MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Elm wither?

Question: The elm is about 4 years old.  It is currently experiencing some withering and curling of young leaves near the trunk.  Some leaves on limbs closer to the trunk are also affected.  Please advise.

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 May 26, 2023, 11:17 AM EDT
response: Do you know what kind of Elm it is? How long has it been in the ground and when did you notice the withering of those young branches? While Dutch Elm disease decimated old American Elms, the Asian varieties and some fairly new cultivars are resistant to the issue.  Does the rest of the canopy look full, green and healthy?  We wonder if there have been any chemical applications or sprays done nearby, perhaps for weeds? Herbicide drift can accidentally cause wilting and twisting of non-target plants.  Hopefully, if this is the issue the tree should be able to outgrow the problem.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 6:48 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response.  It is an American Elm.  The rest of the tree is green and healthy.  I believe you are correct that it was probably from drifting weed spray on a windy day. Thank you!  TeresaOn Fri, May 26, 2023 at 11:17 AM 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 May 30, 2023, 11:59 AM EDT
response: You're welcome. Good luck.
Weeping Cherry Tree

Question: This tree has increased the number and amount of dead branches over the past several years.  Is it salvagable?  Thanks

responder: V/r,  Replied May 26, 2023, 6:00 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, It certainly looks like there is a lot of new growth on the tree.  I would prune back all the dead branches and monitor the tree.  Do you see any oozing or cracked bark?  You can send in a sample to get a firm diagnosis. Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  You could also have an arborist come out and assess the tree. TreesAreGood.org   Tips on tree and shrub pruning - MSU Extension  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 8:45 AM EDT
response: Thanks, Doreen.  I will prune and check for oozing and/or cracked bark.  Best,  V
Meyer Lemon Tree

Question: We have a Meyer Lemon Tree in a pot. The leaves are turning yellow with green spots. The young lemons are green to start, but turn yellow when they are very small, and then start dropping off. What is the problem and what can we do about it.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 25, 2023, 7:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  There could be several reasons for the yellowing and leaf drop.  I don't have any information about their environment or your care of it, but this article explains what they need, so you might be able to discern what it needs done differently:  https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/pucker-it%E2%80%99s-time-talk-lemons I hope this helps.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2024, 12:45 PM EDT
response: Hi, We need help finding a trellis.   We need a sturdy garden trellis that will bridge between 2 raised beds. We need it to be 4' wide x 2-4' long x 6-7' tall. Width is the measurement taken from the point of entry in one box to the point of entry of the box next to it. My boxes are 2' tall, so I need the trellis to sink down about a foot for stability and still give me at least 6' of clearance. We would like it to travel along each bed ideally 3', but we can be flexible at 2'- 4'. The purpose is to hold squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Do you have any suggestions for a product or a solution you could recommend? Thank you, Jane Phone:<personal data hidden>.   Thank you for any help.   Best wishes,   Skye and Jane Lininger Portland, OR

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 02, 2024, 1:29 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately, we can't recommend commercial outlets, but one of the garden outlets such as Al's or Tony's might know a product.  I did a quick web search for "trellis builders", and there are at least a dozen of them locally.  With such specific measurements, you're probably going to need one custom made.  Good luck!
Moth Flies. Fruit Flies, Drain Flies?

Question: For the last couple months, I have had an "infestation" of small flying insects inside my townhome.  Note that I have no houseplants or open sources of food.  
I have attached a couple of images.  Can you please identify the little critters, and advise how to eliminate them?  Please review and advise.  Thanks.

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied May 28, 2023, 10:35 PM EDT
response: It is difficult to judge the size or markings of the insect in your photos. It may be a clothes moth or perhaps a pantry pest moth. Below is a link for each. The photos and descriptions should allow you to compare to identify which one it is. Identification will allow you to determine next steps for controlling.    https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7435.html  https://extension.umn.edu/product-and-houseplant-pests/pantry-pests-insects-found-stored-food

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 28, 2023, 11:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the reply, Amy.   My infestation was in all rooms, a couple here, and a couple there - with no specific area of congregation.  They did seem to be drawn to white however, as I have an all white bathroom, and also white plastic recycling bags, and there seemed to be a few more in those locations.From what you sent, they most resembled clothes moths.   But, I took action while I waited for your reply, because it was my belief that they were Fruit Flies, Moth Flies and/or Drain Flies based in information on the web.  With that in mind, I applied 8 oz of  "Green Gobbler" brand Fruit Fly Killer liquid to each drain in my home.  It is a thick non-caustic liquid consisting primarily of Citronella Oil.  I sealed the drains for about 8 hours, and within 24 hours, 98% of the flies were gone.  I've seen one or two a day since, but the frequency seems to be diminishing.FYI,Jeffrey Meehan<personal data hidden>== == == ==On Sun, May 28, 2023 at 9:35 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What is this animal?

Question: Yesterday, we saw a rodent eating bird seed that had fallen from a feeder. We have had a problem with rats in the past and commonly have chipmunks and squirrels in the year, however, the animal that we saw does not look at all familiar, perhaps because of what appears to be significant, and serious, hair loss. The two photos (combined into one file) are not great, but we'd appreciate it if could identify the animal pictured. Thank you.

responder: Dr. Dana Sanchez  Replied May 26, 2023, 2:51 AM EDT
response: That looks like a very unfortunate tree squirrel with mange. Hard to tell which species of tree squirrel given the degree of hairloss.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 1:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you.Doug Parrow via iPhone<personal data hidden> On May 25, 2023, at 11:51 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Request for name of plant

Question: Do you know what this plant is? (Pix attached).  It is a bulb.  It blossoms in the early spring with white flowers.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 25, 2023, 2:26 PM EDT
response: This appears to be Star-of-Bethlehem (botanical name Ornithogalum), and while it used to be (and may still be) sold locally and planted as a decorative flower bulb, it's actually weedy and can be invasive in our region. There are two species of Ornithogalum in Maryland, but both are non-native invasive species. Given that, we suggest it be removed.  As an aside, the plant the Star-of-Bethlehem is growing through appears to be (we're not positive) a particular Sedum species that is also weedy here, called Stringy Stonecrop (Sedum sarmentosum). Although not currently flagged as invasive, it has appeared in natural areas and competes with wildflowers. If you didn't plant it and suspect it's this species (a comparison will be easier when it flowers), then you may want to remove it as well.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 6:25 AM EDT
response: Hi Miri, Thanks for the fast response.  This really helps alot. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. May
Repeat clusters of brown dry leaves on fruit trees and spreading  to other trees

Question: A few weeks ago noted on Seckel pear tree , Sprayed .tree. Disappeared . Came back  increased 7 days ago.Also then  noted on   Gala and Fuji apple trees . These 3  trees branches  were cut ( and disposed )in all scattered areas  where there were these patches of  dead brown dry leaves . Yesterday, again, all 3  fruit trees noted  to have brown dead patches of leaves . . Seckel tree has fruit . See Seckel tree on top ( photo taken yesterday . We have 6 fruit trees . Average age 6 years . Not infected yet : white gold  cherry ( has fruit ). New haven peach .(has fruit ) Moonglow pear (Has fruit ) and Gala apple.(no fruit )

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 25, 2023, 8:36 AM EDT
response: Hi- this appears to be fireblight, a significant bacterial disease of apple, pear, and other plants. The bacterium can damage flowers, fruit, new shoots and older wood, even trunks and roots. Some cultivars are very susceptible to this disease. Fireblight appears to some degree every year. This year was not considered an especially bad year for it although the severity in a given orchard depends on wetaher conditions, variety susceptibility, growth stage (open blooms), etc. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-fru-22-0 https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/fire-blight https://extension.unh.edu/resource/fire-blight-fact-sheet  Prune out the affected plant parts during dry weather. Fireblight can be prevented in early spring by spraying a copper fungicide at the greentip stage of bud development. See the apple pest section and spray guide in this VA Tech pub: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/456/456-018/ENTO-523C.pdf Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 8:46 AM EDT
response: JonThanks for your quick reply.Copper fungicide was sprayed in early Spring on all fruit trees .PatriciaOn May 25, 2023, at 8:36 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 May 25, 2023, 9:29 AM EDT
response: Sounds good. Your copper spray probably prevented a much higher level of fireblight. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 11:17 AM EDT
response: JonThanks Much appreciated .Patricia Sent from my iPhone On May 25, 2023, at 9:29 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Request to identify plant

Question: Attached is a picture of a plant growing in my yard.  I planted it several years ago and it is growing like crazy.  Could you please identify it?  Pix attached.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 25, 2023, 2:23 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This is Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum 'Variegatum'  It does tend to take a few years to get going then can really spread. If it starts to be too much, you should dig up the rhizome or they will continue to come back.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 8:21 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily, Thank you so much for the fast response.   I have them growing in abundance here.  This is helping me immensely. Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. May

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 26, 2023, 10:19 AM EDT
response: Hi May,  You're welcome - have a great weekend as well!  Happy Spring and almost summer!
Leaves of roses being destroyed

Question: Can you please tell me what is eating the leaves of my roses? And what to do about it. Thank you!

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 25, 2023, 4:46 PM EDT
response: This is classic damage by one of the most common rose insect pests, Roseslug Sawfly. (Despite the name, they're neither a type of fly nor a slug.) The larvae resemble smooth green caterpillars and hide underneath the leaves; they are easy to miss because they blend-in well. We spied one whose face happens to be visible while eating a leaf, circled in blue in the edited photo attached. You can flip over some leaves to see if you can find more, though it's possible some larvae have already finished feeding and have wandered off, at which point the damage will slow down or stop.  Treatment with an insecticide isn't always needed for this pest since the preferred approach is to pick them off by hand or try to blast them off the leaf undersides with a strong hose spray with plain water. If nothing else is working, you could try to carefully apply (do not spray the flowers) a product with the active ingredient of spinosad or horticultural oil, as mentioned on the linked page.  Fortunately, unless they are plagued by other issues, roses rebound well from this type of damage, even if it's temporarily an eyesore. You do not need to trim them back as new foliage will be produced as we head into summer, and this will help cover-up earlier chew holes.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 8:48 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much!!On Thu, May 25, 2023 at 4:46 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Do you identify or study spiders?

Question: I hate to kill this very large black spider on my front porch. Does not appear to be a black window. I don't know what this is but judging by it's size is probably many years old. Would there be anyone available to identify this spider. My photos aren't that good.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 26, 2023, 5:02 PM EDT
response: Hi Susan, I agree that it is unlikely to be a black widow. My identification is based on the body shape, as well as the nesting location; black widows prefer to nest in dry, dark, undisturbed areas (e.g. brush piles, cinderblocks, empty clay pots, etc.).  However, the photo resolution is too low for me to able to identify it beyond that. If you are able to take better pictures, post them here and perhaps I can identify it.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 5:27 PM EDT
response: I hope this is clearer picture.On Fri, May 26, 2023, 3:02 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 26, 2023, 5:29 PM EDT
response: While it is slightly higher resolution, it is still not enough for an accurate ID. I'm still certain it's not a black widow, though.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 5:35 PM EDT
response: Well it moved off overnight. Spider was so black it's hard to make out detail. I just couldn't get closer due to fear.Thankyou for your response.I appreciate you trying.On Fri, May 26, 2023, 3:30 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Insect id

Question: Hi, 
My girlfriend has some sheep that are currently grazing near her house on a different pasture from the other one which seems to be overrun with
Some sort of beetle or aphid. My question is 1) what are they and 2) what can be done to eradicate them. If an insecticide, what type and 3) if an insecticide is used, how long before the animals can safely graze after application of the insecticide?

This is in Golden, CO. Not sure if there is some sort of local infestation.

Thank you,

Rob Nutt

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 26, 2023, 4:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Rob, 1) You have observed Black Grass Bugs (Labops sp.). They are common in grassy areas across the western rangeland. While they do not pose a direct threat to humans or livestock, their feeding damages grass. This damage reduces the palatability of the grass to livestock, and decreases the plants' vigor and ability to produce seed. Most plants recover if there is adequate moisture, but drought conditions coupled with severe infestations can cause plants to die.  2) Black grass bugs lay their eggs inside plant stems. Any chemical treatment will kill adults, but will be ineffective against their eggs. Timely grazing or burning dead grasses in the fall are management techniques that destroy black grass bug eggs and may limit the need of chemical control. Graze wheatgrasses heavily for a short time in the late fall or early spring of each year. Wheatgrass pastures that are not fully utilized by grazing or haying provide ovipositional sites, winter protection, and a habitat that favors black grass bug survival. Mowing and removal of hay may be a management technique for reducing the number of eggs in some circumstances. 3) There are several insecticides marketed for Black Grass Bug control, such as Carbaryl, Bifenthrin, Malathion, and Lambda Cyhalothrin. All have a Re-Entry Interval (REI) of about 12 hours, but I would defer to the REI printed on the insecticide label. Implementing control in the early spring is integral to limiting their population growth later in the season. Also, try not to spray on windy days, or when rain is forecasted in the coming days.  https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/black-grass-bugs-5-575/

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 5:26 PM EDT
response: Hello and thank you for responding to my pastures pest problem. Considering how severely the bug infestation is, would  it be beneficial to mow the entirety of the pasture now in lieu of allowing the sheep to graze in hopes of controlling the egg infestation? Thank you for your expertiseRobert Sent from my iPhone On May 26, 2023, at 2:57 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 26, 2023, 6:25 PM EDT
response: Yes, mowing would also decrease their populations by reducing their food source.
Larvae?

Question: Are these Pine Sawfly larvae and if so, what do I need to do about them? We have one enormous Ponderosa and another smaller, and these larvae were found in the roof gutter and on the ground around house and in the lid of a plastic barrel outside under the roof. Thinking some recent winds dislodged them from the trees.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied May 24, 2023, 6:48 PM EDT
response: Hi Elizabeth, I can't see enough detail on those larvae to tell for sure, but those look more like beetle larvae than sawfly larvae to me. If you can get other close-up, in-focus photos to show if they have jointed legs and/or prolegs that would help. Pine sawflies have 3 pairs of jointed legs attached to the thorax, and 8 pairs of fleshy prolegs below the abdominal segments. In addition, pine sawfly larvae tend to be more pigmented than the larvae you photographed.  Here is a link to a publication that about pine sawfly species in western North America, and has photos of the larvae of many species in case you would like to check that out... https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5312119.pdf  Hope that helps! Yours,

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 7:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the response! My cell apparently isn't good at macro shots but I will send one that sort of shows the front legs. I did look up pine sawfly larvae and actually Google Lens specified Pine Catkin Sawfly which does look quite a bit different from Pine Sawfly. I found an article in a New Orleans garden section of an online publication with pictures that look very similar:https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/home_garden/what-are-those-tiny-yellowish-worms-falling-out-of-pine-trees-dan-gills-mailbag/article_543e5c25-0f4a-5b9b-8906-e34bc8e6f006.htmlThoughts? They seem to be drying out which makes me wonder if they're starting to pupate. Thanks again,Elizabeth On Wed, May 24, 2023, 15:48 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied May 25, 2023, 10:33 AM EDT
response: Neat, Elizabeth! I haven't seen or heard of those types of sawfly larvae before. I think you are correct though that they are pine catkin sawfly larvae (Family: Xyelidae) getting ready to pupate. Here is a link with an observation of them in CA too.... https://bugguide.net/node/view/1530378 Nice to see the reports that they are not harmful, so looks like you don't need to do anything to control their numbers. This post suggests your local birds may appreciate being to feed on these larvae too... https://bugguide.net/node/view/648560 Thanks for sharing and enjoy! Yours,
Apple tree dead on top, leafing on trunk

Question: I planted an Enterprise apple tree in spring 2022, it thrived over the summer/fall.  After the very cold winter, the top of the tree is dead, but there are some leaves growing from the trunk.  Is there any way to save the tree or is it a lost cause?  I also planted a Macoun apple tree and it is doing great.  Any help is appreciated.  Thank you.

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied May 27, 2023, 3:38 PM EDT
response: Your apple tree is badly damaged and will probably have to be replaced.  Last winter's extended cold spells caused many otherwise healthy trees to die.   You might want to give it a year to see if it branches out.  I have attached  a fact sheet on pruning fruit trees that you might find useful.  Also remember to water your trees - especially your recently planted and young trees during any long dry winter spells.  Water only when it is above 40 degrees, there is no snow on the ground.    https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/training-and-pruning-fruit-trees-7-003/

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 6:01 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for getting back to me.  I will take a look at the pruning recommendations and see how it does over the next year.   Should I keep the trunk wrapped or unwrap it?  Also, I have bark chips at the base to keep moisture in.  Is that ok?   Elizabeth   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Saturday, May 27, 2023 1:38 PM To: Elizabeth Zemsky <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Apple tree dead on top, leafing on trunk (#0101775)

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied May 28, 2023, 11:59 AM EDT
response: We recommend tree wrap go on around Thanksgiving and come off around Easter so yes, remove the wrap - although given the dieback on this apple, the wrap may be beside the point here.  Bark chip mulch can help moderate soil temperature, reduce weeds and preserve moisture, just don't mulch so thickly that water can't penetrate, and don't let the mulch rest against the bark of the trunk - pull it back a few inches. Use a screwdriver or something similar to probe the soil under the mulch to check how moist the soil is at the roots and whether you need to apply more water. You want the root the roots moist, not soggy.