MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Weevils?

Question: I've seen a few of these and I think they are sweet potato weevils, but I'm not growing any sweet potatoes in my basement, so... maybe I'm wrong?

I live on a mostly shaded lot, Towson area, in a grove of tulip poplars. Not a lot of sun. Not a lot of gardening of veggies happening. Definitely nothing tuber-based.

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 25, 2024, 1:31 PM EDT
response: Although the overall color pattern is similar, and this is a beetle, this is not a weevil. Instead, it looks like a type of ground beetle, which are considered beneficial in gardens as they hunt other insects and slugs/snails to eat. It likely took advantage of a gap/crack and found its way in, drawn to the dark and cooler environment, and is just wandering around without being able to find its way back outside again. You can check door weather-stripping for worn-out sections, window screening for tears, and other access points where the beetle might have gotten in. If an exterior light is in the area near a door or window, then perhaps it being on at night is unintentionally attracting insects to that area, since many night-active insects are disoriented and drawn to night lighting. Turning it off might help solve the problem in that situation.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 11:26 AM EDT
response: Thanks Miri!  On Tue, Jun 25, 2024, 1:31 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 26, 2024, 3:48 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Sick Maple tree

Question: Ingham

responder: V/r,  Replied June 25, 2024, 5:32 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, Picture one is lichens.  One of the most important things to know about lichens is that they are harmless to their hosts they occur on. Lichens are self-sufficient for their energy needs – recall the algae are photosynthetic – so they are not parasitic on their host. In fact, many lichens are as likely to occur on non-living substrates, like wooden benches, concrete sidewalks, tombstones, as they are on trees  What are lichens and what are they doing on my tree? - MSU Extension  It is hard to tell what is wrong with the second photo.  Did the tree leaf out at all?  Are the branches brittle and flexible?  You can take a sharp knife or use a fingernail to gently scrape a small piece of bark off of several small twigs. If the exposed twig is green, the branch is still alive.   The leaf picture looks like the tree may be missing some nutrients as well as something eating the leaves. What is eating my leaves? Spring leaf-eaters gardeners should know - MSU Extension Chlorosis - Integrated Pest Management (msu.edu) My maple tree is dropping leaves, what’s wrong? - MSU Extension  You can have an arborist come out and assess the tree.  Find certified arborists by searching under the “Find an arborist” tab, and using your zip code here—-www.treesaregood.org  You can also send in a sample for a small fee and get a firm diagnosis.  Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2024, 1:36 PM EDT
response: Thank you for responding! No, the tree did not fully leaf out after a history of it being fully leaved and plush. From my testing the finer branches on ¾ of the tree are dead, and only a few have leaves and green branches. I am supposing the next step is to schedule an arborist.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 5:33 AM To: Reva Darling <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Sick Maple tree (#0144297)     CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Some indicators of spam include incorrect email addresses, misspelled words, and poor grammar.

responder: V/r,  Replied June 28, 2024, 6:04 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, I would agree to get an arborist out to assess the tree.  Good Luck
Rose bush substance

Question: I have a white powdery substance on some of my leaves of my indoor rose bush. Any clue what it could be?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 12:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Suzanne, Thank you for asking. The powdery appearance on the rose leaves is likely caused by a fungus disease (appropriately) called powdery mildew. It could also be a similar disease called downy mildew. These and other fungi are around us and will infect plants when the conditions are suitable (temperature and humidity). The disease usually does not kill the plant but may reduce the vigor and is unsightly. The treatments are similar for powdery and downy mildew. You can prepare and spray various solutions of for instance, baking soda and soap to reduce the impact. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda + ½ teaspoon of liquid soap (such as ivory soap) in a gallon of water. Another suggestion is to use 3 parts of milk in 10 parts of water. Other environmentally friendly control substances like neem oil may also work. Hope that answers your question, Meriam Karlsson

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 1:34 PM EDT
response: Thank you so very much, truly appreciate you.  On Mon, Jun 24, 2024 at 8:57 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Unknown Insect Crysalus

Question: What is this going to be when it grows up?  When you pick it up, the pointed end gyrates.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 1:16 PM EDT
response: Hi David,  That is the pupae of a moth in the family Noctuidae. That's about as specific as I can get with just a pupae.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 1:45 PM EDT
response: Thanks!  On Jun 24, 2024, at 11:16 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
viburnum chewed up?

Question: Several viburnum bushes had leaves destroyed last year and almost died, yet some new growth appeared this spring but it still being chewed on.  Another variety that was okay last year is now being eaten up this year ... I cannot find evidence of the insects or blight that is eating the leaves down to the stems!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 23, 2024, 9:40 PM EDT
response: Following is a reply to a similar question.  It addresses the subject.  https://ask2.extension.org/scp/tickets.php?id=871331

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2024, 10:59 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your quick response!  I set up an account and can see the question and photos I submitted, but whenI try the link to the "similar question"  https://ask2.extension.org/scp/tickets.php?id=871331 I cannot access the site because my email and password don't work for that link.  The sign-in just flickers and does not connect to anything.  Please send another link that I can access with my account.  Thank you! Terry Brueck   On Sun, Jun 23, 2024 at 8:40 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 6:32 AM EDT
response: Here's the reply to the similar question:  Viburnum leaf beetles were first reported in Minnesota (Twin Cities area) in 2019. This pest is spreading rapidly and it threatens the health of several commonly planted viburnum species.  Apparently we need to deal with the larvae in May and early June and the adult beetles from late June into the summer.  The larvae are visible and abundant when they are present, but they grow rapidly and in many cases they fall to the ground and pupate before the damage is noticed.  The following publications discuss this pest's life cycle, what can be done to control it, and when control measures must be taken.  https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/viburnum-leaf-beetle/  https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/viburnum-leaf-beetle  In the long run we may need to replace susceptible viburnum species with those that are resistant.  http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/suscept.html  Given the beetles' rapid spread, we don't know whether reports from locations in the Twin Cities area are still needed. In any case, because reports might still be useful, go here to follow up:  https://www.mda.state.mn.us/reportapest

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 10:14 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the info!  On Mon, Jun 24, 2024, 5:32 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 11:06 AM EDT
response: You are welcome.  I wish it was better news.  We have the beetles where I live too.
How to address a girdling root

Question: Hello,

I have a red maple that has been planted in this spot for about 2.5 years.  I noticed a girdling root (red box in the pic).  It's about .5-.75 inches in diameter.  It's near/pressing onto the tree, but not connected to it - If i give it a pull, I can get about 3 fingers width of space to the trunk.  How should I address this?  Can I cut it or should I re-rout the root?  In the pick, the trunk is on the right, the root is in the red box, and it's looking down at it.

responder: MJ Replied June 23, 2024, 9:38 PM EDT
response: Hi David, I'm confused by the photo, which has a bunch of roots visible. Did you dig down around this tree? And is the root in question actually going around part of the trunk?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 9:05 PM EDT
response: Here are some additional pics. Hoping this gives a better perspective.

responder: MJ Replied June 25, 2024, 10:46 PM EDT
response: Hi David, If you have the appropriate tools you can remove this root. You should try to sever it where it connects with the tree. Do so carefully so as not to damage other roots. If the connection point is too hard to find, remove the section you can see. These pages might be helpful: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/girdling-roots/ https://extension.psu.edu/girdling-roots-to-cut-or-not-to-cut You’ve exposed the tree’s root flare and when you’re done you need to leave that just above the ground. A tree should not look like a telephone pole going into the ground, you should see the trunk widen at ground level. Hope this helps. Good luck.
Black bee

Question: We have a shiny black bee on a plant that looks like perhaps a borrowing type bee. We are wondering if it will start on our fence or house and fo damage or are they harmless pollinators? We have photos below

responder: Anna Ashby, Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener   Replied June 25, 2024, 8:55 PM EDT
response: Hi Kathy, Unfortunately, the photos are not distinct enough for identification. So often with insects, identifying features are very minute.    Since we can't be positive on the identification of this insect, I decided to start at the end to see what carpenter bees look like and where they nest. This link is to "Common Bee Pollinators of Oregon Crops". On page 16 is the information for the small carpenter bees found in Oregon. They nest in pithy stems of cane berry plants and perennials. They are a harmless pollinator. It seems like you can rest easy it is not going to destroy your fence or home.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 9:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you! Sent from my iPhone On Jun 25, 2024, at 5:55 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Star Magnolia Bush

Question: I had reached out to you last year regarding our bush and was instructed to fertilize with Mira-Acid every other week and water often.  I did as instructed but the bush didn't  even blossom this year and has very sparse foliage.  I was wondering if I should remove all the dead branches?  Please advise.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied June 23, 2024, 8:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. Your bush definitely does not like where it is at.  I think it’s a hydrangea isn’t it?  You may want to try moving it.  Try putting it on the east side, or someplace that gets part shade.  They may say full sun, but most of them do better in part sun. I don’t think you’ll ever get it to do much where it’s at.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 12:50 PM EDT
response: It is a Star Magnolia bush and is on the east side.  It was struggling last year due to the drought and my use of the wrong fertilizer I am now giving Mira-Acid I was questioning if I should trim off the dead branches.  On Sun, Jun 23, 2024, 7:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied June 24, 2024, 5:46 PM EDT
response: Yes go ahead and trim the dead off.  I won’t guarantee that it will make it, but it is worth trying.
Oak tree

Question: Hello, my oak tree had some leaf spot but now the leaves are going completely brown, mostly at the crown but really the whole tree.  I grew it from an acorn so I really want to save it.  It is about 4 or 5 years old. I have another oak tree on the other side that is currently unaffected. 
So im interested in how to protect that tree as well. Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 12:38 AM EDT
response: It is very hard to diagnose a disease or problem from  photos. The recent extreme heat and lack of rain could be stressing this tree and not the other if the other gets more afternoon shade. My poplar tree is already dropping leaves.  Make sure both trees are watered to a depth of about 6 inches each week. This is typically about 5 gallons.  Sometimes even slight differences in environmental conditions will cause different results.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 6:52 AM EDT
response: Thank you. I understand about the heat.  Last year the tree got drought amd heat stressed. The leaves got droopy and then turned brown and fell off.  It looked very different to what is happening now.  Overnight the leaves turned brown.  If you barely touch the tree or the wind blows even the green, seemingly healthy leaves are falling off.  Does that sound like any diseases you know of?  Thank you. Mary    Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone   -------- Original message -------- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>  Date: 6/24/24 12:38 AM (GMT-05:00)  To: Mary Berlauk <<personal data hidden>>  Subject: Re: Oak tree (#0144207)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 9:17 AM EDT
response: Well, I am in Norway and don’t have the internet to thoroughly research your problem.  I know there is something called sudden oak death but I don’t any details about it. The Plant Disease and Insect Clinic at NCSU may be able to help. You can send photos for free. Give them same info you gave here. Google PDIC ncsu
tomato plant leaves yellowing

Question: Hi, I am growing a tomato plant on my balcony and its leaves are yellowing - mostly the bottom leaves.  Otherwise the plant looks healthy and I don't see signs of pests.  Any ideas? Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 2:09 PM EDT
response: Hello Dan,  Thank you for contacting CSU Extension with your question about your tomato plants. There are a number of things that could be going on, including pests, which can be very difficult to see. Tomatoes are pretty picky, and over or underwatering can also cause problems.  Below is the link to Fact Sheet 2.949 "Recognizing Tomato Problems": https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/recognizing-tomato-problems-2-949/  It appears from your photos that you may be dealing with bacterial canker. We cannot make a definitive diagnosis from photos, however. To be sure, we recommend you bring in leaf samples to be viewed under a microscope by our Diagnostics Team.  If you wish to bring in a sample, our office is located at 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont 80501. We're open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.  The cost for Boulder County residents is $7.00. For non-residents, the cost is $11.00.  Please don't hesitate to contact us again if you have any questions about this or any other horticulture problems.  Regards, Boulder County Master Gardener CSU Extension

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 2:26 PM EDT
response: Thanks! On Jun 24, 2024, at 12:09 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Hibiscus laevis disease?

Question: I have a Hibiscus laevis in my garden (planted spring 2023). It flowered last year and came up again this year but the leaves are getting destroyed by something. Any ideas about what could be causing the harm and how to treat?

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied June 23, 2024, 4:05 PM EDT
response: My guess is four-lined plant bug.  Check here: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/four-lined-plant-bugs  Four-lined plant bugs have been active and feed on a wide variety of plants. The good news is that we are at the end of their feeding cycle.  Another possibility is the hibiscus sawfly.  I've not heard of this pest here - it seems to be more of a southern problem - so the four-lined plant bug is more likely.  With sawflies, again, the feeding is probably over with now.  Read here about sawflies: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/sawflies

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2024, 5:56 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Dennis!!!! I really appreciate you! On Jun 23, 2024, at 3:05 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
yellowing, pyrodwarf rootstock, nutrient

Question: Hello
I wonder what is going on with these pyrodwarf rootstocks? They were grown using the tissue culture technique, received iron before planting, are 20-30 cm tall and have passed acclimatization in the greenhouse. The upper leaves are yellow.
Thank you in advance

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 10:10 AM EDT
response: Hello!  I have a lot of questions to ask before I can give a good answer.  I think it would be easier to ask questions over the phone.  Is there a phone number that I can reach you at?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 10:48 AM EDT
response: Hello, Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I would be happy if I can answer your questions via email since I am not living in the US. Thank you in advance, Sincerly, Mitra Rahmati
Russian Sage

Question: Hello - I'm looking for help. I planted Russian sage for the first time this year and I've noticed one of the plants seems to be loosing its leaves. Is this normal?! Im not sure what the issue is. Any guidance would be appreciated!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 1:34 PM EDT
response: Good morning! Thank you for reaching out. It looks like it could be a heat stress - when did you plant it? How much water and sun is it getting? Did you amend the soil at all when you planted it?  Thanks so much, Rachel

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 5:23 PM EDT
response: Hello! I try to give it water in the morning before it gets hot and a bit in the evening because it gets so much sunlight (6-8 hours a day).  I didn't do much to the soil prior to planting. But I have some lavender growing in the same type of soil and am not having any issues with those, but they are older plants.   Tricia    On Tue, Jun 25, 2024, 11:34 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 8:43 AM EDT
response: It could be transplant stress if you planted it recently. If you are seeing new growth on the growing tips I wouldn't worry about the drying and curling of leaves. Russian sage is very hardy and should be just fine once its roots get more established! Definitely keep an eye on it and make sure you are not overwatering it - once a day of watering should be enough. You want to make sure the roots grow deeper. Thanks for reaching out!Rachel
Please help identify this plant

Question: I dug this root section out of my lawn near Vestaburg.  I can't identify it.  I'm getting many root shoots in my lawn since I cut all the trees down on my property.  Please advise.  Thanks.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 7:54 PM EDT
response: Hi Dan,  I'm guessing this is a piece of a white poplar tree.  White poplars are fast-growing, short-lived trees.  They have invasive traits that allow them to spread aggressively.  Your best bet to kill off the root system is to apply a herbicide to several cut sections of the root or trees.  The root will absorb the herbicide, eventually killing it.  Several applications for a few years may be required, depends on the severity of the problem.  There are several herbicides available.  I'm attaching a link with more info on different methods to apply the herbicide as well as herbicides. Caution: Herbicides can potentially kill or injure nearby trees through root grafts. Restricting treatments to tree species different from desirable crop trees will minimize this concern.  Read and follow herbicide manufacture label directions and application recommendations.   Using Hack-and-Squirt Herbicide Applications to Control Unwanted Trees (psu.edu)  Thank you for using Ask Extension.  Pam MSUE Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 6:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2024, 9:22 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Top of established Cedar tree needles bare

Question: We have a large cedar tree in our sidewalk planting strip that was likely planted when our home was built over 110 years ago. The top of the tree has been losing its foliage (needles) the past few years which coincides with our much hotter and drier summers. We hav been drip irrigating our large street trees for the past 3 years but didn’t start until August when it became obvious the summers were going to be real dry. This year in early June I provided drip irrigation for two days hoping to satiate the soil. I’ve noticed that even during rainy months the soil remains dry due to the foliage cover acting as an umbrella. 
Is this dead area atop the tree a sign the tree is doomed or will supplementary watering help save the tree?

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied June 25, 2024, 1:45 PM EDT
response: Hi Jeffrey and thanks for your question about your cedar tree. Yes, it looks pretty unhealthy and may die no matter what you do now. According to the forestry expert, Glen Ahrens at Extension,  "Serious disease, insect, or abiotic problems in western redcedar usually cause overall discoloration, thinning of the crown, dieback of the top and then the entire tree. Note that we have seen an increase in dieback of western redcedar in our area, mostly related to abiotic stress from drought and heat."  I'm sorry the news is not better, but you can continue to apply drip irrigation at the drip line this summer starting in July if you want to see what happens. Every couple of weeks give it a full day of drip to get the water down deep.  Good luck,

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 6:34 PM EDT
response: Obvioulsy not good news. Nevertheless, I will persist in providing deep watering in the hope it regains its vigor. Our success in our watering and pruning program for the old big leaf maples in the planting strips gives me hope we can save this tree.