MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Unanswered Question from earlier

Question: Hello,
I sent this last week, but it ended up not being completed. I did send the photos as requested; however, since I did not get a reply I'm starting again.
"﻿Hi, there are several 6 ft shrubs and the bark is dark black with some kind of numerous white eggs. Many leaves have a sticky black substance both on and under the leaves. They've been neglected for years (we hust bought the property). I don't recognize the species. I only do organic. Should I take them out?:

responder: Take care,  Replied June 21, 2023, 11:41 AM EDT
response: Hello Mona, We never got your photos before, but we did this time! I'll connect you to an expert now.

responder: Signe Danler, Online Home Horticulture Instructor Replied June 21, 2023, 12:43 PM EDT
response: This looks like a Camellia, suffering from one of the ailments Camellias are prone to - scale insects. The white fuzzy things are Cottony Camellia Scale, I believe. The black mess is a black fungus that grows on the honeydew droppings they secrete. You can read about it here https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/camellia-camellia-cottony-camellia-scale, and about scale insects in general and how to control them here https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/common/landscape-scale-insect No, you should not need to take the shrubs out. Scale is not difficult to control if you go after it diligently and at the best time, when the crawlers are active. (That is sometime in spring - perhaps now - you'll need to inspect it). They rarely damage a large shrub like this seriously - the ugliest thing is the black fungus, and that can be washed/scrubbed off to some extent.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 1:41 PM EDT
response: Hello, I'm sending two more photos as I know the bush/shrub is not a camelia. Does this make a difference? Is this plant native?

responder: Signe Danler, Online Home Horticulture Instructor Replied June 21, 2023, 4:14 PM EDT
response: There was only one photo attached. You're right, not a Camellia. I don't recognize it, except it is not any native shrub, and it may be something in the Prunus family. It's evergreen, isn't it? Please send a pic when it blooms! It still looks like scale, possibly a different one like Azalea bark scale, which would explain why the egg sacks are a slightly different shape and located on the bark, rather than the leaves. Certainly the black fungus is growing on honeydew from some sucking insect. I suggest examining the plant closely for anything feeding above the leaves with fungus - aphids, whitefly, scale, etc. The insects could be gone, too - the fungus persists if it is sheltered from winter rains by other leaves. In any case, the shrubs look VERY healthy, and I certainly wouldn't recommend removing them.
How to turn an overgrown weed patch into grass

Question: Hello- we moved into a house and the back corner of the yard (about 10x20) is very over grown with large weeds. We’d like to turn this area into grass and then eventually build some raised boxes for growing vegetables. I’m nervous that if we just start pulling weeds that they will come back. The big leafy weeds have very strong roots and are hard to pull without breaking at the base.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 21, 2023, 12:31 PM EDT
response: You can start by cutting them back by at least half.  Then apply a broadleaf weed killer.  When the plants are dead, remove them.  If new ones germinate, hit them again with the broadleaf weed killer.  Eventually you should be able to dig out any dead roots, etc. and plant.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 7:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you!! Would you recommend tilling before planting the grass? Or do you truly need to dig out the roots?JackOn Wed, Jun 21, 2023 at 11:31 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 7:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you!! Would you recommend tilling before planting the grass? Or do you truly need to dig out the roots?JackOn Wed, Jun 21, 2023 at 11:31 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 21, 2023, 8:00 PM EDT
response: You have to be sure there are no viable weed roots or seeds that will be germinating.  Most likely, these weeds have self-seeded.  If you till you will be planting those seeds.  That is why I recommended spraying, waiting and then a second dose on the new plants coming up.  I know it is hard to wait.  You want to make your yard looking good but the waiting and doing it in stages will save you a lot of frustration.  Once it seems that no new plants are coming up, you certainly can till.  You will then have to rake out the roots, which is easier than trying to dig them out.  When all is done, you will be able to have the look you want.  Good luck.  Enjoy your new home.
New-to-Me moth

Question: Can you identify this creature?  Found him hanging on our garage door around 7am this morning.  
About 2-3/4 inches long.

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied June 21, 2023, 8:32 AM EDT
response: Hello Marianne, That looks like one of our native silk moths (Satuniidae), possibly Callosamia spp. Best regards, Howard

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 11:23 AM EDT
response: Thank you!Sent from my iPhone On Jun 21, 2023, at 8:32 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Brown growths on plum tree branches.

Question: Brown growths on plum tree.  See pictures attached.  1) What are they? 2) any treatment options? 3) is it safe to eat the fruit? Some fruit comes out of the brown growths. 4) any orher advice? Have notuced in prior years, but much worse this year. Thank you.

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, 12:14 PM EDT
response: Hi- this is black knot disease, a common plum tree fungal disease. The fungus ejects spores during rainy periods; some spores landed on your plum and within hours infected it. If not removed, black knot will continue to infect your tree and will spread up the same branch as it grows and also adjacent branches until the tree appears loaded with black warty growths. The growths can girdle the stems (cut off nutrient flow and make the branches wilt and die) and can eventually kill the whole tree.  The knots/swellings need to cut removed/cut out. The timing is when the tree is leafless and dormant. With pruners, cut 3-4 inches below that knots to where tissue is healthy. You will want to sterilize pruners between cuts. Do not allow any cut knots or fungus infected branches to remain on the ground or the tree will be re-infected. Dispose immediately in bagged trash. If a tree is severely infected, it is best to remove it.  A fungicide like lime-sulfur is recommended when you are dealing with a moderate infection. This would be a spray applied at bud break and every 2 weeks until the terminal branch growth stops.   There are no varieties of plums that are completely resistant to black knot --only those that are moderately resistant. A commonly planted plum, Stanley, is highly susceptible. A list of those with some resistance to black knot from 2 sources: Shiro, Castleton, Santa Rosa, Methley, Early Italian, Fellenberg, Seneca, Damson, Blufree, NY9, Au Rosa and President , Formosa, Milton, Brodshaw, and Fellenberg.  Jon

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, 12:27 PM EDT
response: The fruit is safe to eat. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 3:01 PM EDT
response: Thank you! On Wed, Jun 21, 2023 at 12:27 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identification of longhorned beetle

Question: I'm trying to identify the longhorn beetle in the photo to see if it is a threat to any of the trees on a customers property.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2023, 12:27 PM EDT
response: Hi Bob,  Your photo appears to be a Poplar Borer (Saperda calcarata). This borer usually infests aspen trees. They can also infest poplars, cottonwoods, or willows. Have you noticed any decline or damage to those trees in your area?   If you have aspen trees that are showing signs of decline, boring holes, any rust-colored sap, and frass (saw dust and beetle excrement), they are likely boring into your trees. Feel free to send more photos for confirmation. If you don't have any aspens nearby (or cottonwoods, poplars, willows). it's possible this insect recently emerged and it's looking for a mate, or new host tree to lay eggs.  Here is a fact sheet that outlines control options if you do have infested trees or susceptible trees:  https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2360&context=extension_curall  https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/arthopods/wood-borers/poplar-borer  https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PoplarBorer_USFS_2011.pdf  Please let me know if you have any questions!    May I use this photo in educational content produced by CSU Extension? I will credit your name with the photo.   Thanks,  Lisa  Lisa Mason Horticulture Specialist and Entomologist Colorado State University Extension, Arapahoe County

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 4:36 PM EDT
response: Hey Lisa, Thanks for the response. I was pretty sure that's what it was but wanted to be positive. This is a customer of mine and he has 2 aspen trees, one of which is in decline as you can see in the photo. In your opinion do you think the tree in decline is too far gone? When I see 1/3 of the crown gone it tells me it may be getting too late. I don't want to tell him it will be OK and charge him for treating it only to have it die by next year. The aspen behind it looks good so far so I plan to treat it with a trunk spray using dinotefuran and possibly apply a bifenthrin to the bark once the dinotefuran has dried.Thanks,BobOn Wed, Jun 21, 2023 at 10:30 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Aspen leaves drying up

Question: I have 5 different aspen trees in my yard. 2 of them look awesome, but the others are in a mixed stage of looking fine but having some dried up leaves. There is no black on the leaves and I don't see aphids. The leaves on the suspect trees came out fine and I thought they were just slow, but now they are drying up. I have been watering a lot and you can see the two trees next to each other, one looks great, but a second smaller tree in the same well is drying up. I have wire around them to protect from the deer. These trees have been here for 2 years and did fine last year.  I live in Westcliffe, CO, 7800 elevation. Thank you for any information. Debi

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2023, 4:15 PM EDT
response: Hi Deb, What is the watering situation like for these trees? Do you hand water with a hose? Do you water with a sprinkler?  Please let me know how you are watering.  Are you fertilizing these trees?  How are you fertilizing and what are you fertilizing with?  Do the trunks of the trees have any new cuts or holes?  When you unfurl the leaves are there any bugs or anything beside it?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 4:32 PM EDT
response: Hi! Thank you for your help.I water with a hose and I watered through the winter when there was no snow on the ground. I have fertilized last spring and this spring with fish emulsion.The leaves just crumble, there isn’t anything inside.I don’t see any cuts or holes, but now that I’m looking super close, I’m seeing a kind of rust colored bumps on the trunk. I’ve included a picture.This seems to be on all the effected trees. On Jun 26, 2023, at 2:15 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2023, 6:07 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the new photo, Deb.  It appears to be cytospora, a fungus that is common among aspens.  You can remove the affected stems to stimulate stand regeneration.  Because the fungus is not systemic, removing the fruiting bodies (the orange part) to prevent the spread is warranted.  This link has some helpful information for you.  https://gilpin.extension.colostate.edu/programs/natu/canker/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 6:30 PM EDT
response: oh darn it. In one case, the affected stem is the main trunk. Do I need to cut the whole tree down or can I remove the orange part and be ok?On Jun 26, 2023, at 4:07 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 19, 2023, 4:06 PM EDT
response: Hi Deborah, Thank you for your patience on my follow up. Yes. That does indeed mean cutting out the affected parts.  If it is young and small that might mean the whole tree.
What is this four foot tall plant in my flower bed?

Question: This 4 ft tall plant which grows very quickly suddenly appeared and seems to be replicating itself I don't know what it is never seen it before can anyone identify this picture

responder: Erin Hill, PhD  Replied June 22, 2023, 2:10 PM EDT
response: This is pokeweed (Phytolacca americana). Pokeweed is a native, herbaceous perennial weed that regrows each year from a large taproot. It reproduces via seeds within purple to black berries produced in the late summer/early fall and can be spread by birds and other animals. All parts of the plant are toxic for human consumption.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2023, 6:06 PM EDT
response: Is it a helpful plant like milkweed is to monarch butterflies?

responder: Erin Hill, PhD  Replied June 27, 2023, 1:08 PM EDT
response: As a native species, pokeweed does serve some ecosystem services. You can read about its association with insects and vertebrates under "Faunal associations" on the Illinois Wildflowers page here https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/pokeweed.htm#:
Boxelder bug invastion

Question: I have thousands of the nymphs (now turning into adults) swarming my flower beds. They've never been in our area before (Towson) and as far as I know, there are no boxelders in the area (certainly not in my or my neighbor's yard). I've been told they are harmless, but given how many there are now, I'm worried about an infestation.
Any advice?

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 22, 2023, 8:32 AM EDT
response: Hi,Boxelder Bugs may have some years where their population is higher than others but they tend to be a minor nuisance and control really isn't necessary. You tend to see a lot of them when they emerge this time of year but they don't do much harm. Insect populations can rise and fall different years or different seasons. Once predators find them you will probably see the population fall. The link provided will give you some tips if you happen to start seeing them inside.  If you happen to see a lot of damage on plants and you attribute it to the boxelder bugs, feel free to send in photos and we can advise further.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2023, 3:27 PM EDT
response: Emily, Thank you for answering my question.  The boxelder bugs are finally disappearing from my garden and I'm keeping an eye out for any that come indoors.Sincerely,MargieOn Thu, Jun 22, 2023 at 8:33 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Why are the Leaves on my Crepe Myrtle not Green this Spring?

Question: Hello,
I am noticing this Spring, as we head into Summer, that the leave on my Crepe Myrtle are very copper-tinted and not green as they have been in years past. I can't see anything wrong with the leaves or bark other than the leaf coloration seems off. We did have that extended period of snow this past winter and I'm wondering if this is the cause? Or, anything else?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 20, 2023, 8:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  Unfortunately, your photo is taken from too distant a place, and we can't see the leaves closely enough.  Can you remove a small branch or twig, and take a picture from no more than 3 inches?  Have you fertilized the tree?  How old is it?  What water does it get?  Thank you for more information!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 12:24 PM EDT
response: Hello!Thanks for getting back to me on this. I am attaching 3 pics (up close) so you can see the copper coloration. Other than the off color, the tree appears healthy.I have not fertilized the tree this year, but have done so occasionally in year’s past. This is a curb strip tree and it is north facing with some good western sun exposure mid-end of day. It only gets water through the winter and when I hand water the curb strip garden (2-4x/week in summer) which is more and more oriented to xeriscape.I inherited the tree when I moved in 10 years ago. It was about 15 feet tall and is now about 20 ft tall. It flowers white and generally later in the season than other crepe myrtles.Please let me know if you need more info.Thanks,Liz,On Jun 20, 2023, at 5:06 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2023, 12:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  This would appear to be a nutrient deficiency.  I suggest that you get the soil tested for pH and nutrients, and ask for recommendations for soil amendments for this species.  This article has a list of labs:  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em8677 Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 1:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you!LizOn Jun 21, 2023, at 9:31 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2023, 1:05 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
Cutleaf Japanese Maple - white nodules on leaf underside

Question: Our cutleaf Japanese maple (in SE Portland) exhibits white discoloration, mainly on the underside of the leaves. I have checked other similar trees in the general area, and most of the ones I've checked also exhibit this, which suggests it's common this year.

I've had one diagnosis of powdery mildew, but I am skeptical, as it looks more like an insect infestation to me, maybe some kind of scale.

If you can venture an opinion from the photos, I will appreciated it.

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 June 20, 2023, 11:57 PM EDT
response: My filagree cut-leaf Japanese maple has these on the leaf undersides every year. I can’t rub them off, they don’t multiply, and the tree seems very healthy. I’ve compared it to mealy bugs, woolly aphid, whiteflies and cottony scale with no visual matches. These are spaced out and on every leaf. My lace leaf nearby doesn’t have these fluffs. Are these are a “natural” condition of the leaves? You could call the Metro Master Gardener Volunteers to see if you could take leaves during clinic hours, asking if the office has microscope access. I will route your question here to other experts. Often someone will be available to assist. (Including photos of my plant too.)

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 10:27 PM EDT
response: No comments by anyone else?

responder: Neil Bell  Replied June 28, 2023, 9:30 PM EDT
response: The random distribution of the clusters on individual leaves suggests some sort of biotic (living cause), but these do not fit with any documented pest problems on Japanese Maple. It's not powdery mildew and it is not scale. Some mite pests cause development of clusters of hairs on the undersurface of foliage of some shade trees like Maple and Oak, but this feeding activity also causes galls to form on the upper leaf surface an in any case the clusters don't look like typical mite feeding sites. I can't tell from the photos if there is a gall (bump) associated with these clusters on the lower leaf surface. If not, these structures might be a physiological reaction of the leaf to some sort of superficial damage.
Crab Apple Tree Help

Question: I had this little crabapple tree for nine years.  It was very happy and great location as it was at my bedroom window.  It is dying.  I did have a white tube on the bottom to protect from rabbits.  Do you think it could comeback? Do you know what might be wrong with it?  Thank you.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 20, 2023, 5:04 PM EDT
response: Why do you think it is dying? The picture still shows green leaves. Crapapples suffer from apple scab every time we have a wet spring. Leaves turn brown and drop, but the tree comes back the following year. Take the tube off in summer. A hardware cloth enclosure is a better summer or all year protection since light can still reach the trunk. Keep it watered until the ground freezes.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 5:18 PM EDT
response: Hi.  It is dying.  I sent a few more picture.  You couldn’t see out of the window in the summer and, now, well, you can see in my home.  Maybe the new pictures will be more helpful. It’s unusual I think going from healthy to this.     Get Outlook for iOS    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 4:05:00 PM To: gloriahage <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Crab Apple Tree Help (#0106605)

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 22, 2023, 9:14 PM EDT
response: Your additional pictures did not appear on this email. This website, "Whats Wrong With My Plant? subcategories, deciduous trees, crabapple," has a list of things that could have gone wrong. Check through it and see if any description matches what you are seeing.  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/crabapple/index.html You could also go to the Plant Disease Clinic website, fill out their form and submit a sample of the diseased leaves for a diagnosis. There is a fee for this service. https://pdc.umn.edu/ Or consult an arborist.
Hydrangea — holes in branches

Question: Hi. I have several mature hydrangeas, including Limelight variety. I’ve noticed more dead branches this year. When I trimmed them, I noticed holes in the branches. Could it be some kind of borer or woodpeckers? See photos. I visited Bachmans and they couldn’t see any bugs under the microscope. I haven’t noticed woodpeckers in the shrubs.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2023, 11:32 AM EDT
response: The stems have been damaged by boring insects.  We don't know what species.    Birds often forage for the larvae or pupae in affected stems, mostly during winter.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 3:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you! How do I get rid of the borers? I have 12+ hydrangeas (not counting Annabelles) in my yard. I would like to keep all of them healthy.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2023, 3:38 PM EDT
response: The following information may be useful: https://horticultureforhomegardeners.ca/2022/11/27/hydrangea-wood-borers/