MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Identify this insect

Question: Can anyone identify this insect? I've seen several in my garden this year. Thanks.

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 July 19, 2024, 9:47 AM EDT
response: That is a young stage of the Spotted Lanternfly, which is a new invasive pest in our area. You will likely see more, and they will be a nuisance pest for a while (like the brown marmorated stink bug was in the early 2000's). We do not recommend using any pesticides or home remedy for them. Here is our page to learn more:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/spotted-lanternfly-home-gardens/   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 2:05 PM EDT
response: Thanks. I've seen some adults, too. Will kill hem when I see them.   On 07/19/2024 9:47 AM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
How to revive a hydrangea plant

Question: I have had a hydrangea shrub (endless summer) for over 5 years. This is the first year it did not come back. What use to be a beautiful shrub with blue cluster flower has only 4 small leaves this year. Is it going to come back next year? is there anything I can do to help it live again? should I just pull it and accept its demise? It resides east facing at the front of the house. Sun and shade.

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 19, 2024, 6:21 AM EDT
response: It looks like some of the shrub is still alive, since it has sent up some new growth.  If the roots haven’t rotted it, that is, it will probably take several years to be as big as a new shrub in a 5 gallon pot. It needs moist but never soggy soil. Paying close attention to its water needs are all that can be done.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 12:24 PM EDT
response: How do you know or what can I do to see if the root is rotted? With so much rain, it could possibly be a reason. With so much rain, I have not been watering it at all this year.

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 19, 2024, 6:05 PM EDT
response: Very gently with a small tool excavate under the plant and look for roots. Or, wait and see if it continues to grow. Check soil moisture 1 inch deep and water if it’s dry. Do this every day.  Keep the soil moist but not wet. Often depending on the location, if there hasn’t been any rain for a couple of days plants will need water.
Apple Tree

Question: My apple trees are producing differently this year. My apples have dark/scab like spots and some apples never grew bigger than a golf ball before rotting. I tried to look up the cause on my own and I am stuck between black rot and apple scab.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 8:50 PM EDT
response: I forgot to add that the leaves at the end of most of my branches have black/dead tips.

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 21, 2024, 12:44 PM EDT
response: It looks worse than apple scab to me. Check out this you tube video ?si=cHYIUQaZ9kM_5Fh5  And a sample can be sent to the plant disease clinic for an accurate diagnosis. Call and ask how much of sample to send. https://pdc.umn.edu/
How do I improve the sandy soil in my yard?

Question: I recently bought a home in Stacy, Mn where the soil is incredibly sandy. What is the quickest way to improve the soil in my yard and gardens?

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 18, 2024, 8:30 PM EDT
response: Wow! that is practically a beach. What do your neighbors do? Is there someone nearby with a successful garden? Local knowledge can be most helpful. Adding a couple of inches of compost is the fastest way to improve the soil  do so spring and fall.  Carrots grow best in sandy soil. Drought tolerant plants are a good choice. if you want to grow water hungry plants I would use raised beds with good quality soil.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 9:19 AM EDT
response: I have been researching the use of cover crops such as red clover to add organic material to the soil as well. Do you have any recommendations?   On Thu, Jul 18, 2024 at 7:30 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 19, 2024, 9:31 AM EDT
response: A cover crop would need to be cut down and tilled in to be beneficial and you would loose the grass that is growing.   I would plant annual rye because it looks like grass and can be mowed. However, some sources say crimson clover does better than rye on sandy soil. If it were me I would use a mix of each and see what does better. Annual rye would not have to be tilled into the soil because it behaves like grass and is in many grass see mixes.  https://extension.umn.edu/cover-crops-and-soil-health/cover-crop-selection-vegetable-growers  https://extension.umn.edu/managing-soil-and-nutrients/cover-crops-and-green-manures  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/management_and_planting_of_crimson_clover

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 9:52 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  The existing grass is just as you can see in the photo. A little crabgrass here and there so tilling up the yard to improve it is not an issue. I just want to look at putting a plan together for long term improvement.  On Fri, Jul 19, 2024 at 8:31 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 19, 2024, 6:00 PM EDT
response: https://droughtresources.unl.edu/soil-amendment-lawns-and-landscapes#:~:text=Sandy%20soils%20are%20managed%20best,aged%20manure%20and%20leaf%20mold. https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/lawn-care-2/how-to-amend-sandy-soil/ https://www.mcwd.org/docs/enews/2020-09-10%205%20Tips%20for%20Maintaining%20Lawns%20in%20Sandy%20Soil.pdf  https://turf.purdue.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/agry-98-03.pdf   https://www.provenwinners.com/learn/dirt-dirt-sand  I hope these resources help you make a plan. There are lots of beautiful lawns on sandy soil and they start with organic matter.
Zestar and Honeycrisp issues

Question: Can you tell from the pictures if this is apple scab? It's the closest thing I can find by looking at pictures online.
About half of the apples on my tree seem to affected by this issue.

Thank you,
-Mike

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 22, 2024, 6:02 PM EDT
response: Hi Michael, That sure looks like apple scab to me. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/applescab/ There has been tons of it this years because of our very wet weather. https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=846320 Bummer, at least you are not alone in your scab situation. Make sure to pick up all fallen leaves and discard them in the trash. I'm a huge fan of individually bagging my apples. It's the way to go if you just have a few trees. https://www.amazon.com/Fruit-Protection-Bags-Vegetables-Drawstring/dp/B0BR4VLDXS/ref=asc_df_B0BR4VLDXS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=<personal data hidden>1&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=<personal data hidden>16457300&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019672&hvtargid=pla<personal data hidden>658&mcid=25c8ae85754736cf9bbcbec3f327f313&hvocijid=<personal data hidden>16457300-B0BR4VLDXS-&hvexpln=73&gad_source=1&th=1 Good luck,  Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 7:10 PM EDT
response: Sally,  Thank you for the reply! Would spraying a fungicide(see attachment) on the trees help at this point, or is that used more as a preventative treatment? -Mike  -------- Original message -------- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>  Date: 7/22/24 5:02 PM (GMT-06:00)  To: Michael R Anderson <<personal data hidden>>  Subject: Re: Zestar and Honeycrisp issues (#0147767)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 10:43 PM EDT
response: Hi Michael, It's too late  for the spray. Just focus on keeping the tree and sight very clean, collecting all the diseased leaves and fallen fruit.
White fungus on a bumblebee?

Question: I observed this bumblebee that appeared to be parasitized by a white fuzzy covering. I've never seen anything like this before. what is it?

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied July 18, 2024, 8:54 PM EDT
response: This bumble bee is covered in pollen grains. I often see this after they visit plants with large flowers and pollen stalks such as hibiscus. In your 3rd photo, you can zoom in nicely to the individual pollen grains.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 9:09 PM EDT
response: Whew!  I thought the poor thing was infected by some kind of fungus.  Thank you!     On 07/18/2024 8:54 PM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Elm Zigzag Sawfly?

Question: I’ve got a significant population of green inchworm like things that are eating my elm trees and dropping poppyseed like things all over our property.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 18, 2024, 6:57 PM EDT
response: Are the eaten areas on the leaves in a zigzag pattern? The larva does not show the dorsal stripe listed in the description. However it may be some kind of sawfly.  How long is the larva(inchworm type thing)?   https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/trees-shrubs/caterpillars/small/roselugsawfly.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 7:44 PM EDT
response: Hi Linda,   It definitely doesn’t look like the sawfly larva from the link you sent.   The larva are between 1/2” and 1”  There’s definitely a dark band near one end but my camera doesn’t catch it well. I’ve attached a couple more pictures.   It’s difficult to tell whether it’s a zigzag pattern on the leaf because most of the leaves at an accessible height have been completely removed. But I was able to get one picture which I have also attached.   Thanks for your help.   Paul          On Thu, Jul 18, 2024 at 5:57 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 19, 2024, 10:20 AM EDT
response: Cankerworm. See this web page https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/spring-and-fall-cankerworms

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 10:56 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the reply, Linda. Again, quite sure they’re not cankerworms. I’m actually increasingly confident that it’s the elm zigzag sawfly. The larva look exactly like the images I was able to find online.   I know they haven’t been in Minnesota before, but that’s why I reached out to you at the Extension to put it on your radar.   Thanks again.   Paul  On Fri, Jul 19, 2024 at 9:20 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 19, 2024, 11:10 AM EDT
response: Okay, I'll forward your information to Minnesota Arrest the Pest.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 19, 2024, 12:59 PM EDT
response: input from another Extension Master Gardener
Austrian Pine Needles Turning Yellow

Question: I notice two weeks ago that my Austrian Pine (I think) needles were turning yellow. I live in a 6 year old community where everyone has the same pine tree planted by the builder. I looked around the neighborhood and my tree is the only one with yellowed needles. It is July and my husband waters the property 3 times a day for 3 minutes each time. I checked the soil with a screw driver and found the soil moist on the front of the tree closest to the front lawn but the back of the tree was dry. I found a small drip in the front near but not on the trunk.There is a layer of mulch and lots of pine needles under the tree. The bark looks great and no signs of bugs. I have been caring for the tree for 3 years and this is the first time I have seen this on my tree. I love the tree and want to address the issue right away. What do you think it could be? And what can I do?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 22, 2024, 3:17 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon! It looks like it is not the new growth that is browning - which is good! Is the browning only in that one area? Or is it spread throughout the other side of the tree as well? It does look like there is some banding on the needles which could be a sign of some fungal diseases. We have a diagnostic volunteer team at our office (at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds; 15200 W 6th Ave Suite C, Golden, CO 80401) if you would like to bring a sample by we can take a look at the needles under the microscope and see if something is there. We do have a volunteer signed up to come in on Thursday if you wanted to bring a sample by then or on Wednesday! Thanks for reaching out, Rachel Durkan

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2024, 9:45 AM EDT
response: Hi Rachel, Yes the browning is on the other side of the tree as well. If by banding you mean lines on the needles yes it does have that. If I go to Golden today or Thursday what time is there someone there? How do treat a fungal disease if I don’t get to Golden? Diane Mangam

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 23, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT
response: If you come in today there is a volunteer here this morning from about 8-11 I would say. Thursday the volunteer should be here in the morning as well from 9-12ish. Our office is open from 8-4:30p Tuesday to Friday if you are unable to stop by during those two times! Treatment depends on the type of disease - I would suggest confirming a diagnosis before treating so you are ensuring you use the most effective method possible. Thanks for reaching out! Rachel
Spots on Vines

Question: The vines are my arbor are getting many little spots on the fives.   What should I do? 
I took some of the vines to a garden center and they weren't sure what was causing this. 
Some of the little spots are turning into little holes.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied July 19, 2024, 6:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. You have some little insect eating on your leaves.  I have seen a lot of this this year.  The holes develop as the leaf tissue dies. If it’s not too bad, let it go.  If it seems to be getting worse or more widespread you can use a spray such as insecticidal soap or Neem oil.  Follow label instructions and be sure to cover both the top and underside of the leaves as well as the stems. I hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2024, 8:46 AM EDT
response: Thank you.  Iwill try this   Julie Armbrust  . 4516 Moorland Ave.  Edina, MN   <personal data hidden>   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Friday, July 19, 2024 5:12 PM To: Julie Armbrust <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Spots on Vines (#0147739)
Controlling Mexican Bean Beetle larvae

Question: Hello,
I have a community garden plot in Shelburne, and my bush green beans are infested with Mexican Bean beetle larvae. They are mostly on the undersides of the leaves, which they have skeletonized. I noticed the first ones about 6 days ago, then went away for a few days, and they really exploded. Today I handpicked them off, and sprayed with neem oil and a little dish detergent. I'm hoping this will get them under control, but do you have any other advice? How often should I spray? And can this pest move to other plants? I have cucumbers, snap peas, and tomatoes in adjacent rows. 
many thanks,
Kristin

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 23, 2024, 8:33 AM EDT
response: Hello Kristin:  Our apologies for not getting back to you sooner.    The following resource provides information on this beetle, including control methods - https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mexican-bean-beetle-vegetables/   Row covers are the recommended method for future infestations.  Their preferred crop is Legumes, especially lima and snap beans. Also cowpea and soybean. Less preferred are fava bean, lentil, and mung bean. So, the rest of your plants should not be affected.  The most practical method to use in large plantings or community gardens is to purchase and release the beneficial wasp Pediobius faveolatus when larvae are first observed.   The Neem Oil you applied is also a recommended method.   I hope this information is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2024, 9:47 AM EDT
response: Thank you!   On Tue, Jul 23, 2024 at 8:33 AM Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Seed identification

Question: Our dogs will eat these seeds like candy if we let them. Can you tell us what they are?

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied July 24, 2024, 2:25 PM EDT
response: Hi John,  Are you able to send a better image of the seed including a close-up and of the entire plant so we can identify it and further assist?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 2:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Amy. I'm attaching pictures showing the plant with seeds (thin grass stalks), loose seeds blown together by the wind, and a closeup of a ripening seed head. Thanks for checking. Malcom    On Wed, Jul 24, 2024 at 11:25 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied July 29, 2024, 7:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Malcom,  This platform makes it difficult to enlarge the photos you sent, but it almost looks like there may be two types of grasses in the photos.  One appears to be Bottlebrush Squirreltail and the other is a type of ryegrass often used as a restoration grass or for erosion control.  It would be best to bring them into our plant clinic here in Redmond for positive identification. Here is some information on the above two mentioned:  https://azinvasiveplants.arizona.edu/sites/azinvasiveplants.arizona.edu/files/2024-01/Bottlebrush%2Bsquirreltail.pdf       https://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/grasses-and-grasslikes/bottlebrush-squirreltail   I cannot id to species for the wild rye one using these photos but here is some basic information:  https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/grass-sedge-rush/canada-wild-rye  Feel free to call with additional questions
Something happening to Aspen trunks

Question: I have a number of 4-year old aspens - something is happening to my trunks - they are planted in a fenced yard in NW Bend.  Any ideas?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 19, 2024, 12:05 PM EDT
response: Beautiful line of trees, so sorry to see the damage!  I am not at all familiar with aspens so googled around Colorado websites to see what I could find, since often grown in that state.  Here is a great resource so you can see photos of various damage by insects, animals and/or fungus:  https://www.lamtree.com/aspen-trees-common-problems-what-to-do/  Based on this information, I would venture a guess that the damage on your trees is some kind of canker.  Here is a tree service website with some ideas on dealing with diseases on aspens:  https://www.lamtree.com/aspen-trees-common-problems-what-to-do/  Here is a great article by USFS in Colorado about aspen tree diseases:  chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5341328.pdf  Here is a video from Wyoming Extension on cankers on aspens and cottonwoods:  chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5341328.pdf  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 1:25 PM EDT
response: Could it be animal damage?  We have deer wandering by, but i thought the fence would keep them away? One plant looks actually bend, which I can't believe disease could do.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Friday, July 19, 2024 9:05 AM To: Jeff Mak <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Something happening to Aspen trunks (#0147644)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 19, 2024, 3:12 PM EDT
response: Yes, I didn't even include the references about deer and elk damage, so those could be possibilities.  One way to protect:  wrap each tree at least 6' up in 1" chicken wire or poly deer netting; make a "cage" around the tree of woven wire at least 6' tall; or put up temporary or permanent deer fencing around the perimeter at least 7-8 ft tall.
Pests on flowers

Question: Something is eating my pansies, starting at the edges of the petals.  Seems like it must be bugs, but I have yet to see any bugs.  It has gotten progressively worse, and now I have mostly stems remaining.  The plants are trying to make flowers, but no success!
  Perhaps unrelated, a similar thing is starting to happen to my Calla lilies.

responder: Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied July 19, 2024, 1:03 PM EDT
response: Often to identify a pest eating plants, you need to see the culprit. One idea is to lay a board on the soil nearby, and check it in the morning and even later in the day, to see if slugs and snails are hiding there. Drop those you find into a carton of water with drops of soap. Another plan is to go out after dark with a flashlight and carefully check the plant leaves and soil around the stem. Are there cut worms, larvae, anything else? Maybe weevils? There are also tiny “worms” or caterpillars that eat along the petal or leaf edge, are tiny and often the color of what they are eating. An example is budworm. You have to look closely to get them removed. Pansies are at their weakest this late in the year and due to heat. This means they may not out-grow the damage very well. Treatment for many pests is manual removal, checking everyday. There can be other treatments, based on what you find. Share photos if you need help identifying insects. Some references: EM 9155 for slug control Budworm information from Colorado Extension Weevils on flowers information

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 2:05 PM EDT
response: These pansies are not on the dirt, but on the deck.  At times, I do see many webs between the boards.  Similar webs are in the lawn close to the Calla lilies, and very small white insects fly up from them. See attached photo.  Usually I trample them and follow up with drenching with water via hose.  They don't reappear in that area for quite a long time.  On the lilies, I spritz the leaves with water twice daily, I have seen almost no added damage.   On Fri, Jul 19, 2024 at 10:03 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied July 23, 2024, 1:49 PM EDT
response: I’m not having success finding a suggestion for you. Do you have a magnifying glass to look for pests on the pansies?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2024, 3:47 PM EDT
response: Thank you for trying.    On Tue, Jul 23, 2024 at 10:49 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: