MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
White material on magnolia

Question: A magnolia has white material on the branches. The top is fluffy and can be brushed off. There are light brown lumps underneath. I would like to know what it is and how to treat it. Thank you.

responder: Bill J.  Replied June 30, 2024, 1:34 PM EDT
response: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-61 The white patches are insects known as Magnolia Scale.  They are sucking insects and are drawing nourishment from the sap in the stems of your plant.  The above website provides some information on this insect and how to control it.  At this time of year , it is best to apply a soil drench of a systemic insecticide, such as, imidacloprid.   This can be found in insecticides containing "Merit", such as Bayer Tree and Shrub insecticide.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2024, 5:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you.   On Sun, Jun 30, 2024 at 1:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Bill J.  Replied July 01, 2024, 6:38 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.
Give it to me straight- is my young oak tree dead?

Question: I know it's nearly July, but it could just be a late bloomer right?

Planted 5 years ago via Friends of Trees (RIP)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2024, 1:35 PM EDT
response: It does appear that your oak tree is dead. If it hasn't sprouted any greenery by now, the twigs and buds must have died. As a double check, you can use a sharp knife to cut shave the bark and look at inner bark of twigs and branches to see if there is any succulent green or fleshy tissue. Dead twigs will be brown and brittle inside and out.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 1:57 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much that was helpful  On Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 10:35 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Pumpkin disease

Question: Hi, noticed the new growth end of my pumpkin plant started yellowing tow days ago and is making its way toward root end.  Today I noticed yellow splotching on plant near it 

Hoping its from over watering from rain!
Any advice appreciated 
Thanks for your help!!
Patrick

responder: eGardener  Replied June 30, 2024, 6:26 PM EDT
response: Hello Patrick, happy to help. Has there been any herbicide spraying nearby recently? Even if it seemed okay when a neighboring property was treated with an herbicide, if it was windy, the spray can be carried far. If the yellowing is occurring on one side of the the plant and if other nearby plants are affected on the same side, that may indicate herbicide damage.  I'm not sure there's any kind of herbicide that would be considered food safe for produce, but if you're only growing pumpkins for use as Jack-o-lanterns, then give the plant extra watering attention until it resumes healthy growth. Refrain from any fertilizing until you see healthy new growth. If you think that's not the issue, feel free to reply, provide an update on what you're seeing, and I'll get a veggie expert to help out. Good-luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 4:56 PM EDT
response: Ah Yes I bet that was it.   i was actually Spraying in the same general area as a bunch of Undesirables have been sprouting up...Very surprised though that it would have hit the opposite end of the plant I was spraying near!  Thanks for help Pat   On Sun, Jun 30, 2024 at 5:26 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: eGardener  Replied July 03, 2024, 12:55 PM EDT
response: Hello again.  I'm a little wary about the spray jumping to the other side unless the breeze came around the corner of a structure or there were nearby trees that caused the wind to vary in direction; then that could happen. I'd say now, watch and see if the plant recovers. More leaves may turn yellow as the poison's effect winds down. With your added watering attention, it would be a good sign if it starts new growth. Incidentally, I have to say that I was mistaken about not fertilizing. Feel free to fertilize as you normally do for your pumpkins (no more than the usual, though). That along with the watering (when it's not raining so much) should help your plant recover.  Best of luck!
Can this person I know release this wasp

Question: Someone I know had podarigon wasps emerge from a mantis ootheca they bought and I want to know if they can release this species I'm not sure what county that are in so I just put mine but they are in Minnesota still

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 29, 2024, 1:03 PM EDT
response: Do you have a closeup picture of the actual wasp? The name podarigon wasp does not show up in my insect reference book or in an online search. Does it have another name, preferably a Latin or scientific classification name?  A mantis ootheca is the egg case for a mantis insect.  Contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and/or The Department of Natural Resources for regulations on insects in this state.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT
response: If possible could I see a list of podagrion wasps in Minnesota if you find anything  On Sat, Jun 29, 2024, 12:12 PM Liza <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Oops I just realized I spelled it wrong its a podagrion wasp they are also called podagrion mantis but I do not have a closeup unfortunately but I will go check out those sites thank you  On Sat, Jun 29, 2024, 12:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT
response: Oops I just realized I spelled it wrong its a podagrion wasp they are also called podagrion mantis but I do not have a closeup unfortunately but I will go check out those sites thank you  On Sat, Jun 29, 2024, 12:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 29, 2024, 5:01 PM EDT
response: This web site describes parasitoid wasps, and podagrion wasps are such. However I could not confirm that they are used in MN. https://extension.umn.edu/beneficial-insects/parasitoid-wasps Your person should contact the source they bought the wasps from for release information.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2024, 9:40 PM EDT
response: Ok I will ask them to do that thank you. If its ok I also have another question. I am curious on the species of weevil this is since I couldn't find any that looked like it with those markings.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 29, 2024, 9:48 PM EDT
response: New questions should be entered separately from previous ones. These questions are randomly assigned by computer to UMN Extension Master Gardener volunteers.  Your picture did not accompany your questions. It may have been too large or in the wrong format.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2024, 10:12 PM EDT
response: Oh ok thank you I will go do that  On Sat, Jun 29, 2024, 8:48 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Sage damage

Question: What is eating my sage?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2024, 11:14 AM EDT
response: What is eating this sage plant? The damage looks different from the sage plant 10 ft away. Thanks!

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 July 01, 2024, 12:51 PM EDT
response: The damage looks similar enough that the same pest (or group of pests) is probably damaging both. Chewed leaves can be hard to diagnose since the culprit doesn't always hang around long enough to be seen, or they feed at night. Culprits could include slugs/snails, caterpillars, crickets, grasshoppers, earwigs, and various beetles. The damage pictured is minor and intervention is not needed, though if you were to try a low-toxicity insecticide, the culprit would need to be identified in order to have the right ingredient used for effectiveness. If you find one or more insect types associated with the chewed areas, feel free to send us photos for ID.  Miri
Tree removal

Question: Good morning,
We have an old and diseased tree in our yard that I would like to remove. Several areas on the tree are covered in a white cottony substance which is killing the leaves. What kind of tree is it and, can we cut it down? We have been told it is an old apple tree and the white substance is evidence of wood aphids which could kill all of our other plants. We have also been told there are some trees in Oregon that cannot legally be removed

responder: Best Regards,   Replied July 02, 2024, 7:00 PM EDT
response: Dear Rockland,  Thank you for contacting us about the tree in your yard. I am not able to identify it from your photos. If you would send some closeups of the leaves and their arrangement on the twigs, I may be able to give you an answer.   There are some protected trees in Oregon, but it is unlikely this would include yours without your knowing about it. I am not aware of any restrictions on removing a dead or dying tree from private property. You might call your municipality to confirm this with them.  Attached is a photo of the wooly beech aphid  (Phyllaphis fagi). You can compare it to the pests found on your tree.   There are many species of aphids. Some are generalists, but many are identified by host plant. If you search for images of beech trees, you might find that your tree is a beech.   Here is some information about aphids in general:   https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/nursery/common/nursery-crop-aphids  Chemicals are usually not necessary for aphid control as mentioned in the article. If you chooses to use horticultural soaps or oils, please note that they only work on contact with the pests body. Simply spraying leaves is not effective.   I hope this information is helpful. Feel free to write again and let me know what you have found with regard to the pests and tree identity.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 8:02 PM EDT
response: Hi Lynne Marie. Thank you for your reply. I will send you the close ups of the leaves once they grow back, I just cut them back. Something of interest to note; when I trim the tree back, I don't see any evidence of aphids or any other bugs on the tree. I would think the little buggers would be crawling all over me. :)  On Tue, Jul 2, 2024, 4:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Best Regards,   Replied July 06, 2024, 10:53 AM EDT
response: Hello again,  Some aphids as well as scale insects do not move around much. They stay in their protective coverings.   If you have removed all the leaves the tree cannot photosynthesize and it will eventually die completely.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2024, 1:28 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your explanation.  On Sat, Jul 6, 2024, 7:53 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Pine Tree Fungus?

Question: Recently, a lot of my pine trees (maybe Virginia Pine or Loblolly?) developed what appears to be a white fungus at the base. (Photos attached) The affected trees are all clustered together and I have many other pine on my property that don't have this issue. It feels like something I should be concerned about.  One tree, which seems to be dying based on the lack of needles at the top, has the white blemishes higher up on its trunk as well. The fungus appeared very suddenly.  What's going on with my trees? Located in Midlothian near the Amelia County line.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2024, 11:22 AM EDT
response: Hi Lisa,   I have forwarded these images to the VDOF Forest Health folks. I'll let you know what I find out.   Sincerely,  Jennifer

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2024, 11:28 AM EDT
response: Well, turns out my two forest health contacts are on leave this week. I hope to have an answer for you by the end of next week. Another option for you is to contact your county forester and have them take a look. This service is free of charge.   In Chesterfield County, your forester is:  Richard D. Reuse Title: Area Forester Email: <personal data hidden> Primary Phone: <personal data hidden>  Jennifer

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 3:14 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Jennifer!  I'll reach out to Richard to see if I can get an earlier response.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 11, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT
response: According to our forest health expert:   "Based on the pictures, it appears to be white rot, which is a decay fungus. There isn’t much this homeowner will be able to do except remove the tree. At this stage, it is most likely that the tree is rotting on the inside."  Was Rich able to get out to take a look?  I'm going to close this ticket out. Feel free to contact me directly using my e-mail <personal data hidden>. Saves this intermediate step.
Oakleaf hydrangea won’t fully bloom

Question: I have an oakleaf hydrangea just planted this spring. It is covered in fungus & acts like it wants to bloom but the buds turn brown before it blooms. I need help. It’s on the north side of my house & gets shade & some sun.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 30, 2024, 7:48 PM EDT
response: Debbie,  Thanks for your email. You have made the right choice in planting an Oakleaf hydrangea which does well in our soil. Many residents plant so-called mop-head hydrangeas which have a round flower, are very beautiful, but need acidic soil which we do not have in this area.  I have had one Oakleaf hydrangea in my yard for 3 years and it has done very well. The Dallas Arboretum, where I have volunteered for 17+ years, has many and they all seem to be doing well. It is not uncommon for some of the leaves to show fungal spots and that problem is one with which I live. Your plant seems to have that as well, but I don’t believe that is a problem which needs to be addressed.  It’s difficult to know the cause of your flower buds not opening. Sometimes with a new plant, there is “transplant shock” the first year when it gets acclimated to its environment, establishes a root system, etc. Basically, the plant is more concerned with survival than putting out pretty flowers. For this year you will not get flowers from your plant as they typically bloom in May. I would prune off the old flower heads, and I’m willing to bet that next year you will have success.  Hope this helps, Rick Williams

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2024, 7:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Rick!  I’ll do some pruning & keep her watered. Hopefully, she’ll do better after she’s well established!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 04, 2024, 9:16 AM EDT
response: .
Can you ID this plant

Question: I might have planted this last year on my slope. This year it's everywhere. Before I pull it, I want to see if it's a native or a perennial. My Google lens identifies it as centaurea Montana, or mountain cornflower. When I looked that up on the Minnesota wildflower website it suggested pulling it because it's weedy and invasive. It has not flowered yet

responder: eGardener  Replied June 30, 2024, 6:15 PM EDT
response: Hello, happy to help. It could very well be that it's Centaurea montana, but a colleague thinks it could be Monarda fistulosa aka Wild Bergamot or Wild Bee balm. Rub the leaves. If you smell a strong herbal scent like oregano, it's Wild Bergamot. If the leaves don't have a scent, she also commented that since you planted the entire slope last year, you might wait to see how tall they get and what the flowers look like before pulling them. Good-luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2024, 9:38 PM EDT
response: Thank you! FYI it doesn't have a scent but I will wait to see what comes up!  On Sun, Jun 30, 2024, 5:15 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What is eating my iris leaves

Question: Something is eating the leaves of my iris.  What can I do to prevent it?

responder: Colorado State University Extension - Master Gardeners of Broomfield  Replied June 28, 2024, 12:30 PM EDT
response: Hi Melissa, Thank you for the photo - we'd be happy to provide some help in figuring out what is eating your iris leaves. I think we'll need a little bit more information to help you narrow this down and move forward. Is there any way that you could send in several more photos of your iris? Another angle, possibly a closer view, and a few of the bite areas or other damaged areas? Also, can you tell us a bit more about how long this has been happening? Can you see any insects anywhere on the plant? What about in the soil around the base of the plant, are there any grubs?  A final request - each county has its own Master Gardener CSU Extension program, would you please provide your zip code so that we can make sure your question is assigned to your local extension office for further assistance.  Thank you, CSU Extension Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2024, 4:33 PM EDT
response: Please see your requested information below. 1)I've attached several new photos as requested. 2)Also, can you tell us a bit more about how long this has been happening? -  These bite marks showed up in the last two weeks.  3)Can you see any insects anywhere on the plant? - I didn't find any insects in the plants or in the soil around the plant.  No grubs were present. 4) This is only affecting 3 iris plants on the east side of our house.  Those on our west side are totally damage free and doing well.  5)A final request - each county has its own Master Gardener CSU Extension program, would you please provide your zip code so that we can make sure your question is assigned to your local extension office for further assistance.- My zip code is 80015 we live in Centennial.  Thank you for your help.  Melissa Bailey    On Fri, Jun 28, 2024, 10:30 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Dawn Fradkin  Replied July 01, 2024, 10:27 AM EDT
response: Hi Melissa, Thank you for sending over more pictures and for answers our questions! Have you seen any grasshoppers in your yard? Your damage looks like it could be from them. If it was caterpillar damage, you likely would have seen the caterpillars.  Grasshopper populations can fluctuate year to year, and so far 2024 is proving to be a horrible year for these pests along the front range. They can be difficult to control because they are so mobile, especially the adults. It is best to try to get them at egg hatch, when they are nymphs. You can use a bait, such as Ecobran but there's never any guarantee they will eat it. Your best bet may be to cover/net your plants to pretect them. Here is more information:    https://agsci.colostate.edu/agbio/ipm-pests/grasshopper/ I hope this helps, Dawn
grass identification

Question: Can you please help me identify this grass? I think it is a fine fescue (creeping red fescue?). Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 02, 2024, 10:12 AM EDT
response: After looking at your photos, we believe this is creeping bentgrass. Creeping fescue's leaves are more narrow. The panicle seedhead does not appear to have fully opened yet.   Here is some information on creeping bentgrass that also includes identification features. https://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/grasses/creeping-bentgrass/ https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/grass-sedge-rush/creeping-bentgrass

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2024, 1:09 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your response!  On Tue, Jul 2, 2024 at 7:12 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Nettle Die Back

Question: The wild nettle patch on a hillside behind our house suddenly mostly dried up and the tassels have not formed. We have lived here for 20 years and this has never happened before. We live in Montpelier and have had rainy and dry periods this spring and early summer. We are wondering what to do to bring back a great source of nettles.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2024, 6:41 AM EDT
response: The wild nettle patch on a hillside behind our house suddenly mostly dried up and the tassels have not formed. We have lived here for 20 years and this has never happened before. We live in Montpelier and have had rainy and dry periods this spring and early summer. We are wondering what to do to bring back a great source of nettles.

responder: Mo, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied July 02, 2024, 2:12 PM EDT
response: Hey Cynthia -  Thanks for your patience with my reply and also thanks for the images! Obviously you treasure your hillside of wild nettle (and for good reason since stinging nettle has so many uses) but it’s a very prolific plant and we get a lot more questions about how to eradicate it than to foster it’s growth! Generally, stinging nettle spreads through seeds and rhizomes and doesn’t need much help to spread, to some it is considered a noxious weed. My assumption would be that something in environment impacted it this year but through seeds and rhizomes you’ll likely see it come back again next year. If you want to ensure you get more next year you could always buy stinging nettle seeds and start some thickets of new growth to get things going! Another option is to get your soil tested to ensure there aren’t some amendments you could make to create a better growing environment. If you choose to get a soil test feel free to reach back out if you need some help interpreting your results! Some resources to learn more about stinging nettle:https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/urtica-dioica/ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em-9373-wild-edibles-stinging-nettle#growing-nettles Sharing this “Weed Guide” only to aid in identification: https://weedid.missouri.edu/weedinfo.cfm?weed_id=297

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 4:29 PM EDT
response: Dear Mo, Thanks very much for this evaluation of our nettle problem. As usual the Master Gardener Help Line is comprehensive and helpful. Many thanks again, Cynthia P.S. I didn’t mean to send multiple messages—I just wasn’t sure how to fill out the request.  On Jul 2, 2024, at 2:12 PM, Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote: