MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Grass identification

Question: Hi! We moved into our house in October, and there is a large grass plant that I need help identifying. It was variegated when it was alive, and I didn’t think to take a picture of it then, so the only one I have is a current picture of it. I am unsure as to how to take care of it—do I cut back the dead growth so there’s room for new growth? Thank you so much for your help!

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied March 08, 2023, 1:35 PM EST
response: Did it have feathery plumes?

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 08, 2023, 2:43 PM EST
response: Hi! Yes, the plumes are feathery.  Thanks!  On Mar 8, 2023 at 10:35 AM -0800, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>, wrote:

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied March 09, 2023, 8:14 PM EST
response: Aha! Pampas grass.   Pampas grass should be pruned twice a year in winter when the foliage dies back autumn. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and ensures that the plant stays bushy and full. To prune pampas grass, simply cut back the dead or damaged leaves with a sharp pair of clippers to ground level in the winter. Be sure to wear good gloves as pampas foliage is very stiff and can cut you up readily. As a side note, this plant loves to be fertilized also.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 09, 2023, 8:57 PM EST
response: Great! Thank you! (And the pampas grass thank you too)  :) Wendy  On Mar 9, 2023 at 5:14 PM -0800, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>, wrote:
What’s this?!?( lilac/gall)

Question: I found this on my lilac bush and am wondering what it is & if I should remove it. I live in Holland.

responder: Hello,   Replied March 09, 2023, 8:38 AM EST
response: Hello, What you have on your lilac is some form of gall.  I will provide you some links where you can read up on the different types and gain some more information. They. are fascinating looking things, aren't they? Galls are abnormal growths that can be formed by insects, mites, nematodes, fungi, bacteria and viruses.  I suspect it is some type of insect, as evidence by the little 'exit' holes that the insects made as their 'door' out of the protective gall.  If you were to cut open the gall for curiosity purposes - after you remove it - you should find lots of little holes or furrows where the insect was hiding inside.   One gall is not going to do a significant amount of damage to the lilac.  But. if you would like to remove it, use a sharp pair of pruning shears and clip the branch off below the gall.   Dispose of the gall by burning it or wrapping in a sealed bag and putting it in your outside trash.  https://www.purduelandscapereport.org https://www.extension.umn.edu Hope this answers your question, Kathleen

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 09, 2023, 8:57 PM EST
response: Thanks for the help, Kathleen! Have a fantastic weekend!Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2023, at 8:38 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Hello,   Replied March 10, 2023, 9:48 AM EST
response: YOU'RE WELCOME!  Happy Spring....soon!!
How can I save my pine trees? Help!

Question: We are losing several pine trees and it looks contagious. What can I do?  The trees have very small round holes in their trunks. Is there something I can do to treat the rest of our trees?

responder: Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice  Replied March 08, 2023, 12:03 PM EST
response: Hi Hal, Thanks for your question; I am sorry to hear about your trees.  I have a few guesses as to what may be going on, but first, could you send me a picture of two of the needles/foliage on the trees so I can better understand what type of tree this is?  Best, Alex Gorman, OSU Extension Forester

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 19, 2023, 4:44 AM EDT
response: Hi Alex, Sorry for the slow response, we are in the middle of trimming our blueberry bushes. The close up pictures are attached. Any help you can give is much appreciated.HalOn Wed, Mar 8, 2023 at 9:03 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice  Replied March 20, 2023, 7:01 PM EDT
response: Hi Hal, No worries. It looks like you have some true fir trees, likely grand fir. The decline is likely caused by the fir engraver, Scolytus ventralis the fir engraver. If you chop away the bark, the galleries should confirm. I have attached a picture of the galleries underneath the bark and an ODF factsheet on the fir engraver.  Best, Alex Gorman, OSU Extension Forester
What kind of tree?

Question: This small tree has been blooming near my house for about a month now. I can't find what kind it is! About 20' tall, growing in a open, multiple stem way like a common lilac. It's growing in the woods around lots of white pines in Comstock park. Fls started out lime green.

responder: V/r,  Replied March 08, 2023, 3:59 PM EST
response: Good Morning, Are the flowers fragrant?  It looks like it could be an Olive or Common Buckthorn.  However, I'm not positive.  You can send in a sample to get a firm diagnosis for a small fee.   Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu) AutumnOliveBCP.pdf (msu.edu) Invasive Species: Common Buckthorn (michigan.gov)  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 09, 2023, 9:30 PM EST
response: A friend figured it out, it's Witch Hazel! I thought " no way, that's wrong" but the link she sent me said these little "flowers" I thought I was seeing are actually the leftover calyxes! Now we all know!! On Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 04:00:02 PM EST, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: V/r,  Replied March 10, 2023, 1:20 AM EST
response: Thank you so much for letting me know.
Grubs

Question: Found this while planting in front flower beds

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 07, 2023, 2:53 PM EST
response: Hello Greg, What you've found is a white grub or grub worm. This is the larva stage for the scarab beetle or June bug. Although they appear menacing, they are of no consequence at this time of year. They are in a dormant (non-feeding) state, waiting to emerge in May through July. This is when they mate and lay eggs.  The possibility of damage to roots is between July and October after the females have laid their eggs. The eggs hatch, larva begin to feed on tender roots. After October, the larva burrows deep into the soil and becomes non-feeding again. You can learn more about this insect in this link.   Grubs in the spring no big thing - Insects in the City (tamu.edu)  Treatment of this insect is recommended only if you have 5-10 grubs per square foot of bed or lawn.  Thanks for contacting us with this question, Deborah FBCMG

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 07, 2023, 3:50 PM EST
response: Thanks, but I’ve never seen one this BIG! I’m talking nearly 4 inches long. Several neighbors concurred. Greg0 On Mar 7, 2023, at 1:54 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 10, 2023, 2:32 PM EST
response: Well Greg, you are correct. Most white grubs are only about 1-2" in length. Larva are generally the same size of the beetle it becomes, so a 3+" larva would not be a scarab or june beetle. But what could it be? The most likely candidate is the Eastern Hercules Beetle. These larva do not feed on lawns but prefer rotted wood. The beetles have a partiality to Ash tree sap and bark. The larva will grow, shed skin and increase in size three times while underground. The final stage is 4-4.5". I'm attaching a link that will provide more information on this beetle and it's larva.   Hercules Beetles of Kentucky - University of Kentucky Entomology (uky.edu)  Thank you, Deborah FBCMG
Burrowing insects in lawn this winter

Question: During the past several months, thousands of small 1/4” holes have appeared all over our lawn.  We see no insects or other critters.  The soil around the holes is pushed out. Can you help ID the cause?  Pictures attached.  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 March 07, 2023, 12:42 PM EST
response: Hi,  It is hard to know for sure what is burrowing without seeing the culprit, but it could be any of the beneficial ground-nesting bees native to the mid-Atlantic region. They have a hole about that size but they are usually dormant in the winter months. Since it has been a warmer than usual late winter, maybe they have become active. If so, they do not warrant control, and do not typically sting or bother people and are actually providing natural aeration to the lawn area.  You can keep on eye on them and see if you notice any activity and reach back out if there seems to be an issue.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 07, 2023, 1:04 PM EST
response: Thank you for your help!On Tue, Mar 7, 2023 at 12:42 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 March 07, 2023, 1:07 PM EST
response: you're welcome!
Need help identifying a problem I have been having with lesions on my skin

Question: The photos are of lesions on my skin and matter that came from my skin .The images of my hand and arm were the result of a incident where it felt like something was moving under my skin .It was very painful  it lasted about an hour .The bruising was there for a little over a day then it disappeared.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 10, 2023, 2:54 PM EST
response: From the photos, I can't say what is happening. It would be best to follow up with your doctor or a dermatologist.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 14, 2023, 11:27 PM EDT
response: I did call my doctor .The nurse thought  I might be contagious and didn't want to endanger his other patients. He suggested I get some hydrocortisone cream and to see a dermatologist. The soonest I could get into the dermatologist was towards the end of April.   I Have always been sensitive to bug bites but nothing like this. I don't thin  the bites and the bruising are very common  The bites started shortly after we cleaned out my late  father in laws house It was old dirty and smelled of mildew. The basement had been flooding on and off for years and under the stairs had an old dirt floor. Around that same time we had  eradicated a lengthy mouse investation in our house.  I'm pretty sure the mice had an infestation going of their own. With out the mice The fleas and and mites had to find a new host.That being me . I did make the bites worse by scratching .But what ever moved under my skin felt like a vice was crushing me  then the bruises came the pain stopped and the bruises lasted a few hours and faded . .  I

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 14, 2023, 11:36 PM EDT
response: Please believe me .I don't have fibers ,worms or bugs from outer space. I need to know if I should wait a month to see the doctor or go to the ER . The bites are still there but the bruises are gone I'm just afraid it will happen again

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 15, 2023, 9:07 AM EDT
response: We are not qualified to give medical advice; this is a forum for asking questions on plant health, not human health. Please refer to your medical professional and seek medical attention if you feel it is necessary.
Will shrub branches survive if animals have eaten the bark.

Question: Cynthia McArthur
1295 Juliet Ave
Saint Paul, MN <personal data hidden>
<personal data hidden>

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 06, 2023, 10:31 PM EST
response: Thanks for your question.  Yes, it certainly has been a pesky year for rabbits. From your picture, I am unable to identify the shrub. Nevertheless, the branches whose bark has been eaten away will most likely not survive. Unlike human skin which has remarkable regenerative capabilities, plant bark does not possess this ability. The bark that has been eaten away carries nutrients upwards to the plant. With this bark gone, these branches will not survive. These girdled branches could be pruned off now. You could also delay doing this until the spring. However be forewarned. These girdled branches may produce buds and even leaves in a couple of months. This reflects the usage of nutrients that are stored in the branches from 2022 production. Don’t be misled into thinking that all is well. Whatever leaves that are there will drop off in June. My suggestions: 1). Remove these girdled branches now or in early spring. Prune them off close to the ground. 2). Be alert to new growth coming up from the crown (base). Expect this in mid-May to early June. 3). If no new growth occurs, replace the shrub. Enclose the replacement with fencing that extends up at least five feet.  Sorry to be the bearer of unpleasant news but rabbits are part of our communal system. Please get back to us with any additional questions. Good Luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 06, 2023, 10:54 PM EST
response: Thank you for your information.  I will remove the branches and see what happens.  It is a Burning bush that I was preparing to prune for spring.  In the future any shrub will be fenced.  We have too many rabbits in our neighborhood.  Cute but pesky!Cheers, Cynthia On Mar 6, 2023, at 9:31 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 06, 2023, 11:11 PM EST
response: Good evening.  Burning bushes have remarkable capabilities to grow up from their roots (crown - area just above ground level).  I have several in my yard that are in constant battle with my resident cottontails.  Within the next week or so, remove these girdled branches.  Upon doing so your poor shrub will not look good having undergone a significant decapitation.  Don't despair.  You should see new growth in late May to early June coming up from the base. Now your burning bush may not immediately look like its old vigorous self right away  This won't be evident to you until spring 2024 assuming that you put up some fencing.  Please keep us apprised as to events and certainly get back to us with any additional questions.
Cicada eggs or type of scale?

Question: I have found these scales on my Japanese maple and American hornbeams. What kind of scale are they? Also, so can I apply to prevent and kill them?

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 06, 2023, 2:05 PM EST
response: Are these cicada eggs or some type of scale? Either way… what are the treatment options to prevent and kill them?

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 March 07, 2023, 9:01 AM EST
response: These are neither cicada eggs nor scale; instead, they're katydid eggs. They don't need any type of treatment, and can either be physically removed or the stem they are laid on can be clipped off. (They shouldn't be hard to scrape off, though.) Katydids consume foliage (and sometimes other insects) but young katydids won't do much damage to a plant and would likely disperse anyway after hatching so few, if any, would remain on the plant where the eggs were laid in this case.  Miri
Caterpillars eating raspberry leaves

Question: Hello, I’ve had these light green caterpillars (a couple mm to an inch long, bottom side of the leaf, bigger ones curl up and fall to the ground when disturbed) eating raspberry leaves usually in spring early summer, last year also in the fall. I’m normally squishing them, but as the infestation gets bigger and I get more plants it is becoming not practical. If left unchecked they will leave bare stems in a coupe weeks. Is there any other way to get rid of them? What are they?

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 March 06, 2023, 12:15 PM EST
response: hi,  It looks like a type of sawfly, so maybe Raspberry Sawfly. There isn't much information on them available, and even though the growing environments are different in California, this universities webpage has the same recommendations that we would give with a little more information on the pests. Generally they do not warrant control. The sawfly larvae shouldn't affect the fruit. You can hand pick them off and cut the leaves, or if there seems to be an abundance try a horticultural oil once they are visible and try to coat the leaf surface.  Spinosad can also be used if there are an abundance of larvae and they are defoliating the entire plant, but you would need to look at the labels and make sure it is safe for edibles.  Let us know if you have more questions with this.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 06, 2023, 1:06 PM EST
response: THank you, Emily! This is useful. I will do more reading on this sawfly and look up horticultural oil.Mariya  On Monday, March 6, 2023 at 12:15:14 PM EST, 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 March 07, 2023, 10:08 AM EST
response: You're welcome, good luck and reach out again if need be.
grapes discolor and wilt/dry up

Question: Hello!  I am trying to help my father determine what is going on with with his grape vines (a dark purple, seeded grape of some sort).  They are about 30-40 years old, and every spring are filled with green grapes.  Within approximately a month they start to discolor and then wilt and dry up (please see attached pics).   The leaves look fine and i cannot see anything of note to share. I don't believe they have been cut for at least a decade or more.   The discoloration and wilting has been happening for at least 15 years or so.  When the plant was younger, they produced alot and my mom always made grape jelly;)   I'm hoping someone can help with determining what this is and what I can do to cure this and get grapes that are edible again.     Thanks very much in advance for your help!!!

responder: Gary Gao, Ph.D.  Replied March 07, 2023, 10:57 AM EST
response: Hi Tina,  What you got is black rot, which is a fungal disease. Here is a fact sheet for more information: Grape Black Rot | Ohioline (osu.edu)  Three sprays of Mancozeb, a fungicide, one week before bloom, the week of bloom and the week after bloom should do a good job.  You may also consider planting another grape variety like Mars Seedless since it is not as susceptible to black rot.  Hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 07, 2023, 4:21 PM EST
response: Thank you!  I shall try this!

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 07, 2023, 4:31 PM EST
response: sorry for another question - is this toxic to bees?  I will, of course, spray late in the day to hopefully minimize risk.

responder: Gary Gao, Ph.D.  Replied March 07, 2023, 4:43 PM EST
response: Hi Tina,  This is what I found online. "Mancozeb has a low mammalian toxicity by has been associated with adverse reproduction/development effects. It is highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates, and moderately toxic to birds and earthworms. The toxicity of mancozeb to honeybees is low."

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 07, 2023, 6:34 PM EST
response: Thank you!  I will have to be careful spraying and overspraying then.
Gotu Kola invasive?

Question: I have a plant spreading in my yard that looks like fig buttercup but it lacks tubers; it has hairy roots. INaturalist says: Gotu kola (centella asiatica). I like this plant! But should I get rid of it? I know we must eradicate fig buttercup, but maybe this non-native isn’t so bad?
Thank you!

responder: Pana Jones, Program Assistant  Replied March 06, 2023, 1:39 PM EST
response: This question was answered by Debby, Durham County Extension Master Gardener volunteer Thank you for your question. I believe you may have sent the photo of Gotu Kola from the internet rather than a picture of your actual plant.  Probably the easiest or best way to identify your plant would be pictures of the actual plants including a picture of the roots. There is a possibility it could be a wild violet, and a picture of a flower would help. Some violets are currently blooming with white or purple flowers or a pennywort which would have different flowers. The pennywort likes damp areas. A good source of information about the wild violets is Wild Violet | NC State Extension (ncsu.edu) Either plant spreads but is not concerning the way the fig buttercup is. Please send your picture to <personal data hidden>  NC Cooperative Extension Durham County Center Master Gardener Office 721 Foster Street Durham, NC 27701 <personal data hidden> <personal data hidden>

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 08, 2023, 1:35 PM EST
response: ﻿ Hi  Extension,Thanks for thinking my original photo was downloaded, a pro photo. But no, the photo I sent is one from my yard. Here is a shot of the roots. No flowers yet. It’s identical to fig buttercup, to my eye, except no tuberous roots - hairy roots. Maybe fig buttercup has a male and female version?It’s important so I get rid of it if it is fig buttercup. My neighbor researched it and says it’s a native buttercup, ranunculus abortivus.  What do you think?Thank you!Irene RevilleOn Mar 6, 2023, at 1:39 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Pana Jones, Program Assistant  Replied March 09, 2023, 11:17 AM EST
response: Thank you for responding. To get an accurate identification of your plant please bring your samples into the office and the Horticulture agent, Ashley Troth, can correctly identify the plant. This sample should include the root system and green part of the plant. Looking forward to getting this properly identified.  Please bring it to Durham County Cooperative Extension at 721 Foster Street, Durham, NC. Our hours of operation is 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. If you are not in Durham County let me know and I can give you information on an extension office in your county.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 09, 2023, 11:50 AM EST
response: Will do. Thanks! I am in Durham. IreneOn Mar 9, 2023, at 11:17 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Pana Jones, Program Assistant  Replied March 14, 2023, 12:54 PM EDT
response: Looking forward to seeing you.