PM EDT
response: Yes, it confirms my guess.  Can I trim the dead pieces off of the cactus?Thank you.Roberta Hollen  On Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 02:11:08 PM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: David Hillock  Replied May 06, 2024, 4:59 PM EDT
response: It is not recommended to just trim off the dead portions of the cactus pads. If it is severely damaged it is best to completely remove the damaged pad where it is connected to another pad. Here is a good fact sheet from the Univeristy of Nevada addressing pruning of cacti - https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=2760.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2024, 6:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you!Roberta Hollen  On Monday, May 6, 2024 at 03:59:21 PM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: