MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Odd insects with eggs?

Question: Hi, this must be the year for unusual insects. I saw these when I was trimming bushes in my yard yesterday. They are still there tonight. I don't know what that is that they are crowding around, but I don't think they're eating it, since it looks the same as yesterday. Possibly eggs? But I have never seen multiple insects surrounding eggs, unless they were newly hatched babies. They are on a Lunaria plant, specifically the immature seed pod. I had never seen one of these insects before, till a few days ago, and for a second I thought it was a tick, but it had 6 legs, and didn't move like a tick. Can you tell me what they are, and if they are harmful to my plants? Thank you!

responder: Juanita B, wljbaker@gmail.com  Replied June 19, 2023, 11:30 AM EDT
response: Bonnie, Thank you for your question.  Your images were really helpful.  I finally found a pic close to yours that indicates you may have immature lady bugs  https://bugguide.net/node/view/1486787  I have included  2 sources that explain ladybug benefits in the garden, as well as a bygl article about aphids and their natural enemy, the lady bug.  https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/agent-articles/insects/ladybugs.html https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-extension/featured/will-ladybugs-ruin-my-garde I hope the info is helpful. .       all changes saved  Signature:None My Signature

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 8:18 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. I don't think these are ladybug larvae. I see ladybug larvae in my garden often. If you note the shape of the abdomen, the ladybug larvae has a pointed abdomen, the insects in question have a rounded abdominal shape. They also do not appear to be in a larval form, they look like small adult insects. I know my photo is not the best. I have the advantage of seeing it "in person", but not sufficient  knowledge  to identify these insects. They may be ladybug eggs, and these insects may be devouring them. That is what I was afraid of. Thank you for your help. On Mon, Jun 19, 2023, 11:30 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Juanita B, wljbaker@gmail.com  Replied June 21, 2023, 5:07 PM EDT
response: Iam sorry I was not much help.  I have continued to search for a closer match.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 5:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you for trying. I have never seen these insects before either.On Wed, Jun 21, 2023, 5:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2023, 7:13 PM EDT
response: Sorry I jumped in!  I believe these are brown marmorated stink bugs .  Unfortunately I have seen these on my chocolate mimosa tree.  They really look weird and creepy! https://www.jungledragon.com/specie/1540/brown_marmorated_stink_bug.html  Leslie  EMG

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 7:39 PM EDT
response: I believe that is what I have!On Wed, Jun 21, 2023, 7:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Juanita B, wljbaker@gmail.com  Replied June 22, 2023, 8:50 AM EDT
response: I'm glad we found ananswer for you.  I appreciate the help.
Little tan round things on cilantro plant

Question: These showed up overnight

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 19, 2023, 8:41 AM EDT
response: Hi- the small greenish insects are aphids and the many roundish, tan color bumps are aphid mummies. Very small, non-stinging wasps parasitize aphids by laying their eggs in the aphids. Larvae hatch out, feed, and cut round holes from which the next generation of adult wasps emerge. You are witnessing a dramatic example of biological pest control.  We suggest you allow a good percentage of the parasitoids to emerge from the aphid mummies before replanting. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 9:20 AM EDT
response: That's amazing.  Thanks! On Mon, Jun 19, 2023 at 8:41 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Is this a fungus? Is this Cherry tree in danger?

Question: Tall cherry tree. Had caterpillar infestation more than 5 years ago and struggled to regain leaves after treatment. Noticed this fungus on the top of the tree and now new growth in the impacted area. Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 8:02 PM EDT
response: Sorry, reading this again, should have said there is NO new growth in the area where there is this fungus type thing on the bark.  There is new growth on the opposite side of the branch, but not in and around the growth of this stuff. Thanks again.

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 21, 2023, 9:36 AM EDT
response: The tree's struggles to leaf back out after a caterpillar defoliation are probably unrelated since trees that are otherwise in good health can handle some defoliation and be ok. Given the amount of canopy dieback, something either caused significant root stress or death or weather stress (drought or saturated soil, for example) made the tree a target for wood-boring insects. The fungi emerging from the wood are decaying the branch/trunk and cannot be treated.  The tree may need to be removed (or, if falling would not harm anything, it can stay standing to serve wildlife as it dies), but you can consult with a certified arborist if you prefer. They cannot cure every ailment but can look for sources of tree stress and determine how compromised dead/dying wood may be in terms of a fall risk.  Miri
Hydrangea blooming in the back of the bush

Question: Good day. Could you tell me why my hydrangea bush is only producing blooms in the back of the bush?  Thanks for your help.

responder: Melody Replied June 21, 2023, 8:18 AM EDT
response: Hello,  Any chance you pruned the shrub recently?  The only time you should prune is just after it blooms.  The new flowers grow on last years growth.  The other reason is if it is getting too much nitrogen which causes the plant to grow lots of leaves and few flowers, often from lawn fertilizers.  If you think there is another problem just let me know.  Here is as link for more details on hydrangeas;  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/hydrangea/  https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea/  Thank you for reaching out to us!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 10:24 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response and the information. I’ll do a soil test. Best, JaneWake Forest Sent from my iPad On Jun 21, 2023, at 8:18 AM, Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Endive Chicory  ~ nonnative

Question: The plant in the attached photo is (I believe) endive chicory.
It is not listed as a Maryland native.
I hesitate to pull it out of my garden because it is always covered in bees (except now while I’m taking this photo).

Is this plant something I should get rid of?
Is it bad for birds, bees,butterflies?
I think it may be the additive to coffee brewed in New Orleans.

Many thanks,

Linda

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 19, 2023, 8:39 PM EDT
response: Hello Linda...most likely what you have is actually common chickweed (C. intybus) as opposed to the endive variety (C. endivia). See this website for an explanation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cichorium.  But, yes, this is a very good plant for the pollinators. It is considered a weed but it is not invasive so if it works in your garden, I would keep it.  Enjoy! Robin

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 6:51 AM EDT
response: Robin,  Many thanks! I will keep the plant & keep the bees happy!   Linda

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 20, 2023, 8:43 AM EDT
response: You're welcome. (There was a typo in our last reply...it should have said "chicory," not "chickweed," which is a different plant.)

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 9:45 AM EDT
response: You guys are the best!!   Linda
Identify animal scat

Question: Hello are you able to identify the animal?

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 19, 2023, 9:59 AM EDT
response: Although we are not scat specialists, this appears to be from a raccoon. Raccoons re-visit "latrine" sites so you may find more as time goes on in that same general area if an animal is frequenting the area.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 10:05 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  That was my mom’s guess- we all had our ideas I thought a bear!  Have a great day On Jun 19, 2023, at 9:59 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 June 19, 2023, 5:29 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Fire Blight on Portageuse Laurel

Question: Should I spray with Copper Fungicide or Neem Oil and should an emulsifier be used?  How and with what should I mix said product?  I had a tree service cut most of the blight out, though I'm not sure if they sterilized pruners with every cut, and I'm still seeing some wilting.  I know there is no cure but hope to keep it from spreading and thus save the tree.  I do have two other Portageuse Laurels but they do not appear to be infected.

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied July 18, 2023, 2:50 PM EDT
response: Please accept our apologies for the very late acknowledgment of your message. I'm not sure what happened behind the scenes.  Do you still need assistance with this question?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 12:44 PM EDT
response: Yes, I stll need assistance with the question.  Thank you.---------- Original Message ----------From: "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>>To: "Danell Hiltz" <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Fire Blight on Portageuse Laurel (#0106135)Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2023 18:50:36 +0000

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied July 21, 2023, 4:46 PM EDT
response: How was this plant diagnosed with fire blight? These shrubs are usually quite resistant to issues.  Neem is ineffective against fire blight. If this is fire blight then copper is your main option. Even that is not super effective.  When the tree company pruned - did they remove the branches several inches below the affected area? What time of year did they prune?   What does the rest of the tree look like? Is there any obvious damage at the base of the tree? Any construction or other disruption nearby? Can you send some photos of the tree in the landscape so I can get a better sense of the situation?
What is wrong with my cucumbers

Question: My cucumber plants look dried up.  I have put grass around all plants to help retain moisture.   Otherwise I’m not doing anything different from other years

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 18, 2023, 9:29 AM EDT
response: Good Morning,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  My first thought is that your cucumbers are in a black container on a cement block patio. With the heat wave we've had recently, your cucumbers could be dried out. If the sun shines on the black container, it will heat up the soil and roots. The heat radiated from the block patio will also have an effect.  You might inspect the plants and under the leaves to see if there are any pests on them. You could work through "What's wrong with my plant?" https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/vegetable/cucumber/index.html If you work through this, you might find a related disease. But my diagnosis would be heat stress from the recent heat wave.  Here is a link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about growing in containers: https://extension.umn.edu/managing-soil-and-nutrients/fertilizing-and-watering-container-plants This information discusses extra watering and fertilizing. Your grass clipping mulch is helpful.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 18, 2023, 9:36 AM EDT
response: Yes you are correct.  They aren’t setting on the blocks but are in a black container.   They are setting on wooden 2 x 4’s to help with circulation of air but still not enough.   I’ll have to come up with a better idea to grow them on my patio.  Thank you for your response On Sun, Jun 18, 2023 at 8:29 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 18, 2023, 10:06 AM EDT
response: You are welcome.
Help identifying bug that bit me

Question: Need help identifying a bug that bit me overnight. Woke up feeling like I had the flu, low-grade fever and  found this bite in morning. Was working with my tomato plants and have seen this bug in season's past hanging on tomato plants. They hang out by themselves. Maybe 2 or 3 per plant but different parts of plant, never together. Unsure if it is some form of a stink bug or some type of an assassin bug

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2023, 1:22 PM EDT
response: The insect you photographed appears to be a juvenile milkweed bug. They do not bite. They merely feed on milkweed seed pods and are beneficial insects. What insect is this? : Garden : University of Minnesota Extension (umn.edu) If an insect from the garden bit you, it would have happened in the garden and you likely would have seen and felt a good sized insect landing on your face so close to your eye. It's likely something you encountered in the house or a mosquito.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2023, 6:21 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the reply. There are no milkweeds growing in my garden or yard at all. This bug, with a second one that looked identical, were found on my tomato vines. There were only 2 of them. This is not a mosquito bite as it does not itch at all. I wouldn't have known the bite was there, except I saw it in the morning when I put my contacts in. It was not there the night before when I took my contacts out. Also, it is not raised like a mosquito bite, it is flat. Thanks again for your help, Julie Childers~JulesSent from my iphone  On Jun 25, 2023, at 12:23 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2023, 11:47 AM EDT
response: Milkweed bugs can be out and about elsewhere, but it definitely matches. Leaf-footed bugs are orange as nymphs and brown as a an adult. They don't bite either. However, as someone that gets bitten often, it could be a wide range of culprits. Best of luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 12:17 PM EDT
response: Makes sense, and thanks for your help. ~JulesSent from my iphone  On Jun 26, 2023, at 10:47 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
what is this plant?

Question: Is it a weed , plant or flower growing next to my steps?

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 19, 2023, 8:47 PM EDT
response: This is most likely Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) which is a native plant in Maryland. Although the berries and all parts of the plant are poisenous, it is actually considered to be on the low end of the toxicity scale. In fact, it is of great wildlife value especially to birds that eat the berries. It reproduces by seed, so if you break off the stalk before it flowers you should be able to prevent furthur reproduction. But, if you don't mind having a possibly 8 foot tall plant in your yard, with beautiful purple berries, consider leaving it for the birds...smile!  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pokeweed  Robin

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 9:35 PM EDT
response: THANK YOU so much for your expertise! Steve and Barbara

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2023, 5:02 PM EDT
response: What kind of plant is this growing around our house in Rockville, MD?   Should we get rid of it and if so how?Steve and Barbara

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 August 07, 2023, 9:08 AM EDT
response: Hello Steve and Barbara,  This appears to be Ground Ivy (also known as Creeping Charlie), a very common lawn and garden weed which is non-native and invasive throughout Maryland. It can be difficult to eradicate without resorting to a systemic herbicide, but you can visit the first linked page for more information and tips for management.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2023, 10:17 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your help!  On Monday, August 7, 2023 at 09:08:21 AM EDT, 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 August 08, 2023, 11:53 AM EDT
response: you're welcome!
Shrub identification

Question: Hi - found this hiking along a trail. Can you identify it for me?

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied June 17, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
response: This appears to be a birch leaf spirea (a.k.a. Shiny leaf Meadowsweet).  There are U.S. native strains as well as European ones.  As you found this on a trail makes me think it might be a native one. There is a photo on this website that looks close to what you have found: https://www.gardenia.net/plant/spiraea-betulifolia

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 17, 2023, 3:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you! I would have never identified that. Thanks much!!On Sat, Jun 17, 2023 at 3:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied June 17, 2023, 3:54 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.  It happens that I am personally interested in this shrub because the deer don't eat it.  There are some really nice cultivars on the market- one called ‘Glow Girl’ that has a yellowish tinge to the foliage.  Really nice!  Have a great weekend.
Oak tree infection

Question: We would like some assistance identifying what might be causing black spots and oozing at the base of our oak tree. We would love to save the tree, if possible.

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 19, 2023, 4:42 PM EDT
response: These symptoms resemble those of a phenomenon called slime flux or wetwood, and they are not always an indicator of a serious problem as trees have ways of internally walling-off the affected tissues. Still, since this is a sizeable tree and may be experiencing other forms of stress, we suggest you consider hiring a certified arborist to assess it in person. Some arborists are employed by tree-care companies while others consult independently, in case you're wary of a bias towards costly or unnecessary procedures. Not all conditions can be treated or cured by an arborist, but they can look for indications of injury, wood decay, and sources of tree stress that can be alleviated to help it recover or to delay decline. The soil near the tree appears to be quite dry, understandable in our current drought, but if you have not already been doing so you may want to periodically monitor the tree for watering needs to help it withstand other stresses.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 4:52 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much! On Mon, Jun 19, 2023 at 4:42 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 19, 2023, 5:48 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Nasturtium problem

Question: What’s causing this on my nasturtium leaves?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2023, 7:51 AM EDT
response: Hi, I'm thinking you have some insect that is sucking the juices our of your leaves and  leaving a dead spot where it has been. This is not uncommon damage. It somewhat resembles leaf miner damage. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2016/identifying-spider-mite-damage-species-responsiblehttps://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/leafminers I have seen so many spider mites this year, my huge red maple tree is full of them. They thrive in this hot dry and dusty weather we are having so that would be my first guess. Get a spray bottle and thoroughly mist your plants using a little dish soap. Let me know if this doesn't seem to help. I can't rule out some sort of fungus issue though.  Sally Granath MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 8:16 AM EDT
response: Thanks.  I’ll try it!On Mon, Jun 19, 2023 at 6:51 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: