MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Bite on all stems and leaves of one plant, but not at all on a neighboring plant

Question: Pruning trees in my yard yesterday, I noticed that one bushy plant about 8 feet tall and three or 4 feet wide. Had these white dots all over the leaves and Woody stems of the plant. A plant just to the left that looks similar but has an alternating leaf structure, and larger, darker-green colored leaves does not have any of this, even though some of their branches were intertwined (see 3rd image below). I’d like to know what the disease is and how to get rid of it. My wife has a vegetable garden across the yard about 30 feet away and we would like to make sure whatever the diseases does not transfer.

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 08, 2024, 9:10 AM EDT
response: The shrub in your photo is called Euonymus, and it has a severe infestation of Euonymus scale and some powdery mildew. Scales are a type of insect, and these are specific to this type of shrub. (It won't spread into your vegetable garden.) A severe scale infestation like this is very difficult to control because the insects have a covering that protects them from insecticides. Euonymus rebounds very well from pruning and so the course of action we recommend in a case like this is to prune the shrub nearly to the ground and allow it to regrow new foliage. Then, monitor the plant regularly to check for scale and you can use the management options listed on our website. With the shrub being at a smaller height, it will be easier to monitor and manage (and require less in the way of pesticide treatments).  Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2024, 9:36 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Christa!!  I appreciate the help!  The plant is on the border of our and our neighbor’s yard, so I’ll have to talk with them before such major pruning. If we end up not pruning, are there any possible long term negative consequences for the yard?  Thank you so much!  Pat  On Mon, Jul 8, 2024 at 3:10 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 July 08, 2024, 1:07 PM EDT
response: Over the long term, if the scale infestation is high and not managed, it could eventually defoliate and kill the plant. While the Euonymus scale is not a problem in a vegetable garden, it can attack other landscape plants like hibiscus, holly, honeysuckle, lilac, and pachysandra, so that is something to be aware of if you have any of those plants in the vicinity.  This page from the Missouri Botanical Garden has some good additional information.  Christa
Many groups of “egglike” growths very small- tan and black- red when smashed, tiny -on our young American elm tree. Little tiny black bugs on the bark around these growths. Lower brains getting very dark. Leaves are fine.

Question: What is that growth- bug eggs? On our elm tree? How do we kill it?

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied July 04, 2024, 12:03 PM EDT
response: This is European Elm Scale, an insect.  You need to treat.  Here is information.  Click on the appropriate title to open the box:  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scale-insects#soft-scales-on-deciduous-trees-860011

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 2:06 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much!!! Diane Fladeland   On Jul 4, 2024, at 11:03 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿ **** WARNING: THIS EMAIL IS FROM AN EXTERNAL NON-UMARY EMAIL ADDRESS **** DO NOT click links, open attachments or respond unless you recognize the sender and are sure it is not someone impersonating them.  Never provide your username/password. Make sure the content is safe before responding.
How can I eradicate Maladera formosae

Question: We are infested with Maladera formosae. We are finding them in our swimming pool and have also put out buckets of soapy water. Any any other ideas on how to eradicate this past? We grow masses of Dahlia, Xenia and roses, and I understand that these pets are detrimental to such plants.

responder: Hello,   Replied July 09, 2024, 11:53 AM EDT
response: Hello Cynthia, Yes, Japanese beetles can be quite detrimental to a lot of different plants and while they do not typically kill the plant, they can skeletonize the leaves in short order and leave it looking quite unsightly.  Some years the beetles are out in greater numbers than others so it can be an up and down cycle.  The beetles emerge from white grubs that are typically in your landscape turf, so controlling the grubs is how we manage Japanese beetles. This can take a number of years to get under control with repeated applications of insecticides that specifically kill the hatching grubs and applications must be timed properly. Leaving a bucket of soapy water out will not do anything. But oh how I wish it would!  Rather you must hand pick the beetles off your plants and toss then into the soapy water to kill them.  They are slow moving so this is quite easy to do once you get over the 'gross' factor.   Some people advocate for using Japanese beetle traps which attract the bugs with pheromones, but this is not recommended because you will be calling the party to every beetle in the neighborhood, thereby increasing your unwanted visitors.  I m teaching an article from MSU which gives information on the insecticides you can use, if desired.  But, in all reality, I personally just drown them in soapy water.  You can also try spraying your affected plants with insecticidal soap.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/japanese_beetle Thank you for your question, Kathleen

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2024, 7:56 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much!  I will pluck and drown accordingly:)  On Tue, Jul 9, 2024 at 11:53 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Curled brown edges

Question: My Rudbeckia leaves are browning at the edges and curling.  As you can see from the first picture there is no evidence of infestation.   Is there anything I can do?

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 04, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT
response: Hi Ken,  Just prune off those leaves. It's been really hot and perhaps those leaves didn't have the water/resources for the plant to support their growth. Fortunately the rest of the plant looks healthy - and there are still plenty of leaves!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 11:34 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much. The grasshoppers are killing so many of my perennials, especially my Echinacea.  What is your suggestion for spraying a deterrent  Do all of the chemicals need to be resprayed after rain?

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 04, 2024, 11:42 AM EDT
response: Hi Ken,  Because these plants are in flower - or will soon be in flower - the use of any insecticides is discouraged since they can harm beneficial insects. Instead, cover or net desirable plants that you wish to protect, like vegetables or prized flowers. And also understand and accept that injury will occur this year. The plants will recover.   Because grasshoppers are so mobile, contact insecticides work best - you will actually need to directly spray the grasshoppers. This method of control is difficult.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 12:25 PM EDT
response: We moved here (Trilby and Timberline) 5 years ago and the grasshoppers have been an issue I'm sure since before then.  I alone have seen 7 different species.  there seems to be no end.  BTW what are you doing in on the fourth of July.  Have a good weekend.

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 04, 2024, 7:23 PM EDT
response: There's actually over 100 species of grasshoppers in Colorado!  https://agsci.colostate.edu/agbio/ipm-pests/grasshopper/  Happy 4th to you, too!
Flowers losing their petals

Question: Hi, I have a lot of flowers, all perennial, that flower beautifully then the petals fall off.
It happening in different areas all through my Polian garden.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2024, 3:42 PM EDT
response: I have several groups of flowers that bloom beautifully then the Petals fall off the flower.
This is happening all through my pollination garden, and I don’t know why.

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 03, 2024, 5:45 PM EDT
response: The petals seem to not be falling off exactly (unless you're seeing them scattered on the ground in large numbers) but rather chewed off. This is a very common phenomenon. Various insects can be responsible, though none of them are serious because the flowers still have value to pollinators (and later, if not removed, as seeds for birds in late summer, fall, and winter). Candidate chewers include caterpillars, beetles, earwigs, young grasshoppers, crickets, and young katydids, several of which blend-in well or feed at night, making them hard to catch in the act.  No insecticide treatment is needed, especially since using one could potentially harm the pollinators the flowers are meant to attract. The plants will continue to bloom as their energy stores allow, and all that needs to be done to support them is to monitor their watering needs as our current drought continues. (Feel the soil around five inches deep and water well once it becomes somewhat dry to the touch at that depth.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2024, 6:42 PM EDT
response: Miri, Thank you so much for your quick reply. Thanks also for all of your information! I do not use any insecticides at all. My gardens about three years old now and once they’re finished blooming, I don’t remove anything until the end of winter very early spring. So glad to hear the flowers are still beneficial for all of the wonderful pollinators!  Take care and thank you again  Kathy Sent from my iPhone On Jul 3, 2024, at 5:45 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 July 08, 2024, 8:27 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
What kind of tick is this?

Question: What kind of tick is this? I found this embedded in my son, I wanted to double check it wasn’t one that carried Lyme disease. Thank you so much

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied July 12, 2024, 2:52 AM EDT
response: Hi Sara, Sorry your son got a tick bite. That is a black-legged tick (an Ixodes species). I can't seen enough detail in the photos to be able to tell which Ixodes species it is though.  The western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is the primary carrier of Lyme disease in the Pacific Northwest and studies indicate that other Ixodes species are also able to transmit Lyme disease. However, the most recent data indicates that only about three to eight percent of western black-legged ticks in Oregon actually carry the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, so most bites in our area won't result in Lyme disease.  In addition, both adult and immature ticks can transmit Lyme disease, but they must typically be attached to the host for 24 - 48 hours before they can pass the bacterium to humans.  If you have concerns about the tick bite, you could pass this tick identification information on to your son's doctor and could see what they would recommend.  Best wishes!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2024, 8:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much, I appreciate that information.   It was on my son for about 72 hrs, that’s why I was concerned, but I am just watching for symptoms, thank you for looking into this, I appreciate it!!  Sara  On Jul 11, 2024, at 11:52 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Oak Leaf Hydrangea

Question: We have a few oak leaf hydrangea around our yard.  All of them are doing well with the exception of one.  It is getting the same about of water as the rest but it is not doing well.  You can see in the pictures that other plants nearby are doing fine.  Can you help me figure out what the problem is.  Thank you

responder: Best Regards,   Replied July 08, 2024, 1:07 PM EDT
response: Dear Brian,  Thank you for contacting us about your hydrangea. When leaves change color in the summer, it is usually a sign of either root damage or  environmental stress such as depleted soil nutrients, over- or under-watering, poor planting, and temperature (high or low).  How long has this been an issue for this particular plant? Has anything changed around the plant since last year? Is it possible that something was added to the soil, or that an herbicide was used nearby? The blooms appear stunted. Is that the case?  To know what is going on we have to consider a wide range of possible causes. If you have any more information, please send it as a reply to this email.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT
response: To my knowledge there has been no changes to the soil, watering, herbicides, or anything I can think of.  My wife and I do not recall this ever being an issue in the past. All the plants around it seem to be doing fine.    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, July 8, 2024 10:07:54 AM To: Brian Buck <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Oak Leaf Hydrangea (#0145751)

responder: Best Regards,   Replied July 10, 2024, 7:33 PM EDT
response: Hello Brian,  Thank you for the additional information. There are no pests that might cause this reaction in your hydrangea so I am thinking this must be an abiotic (environmental) issue. There are a couple of possibilities.  There may be a drainage issue that has arisen due to the particular site nearest your house. I suggest you check the soil moisture before irrigating. Push your finger into the soil about halfway. If the soil feels cool and damp, wait another day to check again. Water the plant when the soil feel dry about 2 inches deep. (btw - lawn sprinklers do not provide sufficient moisture for trees and shrubs. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system so the water will slowly soak into the soil to a 2-inch depth.)  The site may also create a microclimate for this particular plant. We had extreme cold this past winter, and extreme heat this summer. Either could stress the plant sufficiently to cause a reaction.   I suggest you maintain about 3 inches of mulch across the root zone, and water when needed as I mentioned above. Keep an eye on the plant in case any portion begins to show signs of dieback, but the shrub may just recover on it's own.  I hope this information is helpful, and good luck with your patient.
Medora Junipers Dropping Brown Leaves and Losing Fullness

Question: Hello! I am looking for some answers for my Medora Junipers. The base of the trees have been browning and dropping needles, they used to be full and we could not see through to the back of the fence. This mostly seems to be happening below the 6 foot fence. But elsewhere on the trees, they seem to be thriving, there is new growth, height and berries. Do you know what is going on and what can be done to help my trees? Thank you and Happy 4th!Annie Frio

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2024, 9:31 PM EDT
response: Hi Annie!  Sorry to hear about your medora junipers. How are they irrigated? Was the irrigation increased during the hot weather we had recently? What is the irrigation schedule? Is the fence a recent installation, how long ago was it installed? Is the fence to the south, north, east, or west of the junipers?  Look forward to your response,  Boulder County Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2024, 12:08 PM EDT
response: Wow, thanks for your quick response!We had changed up the watering from drip irrigation to soaker hose. Maybe we have been under watering thinking we have been watering enough? I have been heavily soaking the trees daily since I received your email and will continue to do so to maybe catch them up on water? Should I possibly add some kind of fertilizer? The fence is to the east of the trees and has been there before the trees were planted. I was afraid there was some kind of disease going around. Thank you again, Master Gardener! -Annie     On Wed, Jul 3, 2024 at 7:31 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 22, 2024, 1:59 PM EDT
response: Hi Annie,  I think we're on the right track. Junipers like full sun and good drainage and don't tolerate overwater which could lead to fungal disease problems. Typically, you don't have to fertilize Junipers if all cultural conditions are met.    Here is some more information on cultural requirements: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c211  Here is another fact sheet from the USDA on Juniperus scopulorum, or Rocky Mountain Juniper. ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIPER (usda.gov)  Fertilizer options for young trees: Using Fertilizer Tablets: Growing Great Trees, Part 3 (youtube.com)
Hydrangea Won't Bloom

Question: I believe my Hydrangea's are Endless Summer (not positive).  I get almost no blooms on three otherwise very, very robust plants that have been in place perhaps 10 years.  I have tried fertilizing them -- and not fertilizing them.  I have sheared off the dead stems after winter comes and also left them stems on through the spring (no new growth on the dead stems in either case).  I have attached a photo of the only flower on the three plants.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 04, 2024, 10:26 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Jerry,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  The one bloom on your hydrangea is lovely! Have the trees grown up around your hydrangeas over the 10 years giving your plants too much shade to bloom? This is a common occurence.  I believe the Endless Summer is a variety grown by Bailey's Nursery.  They do have resources on their website: https://www.baileynurseries.com/resources/  You could consider contacting them about the issue.  Please click on the following link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about hydrangeas: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-hydrangeas-best-bloom We do not endorse specific businesses or nurseries. But here is some information from a garden author who writes for the MN Horticultural Society about non-blooming hydrangeas: https://www.melindamyers.com/articles/no-flowers-on-endless-summer-hydrangea Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 11:09 AM EDT
response: Thanks Maureen.  I will follow up on your suggestions.    Jerry  PS  They are in bright southern sun.    On Thu, Jul 4, 2024 at 9:26 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 04, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Raspberry plant

Question: What could be eating the leaves of the raspberry plant and how can I fix the problem?

responder: Bill Hutmacher  Replied July 08, 2024, 3:42 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your question.     This leaf damage might be from a looper.  Here is some information that should be helpful - https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/small-fruit/blackberry-raspberry/blackberry-raspberry-looper.      It might also be damage from the raspberry sawfly.  This is a link to information on that pest - https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/PESTS/raspsawfly.html  The best way to deal with it would be to hand pick any larvae seen on the plants.   You could also try giving the plants a good blast with the hose occasionally to try to dislodge any pests that may be on them.    If you choose to try any chemical control methods, ensure it is the correct one for that pest and follow all label instructions.  Also ensure that you don't apply any chemical control when plants are flowering and bees may be active.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2024, 7:02 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much! I will study those two articles and blast the plant with the hose.   On Jul 8, 2024, at 12:42 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
I suspect a weed but want to confirm, please.

Question: There is a plant growing vigorously with my coreopsis (tickseed, which I like) and I suspect it is a weed that is just taking up space. But I would like to confirm before it goes to seed. It is about 2-2.5’ tall, grows in clumpy bunches. Its roots tend to make an interconnected network. So far there haven’t been any flowers or other redeeming qualities. A photo id suggested it was Dwarf Spurge (euphorbia exigua). Is that right? Advise please.

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied July 05, 2024, 4:22 PM EDT
response: Hi VaNee,  I am not sure,  I cannot see enough with just this photo alone. Dwarf spurge not common here.  You can bring a sample to our plant clinic here in Redmond or wait for it to flower and then we should be able to confirm ID with a flower.  We may also be able to ID it if you took a picture of one in the ground from a distance and up close and added to this, as growth habit can help us to ID.  Thanks

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2024, 6:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you. I‘ll plan to get to the office in Redmond at some point. VaNeeSent from my iPhone On Jul 5, 2024, at 13:22, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Juniper Tree turning brown

Question: We have a juniper tree that is turn brown just behind the new growth of this year. Some of the discoloration is more yellow than brown. We are assuming that we need to prune out the damaged sections next Spring, but were wondering if there is anything else we can try. The soil isn't dry or waterlogged. Thank you for your help.

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied July 06, 2024, 4:11 PM EDT
response: Dear Seema,  One possible cause is winter drying.  Each winter, drying of conifers such as juniper is a common injury caused by weather. Damage typically occurs during late winter to early spring. It is caused by warm, dry winds during times when the tree’s root system is still frozen. Conifers transpire through their needle during winter resulting in some water loss. Periods of warm, dry winds accelerate the water loss, which the frozen roots are unable to replenish. This causes the needles to dry and become discolored. Also, with winter drying, often the bases of the needles and at least some entire needles remain green.   In many cases, the damage is minor and, with the exception of loss of some needles, trees recover. More severe damage can result in death of branch tips or entire branches. The buds on the tips of branches are likely viable and the tree may push new growth.  It is important in Colorado to provide winter watering. Here is some information about providing water to trees and shrubs during the winter.  https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1706-fall-winter-watering/  Junipers do not like heavy pruning. It may not be necessary to prune it. You can lightly prune out some of the brown parts if you can still avoid cutting out the green parts.  Thank you for your inquiry and best of luck with your juniper.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2024, 12:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for the response. We really appreciate the help.   Seema Dwyer Investments LLC   25 N Kalamath St  Denver, CO 80223   <personal data hidden>  Office:<personal data hidden>      ---- On Sat, 06 Jul 2024 14:11:24 -0600 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote ---