MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Something eating one of our wisteria

Question: Hi! Thanks in advance for any insights you might have. 
We are in eugene and have three younger wisteria (planter spring  2022 all different varieties - apologies as I don’t remember which is which) that are planted in an elevated planter and all have made good progress onto an elevated large trellis. 
This year, one of the three seems to be ailing - we think from insects. Nearly all of its new shoots are small or missing. There are signs of eaten smaller leaves. No sightings of aphids, caterpillars or other insects.
The other two are thriving.
Any thoughts you might have would be very welcome!
Thanks,
Glen

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied June 12, 2023, 3:28 PM EDT
response: The leaves have been cropped, the signs of a mammal eating it, most likely a deer.  Deer will take bites from almost any plant, but do not really like wisteria, so after a few bites they go elsewhere.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 11:12 PM EDT
response: Hi Patricia,Thanks for your note back. Since these photos are 9-10’ off the ground, the only mammal I can imagine is one of the squirrels I’ve seen using the trellis as a runway. Would they be a possibility?And if it were a squirrel, would simply placing a net over it do the trick? Finally, any thoughts on why this particular form of wisteria as opposed to the other two variants planted three and six feet away?Thanks! Glen

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 11:14 PM EDT
response: Hi Patricia,Thanks for your note back. Since these photos are 9-10’ off the ground, the only mammal I can imagine is one of the squirrels I’ve seen using the trellis as a runway. Would they be a possibility?And if it were a squirrel, would simply placing a net over it do the trick?Finally, any thoughts on why this particular form of wisteria as opposed to the other two variants planted three and six feet away?Thanks!Glen On Jun 12, 2023, at 12:28 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 12:53 AM EDT
response: Hi Patricia,Thanks for your note back. Since these photos are 9-10’ off the ground, the only mammal I can imagine is one of the squirrels I’ve seen using the trellis as a runway. Would they be a possibility?And if it were a squirrel, would simply placing a net over it do the trick? Finally, any thoughts on why this particular form of wisteria as opposed to the other two variants planted three and six feet away?Thanks! Glen

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied June 13, 2023, 5:39 PM EDT
response: Yes, squirrels do cut off leaves to make their nests in trees. The use leaves, moss and twigs. You could certainly try netting.
Queen

Question: My hive swarmed May 31st.I want able to recapture. I did a give check June 10th and no everyone of a queen. Did I go in to early?

responder: Ana HeckApiculture Extension EducatorMichigan State University Extension  Replied June 13, 2023, 11:56 AM EDT
response: Hi Loraine, Thanks for reaching out. It looks like there were some typos in your question. Below is what I'm guessing you meant; please feel free to let me know if I misunderstood. My hive swarmed May 31st. I wasn't able to capture the swarm. I did a hive check June 10th and didn't find evidence of a queen. Did I go in too early? Meghan Milbrath has a really nice article that addresses this question: Help! I need a queen! — The Sand Hill (sandhillbees.com).  Colonies normally swarm in the days after the queen cells were capped. You should expect that it will take at least 2 weeks after the swarm occurred to find eggs from a new queen. You could try checking the colony this weekend for eggs or young brood. Happy beekeeping!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 3:18 PM EDT
response: Thanks.  I thought I did the hive check too early from the swarm date.  I'll check this weekend.  Thanks again,  LoraineLoraine Griffin Realtor, SRES, GRIGriffin Team Lakeshore<personal data hidden>Time is a friend, a healer, a maker of dreams........   On Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 11:57:00 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Ana HeckApiculture Extension EducatorMichigan State University Extension  Replied June 13, 2023, 3:28 PM EDT
response: Sounds like a plan. Feel free to follow up with what you find. Happy beekeeping!
What’s eating my phlox?

Question: Two of my phlox plants on the south side of my house are infested with the black grubs in the picture. I don’t see them pictured on this website. Can you help? And should I remove the plants from my garden?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 11, 2023, 12:41 PM EDT
response: Is it possible that what I thought was phlox is goldenrod and there are soldier beetle larvae?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 11, 2023, 3:45 PM EDT
response: Is it possible that what I thought was phlox is goldenrod and there are soldier beetle larvae?

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied June 11, 2023, 9:03 PM EDT
response: It does look like Goldenrod and there is a goldenrod leaf beetle. It skeletonizes leaves.The goldenrod  usually survives damage from the beetle without loosing vigor. The larvae are rarely seen because they live in the soil so I am not sure what the worm on the leaf is but it does match the description. https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2017/01/plants-chemical-messages-keep-pests-moving http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/goldenrod_leaf_beetle.html
American Beech Leaf Disease?

Question: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/07062023/beech-trees-threatened-disease/
Photo location: Springer Middle School, Shipley Road, Wilmington, DE.
I recently read the linked article regarding American Beech. Wondering if the leaf disease described is already in NCCo? I found many American Beech in the woods near Springer Middle School with disease or fungus. I've attached photos. Do the Springer Beech trees have the disease mentioned in the article? I am particularly concerned because we had a lovely American Beech planted in our yard just last year.

responder: Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP  Replied June 12, 2023, 11:23 AM EDT
response: Beech leaf disease has been unofficially found in NCC by Bartlett tree company, but UD has not isolated the nematode. Jill Pollok our diagnostician believes it is here. But here is her response to the photos you sent: Hi Sue, this looks more like erineum mite damage to me: https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1311 Pictures at the end compare BLD with erineum mite damage. I would encourage them to turn the leaf over and look for the characteristic "fuzzy" patches caused by the mite. And of course, feel free to submit a sample.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 8:14 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the reply. In my original inquiry, photo #2 is of the underside of the leaves, and the light-colored matter was a bit fuzzy or at least gritty / papery and raised.  After my first inquiry, I checked my own Beech tree; purchased and planted in spring 2022. The small brown patches are consistent throughout on a large percentage of all the leaves. Three photos are attached. Can you please weigh in on what might be going on with it? I could drop off samples of both the Springer Middle School trees and my own back-yard Beech. Please let me know where / how I could drop them.  Thank you! (L. Schmidt)

responder: Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP  Replied June 13, 2023, 1:50 PM EDT
response: These photos also look like the mites, but it would be best to drop off a sample to the diagnostic clinic located in 151 Townsend Hall on South Campus.  Here is the link: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/sustainable-production/plant-diagnostic-clinic/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 8:02 PM EDT
response: Hello,I'll drop a sample by on Wednesday, 6/21, morning.Here is my form saved as pdf and the photos again. Thank you!LauraOn Jun 13, 2023, at 1:50 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP  Replied June 21, 2023, 8:39 AM EDT
response: I have forwarded your form to Jill Pollok, who runs the diagnostic clinic.
Lawn Issues

Question: I have some yellow spots that I cannot nurse back. I have tried watering plenty and various fertilizers. Do you know what the issue may be?  I was recently able to pick up the actual dry area on just one of the yellow spots.

Thank you!

responder: Lindsey K. Kerr, MS, MHP (she, her, hers)  Replied June 12, 2023, 11:30 AM EDT
response: Hi Apostolis,  It looks like your lawn is suffering from European chafer grub damage. Grub damage often becomes apparent when we have less rain. Grubs eat the roots of the grass. Consequently, when the grass doesn't get enough water, the few remaining roots cannot support it and a patch dies. The fact that you were able to lift up a patch of grass also supports the idea that something ate the roots. (If it was damage from a pesticide, dog urine, fungus, etc, the roots would remain intact.)  Here is a link to a webpage with information on the European chafer. It includes information on management and prevention. We just got rain--thank goodness--but I would recommend watering this section of lawn more frequently. More information in this link about how watering in June can prevent egglaying.  You might see the adult European chafer beetles flying later this month. I saw them last year at night. The lights of cars driving down the road highlighted hundreds of beetles flying low to the ground, particularly on the strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street. Homeowners don't frequently water or treat that strip of grass, so the European chafer beetles thrive in the dry conditions.  Lindsey K. Kerr, MS, MHP (she, her, hers)Consumer Horticulture EducatorMichigan State University Extension

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 11:42 AM EDT
response: Wow, thank you very much for the extreme detail and advice. I thought it might be a grub issue, hopefully it’s minor, and yes, I’ve been watering a lot more often. Thanks again for the professional advice and quick response..Have a great day! On Monday, June 12, 2023, 11:30 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Maple tree leaf disease

Question: Just noticed on my red maple tree. Can you i.d. and suggest necessary action?  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 12, 2023, 1:05 PM EDT
response: Your tree is showing symptoms of a common disease that is occurring right now on many shade trees: anthracnose. It is most often seen on maples, sycamores, and oaks, and we have had quite a few inquiries about it this spring from various locations.  In most cases, this isn't a major health concern for mature trees. Usually, the symptoms ease up going into summer and the trees retain enough leaves to generate sufficient food reserves. This disease varies in severity from year to year, based on weather conditions. To be proactive for next year, you can rake up and discard any fallen leaves which will help reduce overwintering fungal spores. Rake and dispose of leaves this fall as well.  Since your county is experiencing abnormally dry conditions right now, keep up with watering your tree. Minimizing stress during drought will help to keep up your tree's defenses against diseases and pests. A light layer of mulch at the base of the tree under the canopy can help to retain soil moisture and improve soil quality in the root zone area too.  Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 3:53 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your prompt response and expertise.  Your advice is much appreciated. Robert Schwartz Sent from Mail for Windows From: Ask ExtensionSent: Monday, June 12, 2023 1:05 PMTo: Robert SchwartzSubject: Re: Maple tree leaf disease (#0104824)

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 13, 2023, 3:57 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Lowbush Blueberry leaf discoloration

Question: I just planted (~4wks ago) a lowbush blueberry into a bed with a high bush blueberry! The site has loose, well draining soil; decent watering despite the dry spell; and the high bush looks good (healthy green leaves). The low bush looks really rough; the leaves started browning/turning auburn and translucent almost immediately. Any ideas as to what it might need?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 12, 2023, 10:48 AM EDT
response: Have you applied any fertilizers or composts to this area? Sulphur? Have you applied any weed and feed products to nearby lawn or used a herbicide?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 5:29 PM EDT
response: I added some compost at the time of planting (top dress around the plant) but otherwise no fertilizers or herbicides anywhere on the property.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 13, 2023, 10:09 AM EDT
response: Hi Amelia! It looks like your lowbush is experiencing water stress, freshly planted blueberries need very consistent watering and I'm sure this dry spell really stressed it out! You aren't going to see the same effects on the highbush because it's more established and has deeper roots to go searching for water. I'd recommend watering daily until it starts looking better.  Cheyenne
Planting perennial in barrel

Question: I have a plastic 1/2  barrel. I would like to plant it with blue false indigo. Will it survive winter? Can the bottom be filled with plastic jugs to take up space, or should it be all soil? Thank you.

responder: Edward A.  Replied June 14, 2023, 10:19 PM EDT
response: Hello, My first thought was about protecting container grown perennials through winter. If you leave the plant in this location all winter without protection, it will likely see excessive freeze thaw cycles. Container grown perennials can be stored in an unheated garage, heeled into soil or placed out of the sun and out of winds and protected by leaves or pine boughs. If you leave the container in this location, you could use straw bales or bags of leaves surrounding the container to insulate it. Here is an explanation of overwintering container grown perennials: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2018/11/how-can-i-overwinter-perennials-still-containers As far as plastic jugs used to take up space in the container, I would use only container growing medium and no space fillers. When it comes to growing plants in containers, “soil volume is king.” Then I looked into the blue false indigo because it is not a plant I have grown. Baptisia australis likes full sun, a well drained soil and does not like having its roots disturbed. It is drought tolerant because it can send a tap root 7 feet deep into the soil! https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/blue-false-indigo-baptisia-australis/ So my concerns are; This location looks like it gets at least some dappled shade. How much sun will it actually receive? With the tap root propensity, my guess is that the plant will send roots out of the drainage hole in the container and find the soil around the tree stump to send down its tap root. The tap root nature of the plant is another reason for not using plastic jugs as a volume filler. So, to answer your question, Baptisia australis is probably not the right plant for this place. But if you want to try it, fill the container with a well drained growing medium and plant a pot of blue false indigo. As long as the plant does not grow a tap root, you can move it to shelter for the winter. However, if it does develop a tap root, you would need to leave the pot in place without disturbing it. See what happens… You only have the price of the plant to lose. Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 10:40 AM EDT
response: thanks so much for your response. I appreciate your time and advice.  On 06/14/2023 10:19 PM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Edward A.  Replied June 16, 2023, 11:29 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.  If you try the false indigo, please take a picture this fall or next spring to show how it performed,  Other people can search these questions for information and it would be nice to see results.
I have a concern about one of my peonies.

Question: I have a peony that the leaves I am concerned about. They are curled modeled and the growth seems to be stunted. A little background on this. I accidentally missed this one when I was removing mulch and it was  under the fabric barrier until I discovered it in late may. The bottom leaf looks healthy.   I have a feeling it's sun damage but am unsure Should I cut it back now or wait till fall Species is Buckeye Belle

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 10, 2023, 6:07 PM EDT
response: I am surprised your plant is actually growing.   I don't know why you had fabric over the top of it but that is why the leaves are deformed.  They were trying desperately to get to sunlight and oxygen.  Give you plant a lot of TLC this year and do not cover it again.  It will hopefully recover next year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2023, 8:27 PM EDT
response: Hi and thank you for your answer. It was weed barrier that I have  around the Peonies (I had a hole cut out and pulled away when I planted them)  somehow this one came up under it.  I didn't even notice until I was walking by and saw it growing. It was very pale and in hindsight, I should of exposed it to the sun slowly.  Hopefully iit will bounce back  Alison

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2023, 10:03 PM EDT
response: Hi and thank you for your answer. It was weed barrier that I have  around the Peonies (I had a hole cut out and pulled away when I planted them)  somehow this one came up under it.  I didn't even notice until I was walking by and saw it growing. It was very pale and in hindsight, I should of exposed it to the sun slowly.  Hopefully iit will bounce back  Alison
Plant ID

Question: Do you know what this plant is?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 12, 2023, 11:24 AM EDT
response: Nice find! It looks like cicada milkvetch (Astragalus chamaeleuce). This member of the pea family is native to western Colorado.  Here is some info from Montana on this species: https://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=PDFAB0F1X0 and you can find some more info here:  https://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Pink%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/astragalus%20chamaeleuce.htm

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 12:30 PM EDT
response: Thanks On Mon, Jun 12, 2023, 9:24 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Lawn identification

Question: What kind of grass is this; does it grow from seed or sod ( where can I buy it if so)

responder: John Emerson Jr.University of DelawareTurfgrass Nutrient Management Extension AgentEmail: jremer@udel.edu Replied June 15, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT
response: Hello, This looks like bamboo. It can be used as a ornamental in the landscape, but it is extremely invasive. I do not recommend purposefully planting it. Also, it is not a turfgrass.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 12:32 PM EDT
response: Is only on small side area of driveway, did not know bamboo can be so small, cuts easily with lawnmower. What kind of grass is good here that looks similar and is there such a type that is drought and cold tolerate. We moved up from Fla.able to have St. Augustine grass there, think we have fescue grass in front. Thanks for any ideas

responder: John Emerson Jr.University of DelawareTurfgrass Nutrient Management Extension AgentEmail: jremer@udel.edu Replied June 15, 2023, 12:48 PM EDT
response: For our climate the only warm-season grasses that proliferate here are bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. They both will go dormant in the winter, but perform extremely well in the late spring and into early fall.
Giant Hummingbird

Question: Do you think a silhouette of a giant hummingbird would frighten away  actual living hummingbirds?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 14, 2023, 7:46 PM EDT
response: Hi Stanley,   I think that is unlikely. What will attract them is the red feeder with clean sugar water at the right 4 parts sugar to 1 part water "nectar". The red version has unnecessary colorants. Changing out to fresh sugar water and washing the feeder to prevent mold or bacteria is important. If you like to plant flowers, the colors which attract hummers most are reds, purples and dark pinks. Tubular shaped flowers attract them.   This handout has some good tips about creating a pollinator habitat such as for hummingbirds. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/creating-pollinator-habitat-5-616/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 9:24 PM EDT
response: Well I heard and saw my first hummer yesterday.  It stopped momentarily about 7 feet away as if to take a look, then took off without any further investigation.  I got some red tinsel and I'm going to wrap the bird shape to break it up and hopefully attract more hummers.  On 06/14/2023 5:46 PM MDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Eggs on my citronella plant

Question: Something laid eggs on my citronella plant overnight. I'm curious if whatever they are will be harmful or beneficial to it.

responder: Amanda Bachmann, PhDPesticide Education and Urban Entomology Field Specialist Replied June 12, 2023, 8:26 PM EDT
response: There aren't a lot of identifying features on eggs, so ID is pretty hard. If you want to know for sure what they are, you can clip that leaf and place it in a container with a screen top or some other containment that allows air flow and wait for them to hatch. Generally, eggs laid in clusters belong to herbivorous insects. Many predators lay their eggs singly, as when they hatch they would eat their siblings. If you do hatch these out, send in a picture of the result!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 11:34 PM EDT
response: Dear Amanda, I did harvest the leaf and have kept it in a jar. Today they began to hatch and I believe they are brown marmorated stink bugs. Do you agree? And are they bad? Sent from my Galaxy-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 6/12/23 6:26 PM (GMT-07:00) To: Mary Jassman <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Eggs on my citronella plant (#0104691)

responder: Amanda Bachmann, PhDPesticide Education and Urban Entomology Field Specialist Replied June 14, 2023, 11:50 AM EDT
response: We have a lot of native stink bug species so while that is probably the family, I would not jump to brown marmorated without rearing them out to adulthood.