MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Azalea disease

Question: Hi -  My azaleas have developed a disease with the spotted leaves.  The spots are small and fairly uniformly spaced.  It seems like it might be a rust but the spots are quite small.  The shrubs don't seem to be getting worse, but they don't flower well.  

Two questions - What is it, and can I replace them with new azaleas without subjecting them to the disease?

Thank you,  Jim Reichman

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied March 20, 2023, 12:49 PM EDT
response: Not a disease. This is the feeding damage of the azalea leaf bug, Stephanitis  pyrioides, leaving small spots. On the underside of the leaf you will see black spots. The red discoloration is a stress response to the feeding or to weather. but the leaf damage usually starts as yellow spots, followed by whitening of the leaves. This invasive pest is now quite common in our area and is most harmful on azaleas. See this link from Oregon State University. https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/nursery/hosts-nursery/azalea-rhododendron-lace-bug

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 20, 2023, 1:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  These get plenty of water and a bit of morning light.  They don't seem to be deciduous, but I assume they will eventually produced replacement leaves.  Does it make sense to Leave them in place and address the insect issue, or should they be replaced?  Jim

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied March 20, 2023, 3:09 PM EDT
response: You can definitely treat them following the directions in the OSU pathology URL I sent. Feel free to contact me again if you still have questions. I am having the same problem myself on my rhododendrons, but they are responding well.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 20, 2023, 5:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you - I'll probably try the soap first. JimOn Mon, Mar 20, 2023 at 12:09 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What are these worms?

Question: What are these worms? They are all over my concrete patio at my house outside of Felton, especially after rain. The morning after a stormy night I can find literally hundreds of them living under planters on the patio and in other dark, moist areas.

They're about an inch long.  I shot this photo with a macro lens and tried to get my finger in the frame for reference (didn't really work)

Are they destructive or in any way bad to have around (besides being creepy)?  How can I control them, if appropriate?

Thank you!

responder: Judy Pfister  Replied March 20, 2023, 8:57 AM EDT
response: These are not worms, but caterpillars.  I believe they are a cutworm but I want to confirm that with our entomologist. When you touch them do they curl up in a ball?  What is right outside your patio? Grass, flower beds, vegetable gardens? If it s grass can you send me a photo of your overall lawn?

responder: Judy Pfister  Replied March 24, 2023, 1:54 PM EDT
response: I sent the photo to the entomologist and he did not think they were cutworms as cutworms should not overwinter in Delaware. Since we are having a rain now, could you see if there are any on your patio and gather them up? Additional photos or a sample would be great! What trees or shrubs are around your patio? This will help in the ID of the caterpillar. A sample can be dropped off at our Sussex County office at 16483 County Seat Highway, Georgetown DE or the Extension office in Dover at Paradee Center, 69 Transportation Circle, Dover DE.  I have attached a form that should be attached to the sample. Please complete your information adn in the notes section, any description as to where you found them.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 29, 2023, 1:46 PM EDT
response: Interestingly, there have been a lot fewer of them in the past month. I'll see if there are any outside after this weekend and try to gather up a few if they're still around!We haven't had too many plants/shrubs around the patio -- just grass for now.  (We just planted some azaleas and a couple of trees, but that was in the past week or two, so they weren't in the ground when I wrote last.) V/r,JasonOn Fri, Mar 24, 2023 at 1:54 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 04, 2023, 11:08 AM EDT
response: They are leatherjackets, a type of fly called craneflies.  They are common in lawns and other areas and do not require treatment.  They are often found in the thatch of turfgrasses and may cause small areas of little damage.  The overall health of the plants are fine and the damage is relatively insignificant.  This is because they usually feed on decaying plant matter or small tender roots.  The plants are able to tolerate the root feeding this insect usually does.
Box Elder Bug March 2023

Question: We live in West Salem, OR. The front of our house has a lot of cedar planking. The box elder bugs are really thick on the south-facing cedar planks. Will they eventually go away? What can we do? THX!

responder: Take care,  Replied March 17, 2023, 7:36 PM EDT
response: Hello, This was one of our most asked questions in the fall, and it was a featured question on our website: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-expert/featured/stink-bugs-boxelder-bugs-everywhere I suggest checking out the answer. Let me know if you'd still like to connect with an entomologist.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 20, 2023, 1:01 PM EDT
response: McKenzie, thanks for your prompt response. I enjoyed the article.I would like to connect to an emptymologist; will you please facilitate that for me?Thx again,Diane JOn Fri, Mar 17, 2023, 4:36 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Take care,  Replied March 20, 2023, 1:06 PM EDT
response: Of course. You will hear from them shortly.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 23, 2023, 10:51 AM EDT
response: Last summer and fall produced a bumper crop of box elder bugs in many places across western Oregon. The bugs you are seeing now are from that generation that overwintered. They are now getting active and looking for box elders and maples to lay their eggs, but with the still cool temperatures, the bugs will congregate in warm spots (like your south facing walls).   You can hose them off with a strong spray of water, but it's likely new congregations will form until warmer spring weather sets in. Once the weather warms, they will disperse. Then they will start congregating again in the fall. Whether you see big groups in the fall depends on how big the populations get over the summer.   Other than being a major nuisance, the bugs aren't really harmful.   This webpage has some additional information: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74114.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 23, 2023, 11:31 AM EDT
response: Thank you! Very helpful.JohnsonsOn Thu, Mar 23, 2023, 7:51 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Deer damage to Arborvitae

Question: The deer ate the lower 40% of our 14 year old arborvitaes.  The outer green leafy 
portions only.  Very healthy 10 foot shrubs.
Should they come back?

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied March 17, 2023, 7:09 PM EDT
response: The deer ate the lower 40% of our 14 year old arborvitaes. The outer green leafy portions only. Very healthy 10 foot shrubs. Should they come back?Possibly, depending on how deeply they have been damaged. Check the following websites for details.  https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/deer-have-eaten-foliage-bottom-portions-several-arborvitae-will-bare-areas-green-back-spring https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/04/deer-damaged-number-plants-my-garden-over-winter-what-can-i-do-prevent-happening-again

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 17, 2023, 10:04 PM EDT
response: Got it.  Thank you!! Fingers crossed.   Thank you and your staff. Jim Moore
Frost Damaged New Zealand Flax

Question: Hello.  I have 3 New Zealand Flax plants that are planted close together and are about 10 feet tall.  The frost this winter damaged 2 of the 3.  The third one seems fine.  I have removed the damaged leaves from the damaged tops and the stems where the leaves were are soft.  Is there a way for me to rescue them?  Should I cut off the tops of the stems?  Or do I need to cut them down to soil level and maybe they'll sprout from the bottom again?  

See attached photos and thank you very much for your help!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 17, 2023, 5:53 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Cheryl.  Since this species is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 (with historical winter low temperatures of 20 to 45 degrees), it is not surprising that they could not withstand the low temperatures we have experienced in zones 7-8 (0-20).  This is not a plant that is found in the Pacific Northwest, and OSU has conducted studies on flax varieties only as commercial crops (https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em8952) However, the following resource has some potentially helpful information about "rescuing" your 2 failing plants, and their care, in general:  https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a541#:~:text=Culture,full%20sun%20to%20part%20shade I hope this is helpful.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 17, 2023, 6:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  I clicked on the GardeningKnowHow link and it said it is probably best to cut it down to the soil level and it should spout again if the roots aren’t damaged. I will definitely try that.  I have noticed quite of few of these around my neighborhood in Beaverton and some look damaged and some seem OK.  I love mine so I’m hoping I can save it. Thanks so much for your time and effort!   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Friday, March 17, 2023 2:54 PMTo: Cheryl E Warren <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Frost Damaged New Zealand Flax (#0092632)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 17, 2023, 6:45 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
New Home Owner and Tree Identification

Question: Hello! I'm trying to find someone to help us identify the trees on our property and help us assess their health. Some of the trees have burls and lichen, as well as roots in the lawn that have been mistreated by lawn equipment.

I'm happy to take photos and share them. Please know that we have quite a few trees, so this could take some time. Our goal is to help the trees, first step is to figure out what's best. I've attached a few photos to give you a sample of what's here.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 17, 2023, 1:56 PM EDT
response: Adding a few more photos for your consideration - Trish

responder: Julie Crick  Replied March 20, 2023, 8:58 AM EDT
response: Hi Tricia! Congratulations on the new house! While I can provide some insight based on the pictures provided, I highly recommend you give Sara Kelso, Conservation District Forester, a call and ask her to come out and walk your property. Sara is a grant funded forester that works out of the Marquette Conservation District, and her job is to assist forest landowners like you! Sara Kelso<personal data hidden> <personal data hidden> Just looked close at the pictures and it's hard for me to make out identifying characteristics. That said, Sara will know them all on sight.  A couple of articles to help with your questions. Lichens are actually a good sign! And grow on trees with harm to the itself, rather, the lichen take advantage of the nutrient rich rain water that washes down the trunk.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/liking_lichens_in_the_landscape And the burls you see on the small trees might be black knot fungus.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/controlling_black_knot_in_michigan Its very common in the north woods and hard to eradicate. Sara can give a good recommendation on next steps based on the situation on your property.   Thank you, -Julie
Very Old Poultry Waterers

Question: I was referred to this site by Maryland Farm & Harvest.  I wondered if someone there could help me learn more about some very old poultry waterers we found in a crawl space of a recently purchased house.  They are a little different and smaller than those I found online.  My husband and I would love to know more about them.  I have attached some pictures for your review.  Would someone on your staff be able to assist?  Appreciate your support.  Thank you.

Apologize if this is a duplicate but could not see way to know if my question actually went through in your system.  Did also reach out to your website to confirm receipt but no response there either.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 28, 2023, 9:57 AM EDT
response: Sorry, I have no experience with old waterers.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 28, 2023, 10:20 AM EDT
response: The only additional information I have is to say that the poultry waterers were found in the Perryville area of Cecil County.  They are approximately 6 inches high and 4 inches wide.   I was going to add this information to the message board but wanted to be sure that's all I needed to do.  Will they see my original message and pictures or do I need to start over and add all that in as well?   Please advise.  Thank you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 28, 2023, 10:59 AM EDT
response: The only additional information I have is that the poultry waterers were found in the Perryville area of Cecil County.  They are approximately 6 inches high and 4 inches wide.

responder: Koralleen Stavish  Replied March 28, 2023, 4:21 PM EDT
response: Thank you for contacting eXtension. We are unable to provide expertise to help with more information about your poultry waterers, but you might try asking the Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park. I've tried calling them myself but they seem to be having telephone issues. You can reach them by the web form at https://friendsofthefarmpark.org/contact/
Something is eating my fig tree leaves

Question: I’ve been noticing that something is eating the leaves of my potted white fig. I’ve removed the mulch incase it might be a beetle. Nothing. No apparent caterpillar or moth on plant. Can you help me?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 17, 2023, 11:35 AM EDT
response: Your picture does not look like feeding injury. Is it growing in a container? Was it kept outside all winter? I am suspecting it is cold injury to the buds and now that they have sprouted, the damaged tissues did not develop properly. If this is true then new, undamaged buds should form normal leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 17, 2023, 2:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your reply. You are correct, I did have the potted fig outside during the winter months and temps reached high 20s several nights here in SC. My issue must be cold injury to the buds.
Camellia disease help

Question: Hey there, hope this finds you well.

My camellia is looking rough. The leaves are looking very yellow and the blooms are basically decaying and falling off as soon as they open. Hoping you might tell me what the problem is and how to rescue the plant. Thanks!

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied March 16, 2023, 3:00 PM EDT
response: Yellowing of foliage can be caused by too much sun exposure, especially in winter. It can also be due to other environmental conditions such as poor soil nutrition, pH, and/or drainage,  so a soil test might help to see if the plant needs food or pH adjustment.  When blooms are brown at the edges that is usually caused by freeze injury, but possibly water issues (if its too wet or too dry plants can't bring in enough water and on warm days the furthest petals/leaves will dry out).  Browning of spots in the middle of the bloom at this time of year is caused by Petal blight which does ruin the blooms and cause them to fall very quickly. You will need to clean them up and burn or remove them from site to reduce the problem in the future - no currently recommended sprays to assist with this

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 17, 2023, 3:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you for coming back to me so quickly. I thought Petal blight might be it as they are really just blooming and then dying in very short succession.  I’ve attached more photos in case that’s helpful.I’ve attached a couple more photos of the leaves here also. They have some kind of grayish substance on some of them. Thanks again On Mar 16, 2023, at 3:00 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied March 20, 2023, 1:07 PM EDT
response: The symptoms of petal blight can be easily mistaken for cold damage, but do not affect every flower on a plant. Flowers are usually affected within 48 hours of being infected.  When a plant is infected, the first sign are small brown speckles on the petals. These spots will ultimately turn the flowers completely brown. Not all flowers will be affected, and it may seem rather random.  When the blooms fall, blight can be confirmed by looking at the bottom of the flower, where a canker will have formed at the point where the flower was attached to the branch.  Spores reproduce in the soil. So, gathering and disposing of fallen blooms is an important factor in controlling the disease. Treatment with fungicides is not recommended. Once all your blooms are collected and destroyed you can mulch the area to bury spores that would infect your blooms next season.  The gray mold could be some powdery mildew (rare) or more likely some sooty mold that would wash off easily with rain. Check the underside of your camellia leaves for scale insects and/or the sap could be falling from a tree above the camellia too. Doesn't look too serious to worry about.  A soil test might be good though to make sure the pH and nutrition is suited to your camellias and of course shade, and good drainage are also key to reducing stress.
Hemlock parasite

Question: Can you please identify this parasite (see photo) and suggest a remedy? 
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 March 15, 2023, 2:14 PM EDT
response: Hi,  That is the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. You can find details on the link provided and management recommendations as well. If your hemlock(s) is a substantial size it may be helpful to consult with a certified pesticide specialist, either a landscaper or arborist that may have the knowledge and tools necessary to reach the top of the trees for treatment. Also if necessary, imadacloprid or dinotefuran may be needed and you would need the professional to apply those chemicals to do it safe and effectively as not limit harm to pollinator insects. You can seek out a professional for your area via https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist. Please let us know if you have further questions with this.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 15, 2023, 4:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you!Sent from my iPhone On Mar 15, 2023, at 2:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Answered by theHome 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 March 16, 2023, 8:55 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Damaged tree

Question: Just noticed our dwarf crabapple tree was damaged by something. Can it survive? Should we wrap it now or is it too late?

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied March 15, 2023, 11:24 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. That appears to be rabbit damage and from what i can tell, it nearly encircles (girdles) the trunk.  This injury is irreparable because nutrients flow immediately under the bark rather than at the center of the trunk.  Wrapping or other surface treatments will not help. https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/winter-damage-of-the-furry-kind/#:~:text=On%20young%20trees%20and%20multi,the%20best%20course%20of%20action.   In the future, young trees should be protected with a rodent proof sleeve or cage.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 15, 2023, 1:35 PM EDT
response: So, it's a goner? It won't just scar over?On Wed, Mar 15, 2023, 10:24 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied March 15, 2023, 2:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing back.  Well, I hardly ever say 'never' and it is not hurting anything. And I can not see the back of the tree. So watch for a while.  I would very much like a picture in a month or two. Best of luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 8:00 PM EDT
response: Update: Most of our tree has buds! We added the wrap after our first pics showing the damage. First pic is west side of tree, then east side ( hubby didn't understand to take backside of tree pic but said damage goes all the way around). All pics taken today.The one branch with no buds didn't really have any last year either. But it's on the backside of tree so we weren't too worried about it. On Wed, Mar 15, 2023, 1:45 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied May 04, 2023, 9:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing back.  The Garden Professors are a group of faculty botanists at the University of California who summarize science for the rest of us.  This is their opinion.  https://gardenprofessors.com/when-trees-dont-know-theyre-dead/
Does Bamboo spread seeds that will propagate?

Question: We have been fighting a spreading bamboo from our neighbors yard for 20+ years. The area runs down to a creek that regularly floods with heavy rain. By cutting back, mowing and digging we have some success keeping it from taking over our property. But this year it looks different, it appears to have seeds. Best I can determine it has characteristics of  Phyllostachys Bissetii. In the photo, are these seeds? Will they spread by water and wind and germinate more bamboo? Is there anything we can do to inhibit germination once spread?

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied March 16, 2023, 1:05 PM EDT
response: Our weed specialist said that the seed is not a major concern for bamboo spread.  The concern is the spreading rhizomes.   So focus on the spreading rhizomes.  You can also cut down the stems that have seeds if you like.    Our weed specialist was not able to make a determination on the species based on the picture.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 16, 2023, 3:01 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. I am relieved the seeds won’t add to the spread as all of them have them. We will continue to work on the rhizomes.On Mar 16, 2023, at 1:05 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Weird Bug

Question: What is this bug I found in my carpet and is it dangerous?

responder: Kim  Replied March 15, 2023, 7:13 PM EDT
response: Hi Jennifer Thank you for submitting your question.  Unfortunately the photo is a bit out of focus, and I cannot see any details.   Usually we get questions about gardening, so if you have seen this bug on any of your plants please include that information if you'd like to send back a reply or a clearer photo.

responder: Jennifer Andon  Replied March 21, 2023, 9:46 AM EDT
response: (empty)

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 21, 2023, 9:52 AM EDT
response: Here is a better photo. I have since found several more under my pillow.

responder: Kim  Replied March 22, 2023, 10:11 AM EDT
response: Hi Jennifer Thank you for the follow up photo and information.  The photo looks like a bed bug. I encourage you to look at the link below, carefully inspect, and take action soon.  They spread quickly.     https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-2105