MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Spider

Question: I am hoping this photo is good enough to identify this very strange looking spider. See photos. Thank you so much!!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 6:11 PM EDT
response: This is the Goldenrod Crab Spider; Misumena vitia. Crab spiders are from the spider family Thomisidae. These spiders do not make a web but catch their prey by ambushing them. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have additional questions. Thank you for letting us help you. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 6:50 PM EDT
response: Oh THANK YOU so much! This really helps. From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 3:11 PMTo: Terry Litton <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Spider (#0102636)

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 7:02 PM EDT
response: Also just to confirm that they are not harmful to humans? Or pets? Thanks so much  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 3:11 PMTo: Terry Litton <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Spider (#0102636)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2023, 6:16 PM EDT
response: You are welcome and no, they are not harmful to people or pets. Rich
Tri-Color Beech problem

Question: Our Tri-Color Beech tree this year has white webbing on the back on many leaves. Can you identify and suggest a course of action?  Photo attached.

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied May 31, 2023, 8:42 AM EDT
response: The white material are secretions from wooly aphids. The aphids will make the leaves sticky and potentially form sooty mildew. Natural enemies in the area will usually feed on some of the aphids. While the leaves may appear a bit unsightly, no chemical treatment is necessary.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 11:44 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much. Very helpful.  On Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 08:42:52 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Oak Tree disease or pest

Question: I am a land owner in northern orange co., I have 10 acres and I am loosing alot of Oak trees. The trees are being eaten internally and then usually snap off in high wind. Attached is an example of a tree that fell last week.  I have cut down several that have died and after cutinng them down I see the same type of damage.

responder: I hope this helps.  Replied May 30, 2023, 2:40 PM EDT
response: This is a question that should be addressed by the Orange County Forestry Service.    Their telephone number is<personal data hidden>.  Ask them for a site visit.   I will pass your email on to them.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 5:43 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much!On Tue, May 30, 2023, 2:40 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: I hope this helps.  Replied May 31, 2023, 8:31 AM EDT
response: Glad to help.
Viburnum hard prune?

Question: Hello — we have 3 Viburnum bushes that are gangly and leaning heavily toward the driveway. We pruned them last year but are now thinking they could use a hard prune to about 3 feet from the ground. Is this OK? If so, how do we do this and when? Is there special care for them afterwards?  If not, what is your advice? Attached is a photo. Many thanks for your help! Cheryl

responder: Answer Line answer@iastate.edu Iowa 800-262-3804 and Minnesota 800-854-1678  Replied May 30, 2023, 11:21 AM EDT
response: We have a new system in place to answer horticulture questions in Johnson County.  Please resubmit your question and picture to <personal data hidden>.   They will be able to help you. Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 1:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you!Sent from my iPad On May 30, 2023, at 10:22 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Boxwood infestation

Question: I am very confident I have psyllid as the pest in my 100 boxwood. I need help as to when I can spray them and if I should spray them with insecticide or horticultural oil. There could be thousands of these tiny white larvae.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 8:34 PM EDT
response: Hi, Here is a helpful link; https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxwood_insect_pests. At least they shouldn't kill your bushes. Sally Granath, MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 8:49 PM EDT
response: I have seen that link. What I am asking is if I should treat my boxwoods with an insecticide or a horticultural oil? It is telling me to treat them when they are in the nymph stage. Is that before they are larva or after? Or should I treat it at all? Thank you so much,  Lori Tate  Sent from my iPhone  On May 30, 2023, at 7:34 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 9:17 PM EDT
response: Sorry,  Here's another link; https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/article/insecticides-indoor-use#:~:text=Insecticides%20can%20be%20classified%20as,as%20ants%2C%20cockroaches%20and%20fleas. The answer depends on which stage the insect is at. From your photos it looks like you can try insecticidal  soap. That is the least invasive treatment . Really blast them with a spray bottle, maybe a couple times, if that doesn't do it then go to the horticultural oil. Sally Granath, MG St. Louis County
hibiscus branches break off healthy plant at the base

Question: Why are the branches of my perennial hibiscus breaking off at the ground?

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 01, 2023, 4:56 PM EDT
response: We don't see a specific cause from the photos and sometimes stiff-but-brittle new growth like this can break due to weather or wildlife interference. Hibiscus tend to not have serious insect pests or diseases so this likely does not require treatment, nor do we see indications of insect activity or an infection, but you can try carefully staking its stems (or using one of those perennial ring supports on stakes) if you are concerned about more breakage. If you do later find something that appears to be directly responsible for damage, feel free to send us additional pictures for assessment.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 7:27 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. I'm watering the plants hoping it will save my hibiscus plants.

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 07, 2023, 9:08 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
bug identification

Question: We have found a few of these bugs around the house, random single

responder: MJ Replied May 30, 2023, 10:06 AM EDT
response: Hi John, I need more information. How big are these insects and where are you seeing them? When did they show up?  Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 10:09 AM EDT
response: H,The bug was found in our kitchen and is around a 1/4 inch in length.  They first showed up in the last month.thanks JT Harlow<personal data hidden>  On May 30, 2023, at 9:06 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied May 30, 2023, 11:57 AM EDT
response: John, These web sites may help. The best I could come up with was Larder beetle, but I'm not sure about that id.  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/ https://www.insectidentification.org/ I will also try to redirect your question to the insect professor at the U of MN

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied May 30, 2023, 12:50 PM EDT
response: I believe that this critter is a Flower beetle (Anthocomus equestris). See: https://bugguide.net/node/view/80431/bgpage https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Soft-Winged-Flower-Beetle Best, Steve, St. Louis County EMG

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 2:43 PM EDT
response: Thanks Steve that looks like it.   JT  Sent from my iPhone   On May 30, 2023, at 11:50 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿
Tomato New Growth Curled

Question: I'm looking for some expert advice about my tomatoes.  I'm growing about varieties, all started from seed, from previously successful seed packs. I planted in raised beds two weeks ago. I covered all plants during the frost advisories last week and everything looked great. I noticed three days ago that the top/new growth of all my plants is curled and deformed. The bottom leaves look normal. It does not appear to be frost damage. Is it herbicide overspray? I live in a residential neighborhood.  All my neighbors have lawn services. The peppers planted in the same beds are not affected. I fertilized with "Tomato Tone" when I planted, which is my usual practice.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT
response: I wanted to add that I had tomato plants in a tray. They were also in the garden. They are affected the same way. However, I brought them indoors during the frost advisories and they are not planted in the raised bed soil.  Also, we make our own compost. That is the only other fertilizer besides Tomato Tone that we use. Finally, the raised beds are watered by drip irrigation.  The timer is set for 30 minutes each day, starting at 5am.

responder: Thank you for your question,  Replied May 31, 2023, 9:08 AM EDT
response: Good Day, At first glance it looks like an environmental issue, such as frost damage, or heat stress. But it could also be from too much nitrogen in the soil, or maybe a bit too much fertilizer. Tomatoes show many signs of stress in this high heat we have been having. Your plants look pretty healthy other than the new growth being a bit deformed so hopefully they will just bounce back.  Here are some recommendations:  Great job using drip irrigation. A deep soak is much better than frequent waterings. Making sure they receive 1-2 inches of water a week. Ideally the soil should be moist around 5-6 inches deep. With this hot, dry weather we are having, watering is something that you have to watch carefully, and you may need to water more.  Mulch your plants to help conserve water.  Test your soil. Here is the MSU Soil test link: https://shop.msu.edu/ You can also test your compost to make sure that is not causing the issue.  Make sure you are using the proper amount of fertilizer for your young plants.
New discovery (trees)

Question: European Beech tree with white crystalline-like material on the back of multiple leaves. The tree looks healthy otherwise. Does this require intervention?
Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 11:34 AM EDT
response: Hello,  The white crystalline-like material on the back of multiple leaves of the European Beech tree could be a woolly beech leaf aphid. These aphids are pale yellow and can be found on the underside of beech leaves. They are known to suck sap from the foliage and young stems.  Check out this article from Ohio State University (OSU) - Sticky, Dripping European Beech - Author - Joe Boggs - Published on May 15, 2023, at this link: https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2143.   The Woolly Beech Leaf Aphid (Phyllaphis fagi) is representative of the pest category, “obvious, but not serious.” They may become obvious, and they may present collateral issues like sticky, sugary honeydew; however, they cause no appreciable harm to the overall health of their beech tree hosts.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 1:16 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!Sent from my iPhone On May 30, 2023, at 11:34, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2023, 4:13 PM EDT
response: You are welcome - Have a wonderful day!
Tomato disease?

Question: Hello I have an issue with my tomato plant. When I left my house I noticed that the leaves on one of five of my tomatoe plants had turned a slightly darker green color, I watered the plant and when I came home that afternoon I was greeted with a tomato plant that was pointing almost straight upward. It also seemed to have a white scratch along the main stem. I am growing them in buckets and it seems that this particular tomato hasn't grown in a few day. Upon further inspection that night I noticed what I believe to be one aphid. I sprayed the plant down with water  to drown them. But any help would be appreciated thanks.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 8:19 PM EDT
response: Hi Cavan, thanks for the question. There can be multiple reasons for these conditions; however, light may be a prime suspect.  Increased light intensity can cause the plant to create more chlorophyll and the upward pointing to slow the photosynthesis by becoming parallel to the light source. Nutrient issues could contribute to slow growth and/or the deep green color. If the plant was recently introduced to a new or varying environment, that could be the trigger.  A few aphids should not be a significant problem but be vigilant. Was this plant a different variety?  Did you recently change location or fertilize the plant?   I look forward to your response.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 9:15 PM EDT
response: Hello this plant was fertilized Sunday but I noticed the color changing before that. Another thing that I left out that I feel is important is that the little hairs on the stem seem to have gotten really small. Four of the five plants are the same variety which are better boys, the other is a Roma type tomato. All of them are thriving except this one. Yesterday I decided to change the location of the tomato because if it is a disease, I did not want it to spread to the other plants. I appreciate the timely response   Cavan McConnell   Get Outlook for Android  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 8:19:04 PM To: Cavan McConnell <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Tomato disease? (#0102563)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT
response: Cavan, Thanks for the additional information. Your plant is definitely showing signs of stress.  The diminished trichome hairs is an interesting symptom.  The "white scratch" is also concerning.  This could be the result of overwatering or some sort of physical damage.  Isolating the plant was the right thing to do.  From what we have seen so far, a diagnosis would be no more than a guess.   Please keep me informed and perhaps we can figure this out.  I hope to hear from you soon.
Redbud tree showing leave damage

Question: This tree displayed same issue last fall.  I can’t identify insect.  Involves whole tree.  Is there a treatment?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 11:38 PM EDT
response: Top of leaves appear white, were mostly white last fall.  Insect on underside, resembles rice to me.    See pictures

responder: eGardener  Replied June 07, 2023, 2:44 PM EDT
response: Hello, happy to help. They appear to be either leafhoppers or treehoppers but the photo of the back of the leaf isn't very clear. You haven't said how extensive the leaf damage is in the tree's canopy but if it's just a few leaves, they're not likely to hurt your tree. Just be sure it gets an inch of water each week. Set out a rain gauge to help you determine if watering is needed and be sure to water well outside the dripline of the tree since its roots extend quite far.  If you think the damage is extensive, I recommend contacting a certified arborist to evaluate your tree for other signs of stress and to devise a plan of action. Here is a link to information about how to find and hire a professional. Good-luck!
Short stemmy weed identification

Question: My lawn is growing a grass-like weed with many wiry stems and nodes.  The nodes have very short spikey leaves that may flower at some point but haven't yet.  What is it?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 1:55 PM EDT
response: Can you please send me some additional photos? Maybe also one of what it looks like in your lawn, the image quality also makes it difficult to see the details on the plant.  Also can you include which town you live in? It would help narrow down what it could be. Thanks and I apologize, but we need additional information to best help you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 1:45 PM EDT
response: I live in rogue river Oregon.  I amended Essentially bare decomposed granite with aged horse manure from a stable in Ashland Oregon in preparation to plant a lawn. This came up right away.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 5:55 PM To: Judson Ristau <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Short stemmy weed identification (#0102512)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2023, 3:33 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the added photos and context! This plant is toad rush - if you pull it up you should see that the stem is hollow, unlike grasses. The local master gardener plant clinic also agreed with me on this identification for this plant.   Juncus bufonius, known as Toad Rush, is a common annual species found worldwide. It grows in moist and muddy places and is considered a weed in many areas. This is an annual monocot that is quite variable in appearance. It is sometimes described as a complex of variants labeled with one species name. It is generally a green clumping grasslike rush with many thin stems wrapped with few threadlike leaves. The flowers are borne in flower clusters and also in the joint where the flower cluster branches off of the stem.   It has a weedy growth pattern, growing rapidly where it is moist. I think that once it dries out this summer it will die back considerably. It is not a noxious weed that you need to be overly concerned about and will not hurt anything in your lawn.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick response!   -Jud-   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 7:33 PM To: Judson Ristau <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Short stemmy weed identification (#0102512)
(Plant id) Is cancer root symbiotic or harmful?

Question: Hello! I live in SW Michigan in a highly wooded neighborhood in the dunes. When we purchased our home 4 years ago, we noticed a small clump of these strange looking growths coming out of the ground near an oak tree. Over the next few years, several more appeared, This year, they are everywhere. My plant ID app says this is cancer root but I can’t find information on it (is it damaging to our trees or not, should we pull them or leave them, etc). Can you please advise?

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied May 29, 2023, 8:54 PM EDT
response: Hello Tara One of the common names of this fungi is “cancer – fruit“, also called bear corn, the scientific name is Conopholis americana. They do no harm to trees. They are native to the Eastern USA and Canada. Here are a couple links with more details on these fascinating fruiting bodies of underground fungi: https://ui.charlotte.edu/story/parasitic-plants https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/conopholis-americana/

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2023, 9:06 PM EDT
response: Wow! Thank you so much for your speedy response. Have a great night!On May 29, 2023, at 8:54 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied May 29, 2023, 9:09 PM EDT
response: You are welcome, just happened to be online tonight! By the way, auto correct got me, and made it ‘cancer fruit’, but it is ‘cancer-root’ as one of the common names!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2023, 9:17 PM EDT
response: On Mon, May 29, 2023 at 9:09 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
little caterpillars on red osier dogwood shrubs (planted last Fall) / what to do

Question: Please advise how to manage defoliation and leaf damage. Leaves at end of branches are curling and sticking together.

responder: Melanie,  UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied May 31, 2023, 6:53 PM EDT
response: Hi Susan, Thank you for contacting the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline and providing a photo. I consulted with Ann Hazelrigg who is the Director of the UVM Plants Diagnostic Clinic and we believe that the caterpillar pictured is a leaf roller which will cause issues of curling and stickiness. The caterpillars roll foliage around themselves as they feed on the leaves and this creates a shelter from predators such as birds. As they roll, they spin a sticky webbing that holds the leaf shut. They feed on new growth and in severe infestations, an entire tree may be defoliated and weakened.  Their life cycle involves four stages of development—egg, larva (or caterpillar), pupa, and adult (or moth). In their next stage, the pupa stage, they will create a brownish silk cocoon and emerge as adults two weeks later as a brown moth. There are usually one to two generations per year. They have numerous natural enemies including spiders and parasitic wasps, as well as predators like the brown lacewing that can help control the populations and should be encouraged in the garden. If there is not much damage/not widespread, you can handpick/squish insects or cut off and destroy leaves/tips that are tied together. Once they are protected within the leaves, it is hard to access them with a pesticide so you need to apply that before the leaves are tied together. Before leaf rolling you could try spinosad or Bt/Dipel. Please read and follow the instructions of these products very carefully before applying. This fall, clean up the leaves on the ground to reduce or eliminate a re-infection next year. Bottom line is that it will not cause that much harm to the plant.  The following websites contain some basic information on the leaf roller: https://treefruit.wsu.edu/crop-protection/opm/leafrollers/ https://ucanr.edu/sites/sjcoeh/files/77086.pdf I hope this helps and happy gardening!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 3:59 PM EDT
response: Many thanks for your helpful reply.Much appreciated!Susan FillionSent from my iPhone On May 31, 2023, at 6:53 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿