MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Lawn disease?

Question: Greetings,
I was wondering if this is indeed lawn disease and how to treat. It is wide spread over side yard.
We are in Newark, Todd Estates II.

responder: John Emerson Jr.University of DelawareTurfgrass Nutrient Management Extension AgentEmail: jremer@udel.edu Replied June 15, 2023, 9:39 AM EDT
response: Hello, It could possibly be a disease. That looks to be fine fescue and they are susceptible to a fungal disease called Summer Patch. As of late, has it gotten worse, stayed the same, or improved? Do you have irrigation? If you email me (<personal data hidden>) your address I can come and take a sample for diagnosis in the lab.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 10:46 AM EDT
response: In last week or so seems to have gotten worse. Do not have irrigation nor have I watered.Address: 23 Anderson Road, Todd II, Newark 19713.<personal data hidden> cell.Thank youSent from AOL on Android  On Thu, Jun 15, 2023 at 9:39 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: John Emerson Jr.University of DelawareTurfgrass Nutrient Management Extension AgentEmail: jremer@udel.edu Replied June 15, 2023, 11:41 AM EDT
response: It could be drought stress. We had a record breaking drought period in May and early June. Much of the turf that is unirrigated struggled. It looks like we will receive more rain in the coming days which could help the turf if it is drought stress. If things do not change by early next week I will come and take a sample for lab diagnosis.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 12:24 PM EDT
response: Hello John,Sounds good. And logical. I will keep an eye on it.Thank you Sent from AOL on Android  On Thu, Jun 15, 2023 at 11:41 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 15, 2023, 7:00 AM EDT
response: Good morning John,Cleaning up emails. Wanted to confirm that the issue was indeed heat/drought stress.Thank you for your time,enjoy the fall.Bruce  On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 11:41:33 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: John Emerson Jr.University of DelawareTurfgrass Nutrient Management Extension AgentEmail: jremer@udel.edu Replied September 15, 2023, 12:59 PM EDT
response: Bruce, Without a sample submission to the diagnostic lab I cannot say for certain, but I would guess that it was a combination of the two. If you have time you can submit a sample to the lab by dropping off the sample or via mail. The sample should have a couple inches of roots with all the above ground plant parts. The sample should be taken from the area where the good grass meets the bad grass.  Plant Diagnostic Clinic 531 S College Ave 151 Townsend Hall Newark, DE 19716
Snake identification

Question: Snake near Lake Roland

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 15, 2023, 12:28 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately we can't see enough detail in the snake's patterning (especially on its head, which doesn't appear to be in the photo) to determine exactly which species it is. Our best guess, given how commonplace they are, is that it's either an Eastern Ratsnake (perhaps midway between a juvenile's body coloration and an adult's, which differ) or a Northern Watersnake. The latter are more likely to be found near wet habitats. Maryland has over two dozen snake species, though, so you can explore information like the linked page online to see if you can find a likely match. We can say this does not appear to be a Copperhead or Timber Rattlesnake, the only two venomous species in Maryland.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 1:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  On Thursday, June 15, 2023, 12:28:04 PM EDT, 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 June 15, 2023, 1:28 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Large maple splitting on 3 sides

Question: Maple long splits on 3 sides appear deep. Tree person advised will split under high winds. Need advice if can be saved. Love the tree
Thanks see pictures of three sides

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 11:38 AM EDT
response: It was suggested tree will split under right conditions? Pict of 3 cracks  above full tree size below picture

responder: Julie Crick  Replied June 15, 2023, 1:45 PM EDT
response: Hi Carol, Such a split does negatively affect the structural integrity of the tree, possibly allowing it to split during high winds or under ice accumulation.  A certified arborist might find it feasible to install a bracing system to lower the chances of the tree splitting. Such a system will be expensive, and require annual maintenance. You may choose to seek the advice of a certified arborist.  Arborists are certified through the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA. ISA maintains a website that makes it easy to find one of their members: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 3:34 PM EDT
response: Thanks based on your opinion and the pictures - won't hold you to it- the tree could be an issue and taking down a consideration. If it split it would be on our house
Is this a weed?

Question: Hello, can you tell me what this is, and whether it is a weed or not?

It is growing with our perennials and ground cover in a mulched area.

Thanks.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 15, 2023, 9:22 AM EDT
response: My Picture This program calls this Indian Tobacco, but I am suspicious that it is actually Creeping Bellflower. I suggest that you look up both online and see if your plant matches up with one description more than the other. If it is Indian Tobacco, it may be your decision whether to keep or not. If it is Creeping Bellflower, it is an INVASIVE plant that does produce pretty flowers, but is worse than Creeping Charlie in my opinion. It needs long term aggressive spraying and pulling to eradicate. Good Luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 18, 2023, 1:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you, will check it out.JeffSent from my iPhone On Jun 15, 2023, at 8:22 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
I have a photo of a plant and want to know if it is a weed.

Question: Is the uploaded picture below a weed or good plant?  I'm new to the area and am clearing property.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 15, 2023, 12:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you for contacting CSU Extension Master Gardeners.  The photo you sent appears to be rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum).  Best whishes,  Boulder County Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 1:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much!On Thu, Jun 15, 2023 at 10:44 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Blueberry disease?

Question: I received a blueberry plant (Biloxi) via mail-order from an out of state nursery.  There are a large portion of leaves with black spots, a number of others  wilted/dying and reddish/brown areas on the stems that are quite indurated.  Any guesses to disease or worth keeping?

responder: Pana Jones, Program Assistant  Replied June 20, 2023, 10:22 AM EDT
response: I suspect that this is powdery mildew damage from being shipped with leaves that were probably damp. If that's the case, then the new leaves will emerge healthy. The damaged leaves can be removed and all is well. If the new leaves soon show signs of legions, then it's probably a fungal infection. However, it doesn't look like one that will destroy the plant. Again, it could be that the stress of shipping allowed the pathogen to get a foothold, much like when we get a cold when we're stressed. The first recommendation is to send these pictures to the nursery that sold it to you, just to let them know. They may have some recommendations or they may send you a replacement plant. The second recommendation is to pot the plant up and give it some TLC until fall. If it recovers by fall, then go ahead and plant it. If not, trash it. (Don't compost it.)

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 5:57 PM EDT
response: Thank you kindly for your review and response. Sent from Proton Mail for iOS On Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 10:22, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Pana Jones, Program Assistant  Replied June 21, 2023, 11:17 AM EDT
response: Glad to help
Pepper leaf spots

Question: Hello, I'm a small organic multi veg farm in Oregon City.  Wondering if you could help me identify these spots on my pepper plant leaves and how to treat.
Thank you,
Heidi,
Back Four Farm

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 15, 2023, 11:28 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Heidi.  Are these spots occurring on all the leaves, only older leaves, or only new leaves?  Can you take a photo of the underside of an affected leaf?  Are you watering these peppers, and if so, what technique are you using?  Thank you for more information!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 8:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  Seems to be on older leaves.  Nothing really on the back.  See 2 pics attached.  I use drip tape.  No overhead.  They are in a 100' caterpillar tunnel.  Best, HeidiBack Four FarmOn Thu, Jun 15, 2023, 8:28 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 15, 2023, 9:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  The photos and your information are consistent with this bacterial infection:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/pepper-capsicum-spp-bacterial-spot The chemicals marked "H" are available to homeowners; those marked "O" are organic; those with no tag are available only to commercial applicators.  But, perhaps cultural controls will help alleviate the need for bactericides.  Good luck!
Beetle problem

Question: Black beetles and larvae crawling and hanging all over Arctic Willow. What are they?
What do we so?

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied June 16, 2023, 1:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Franklin,  Those are a kind of leaf beetle (Family: Chrysomelidae), but I can't tell what species from the photos. There are several species that look somewhat similar that feed on willows, aspens and cottonwoods.  Regardless of what species that is, you will be happy to hear that  feeding by leaf beetles is rarely fatal to healthy trees. In addition,  other predatory or parasitic insects and spiders can help control leaf beetle populations. However, in large numbers, leaf beetles can defoliate or weaken a tree, making it susceptible to other pests and diseases.  Since it looks like there are huge numbers of those beetles, if they are not declining, you could consider spraying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) var. tenebrionis or Bt var. San Diego. These strains of Bt are selective toxins that only kill beetles that feed on the sprayed plant material.  Other more traditional pesticides would work as well, but you have to be more careful with them, because of their less selective toxicity. It is especially important to be careful applying pesticides if the willows or aspens are near a water body.  Hope that helps! Yours,

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 6:28 PM EDT
response: Thank you.On Fri, Jun 16, 2023, 10:51 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What is eating my tomatillo?

Question: Hello there!  I am wondering what is killing my tomatillo plant.  I have attached 2 pictures of what I assume are it's eggs/larvae(?) and what it is doing to the leaves.  I haven't actually seen the actual bug yet.  I have 2 "super verde" tomatillo plants I purchased from the St Paul Farmer's Market this spring. They are both in the same, very large container (this worked well last year).  Whatever it is has completely eaten all of one of them and most of the other one.  So my questions are a) what is it? b) how do I get rid of it? c) will it eat my other plants (a couple variety of tomatoes, cucumbers, anaheim and habenero peppers, some shallots, and beans)? d) if I give up on these two plants and try again, what do I need to do to make sure it doesn't happen again.  Thanks in advance!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 6:49 PM EDT
response: Finally got a picture of the bug!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 18, 2023, 7:19 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the pictures. As far as I can determine these are larvae of the Three-Lined Potato Beetle (Lema daturaphila). Reflective of where you are finding them they are also called tomatillo leaf beetles. See the following for images of the adult and of the larvae: https://bugguide.net/node/view/2052825/bgimage https://extension.unh.edu/resource/three-lined-potato-beetle-fact-sheet-0 Take a very close look at IMG 4193. You may want to try and magnify it as well. These larvae have the delightful habit of covering themselves with their own fecal material. It is thought that this may be a protective device to make themselves less appealing to predators. The following will provide you with further information about this pest together with remedial procedures: https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=53615&sharing=yes https://www.thedailygarden.us/garden-word-of-the-day/three-lined-potato-beetles https://www.bountifulgardener.com/common-tomatillo-plant-problems-and-solutions/ https://ag.umass.edu/greenhouse-floriculture/photos/three-lined-potato-beetle - :~:text=The three-lined potato beetle,stripes running down its back. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/threelined-potato-beetles - :~:text=Threelined potato beetles are usually,esfenvalerate to reduce their numbers. Good Luck and thanks for using our forum. .
Holy smokes - what is this alien stuff, please?

Question: With the over-saturation of water in the mulched area of my extensive xeriscape, over the last three days a weird white, foamy, lacy-looking substance has appeared with aggressive spreading (more patches of it each morning). Is this a fungus? If not, what is it, please? How can I get rid of it? Is it toxic to plants? Is it safe to remove with gloves on? It's really freaking me out! Please help ... thank you very much. Photos attached. 

Shannon Geyer<personal data hidden>
<personal data hidden>

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 14, 2023, 6:13 PM EDT
response: Hi Shannon, From what I can see in the photo this appears to be a slime mold, which are fairly common in wood mulch when it’s wet. Here is a snippet of information from Plant Talk: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/insects-diseases/1435-slime-mold/ And a bit more information from our Extension colleagues in Utah: https://www.usu.edu/herbarium/education/fun-facts-about-fungi/slime-molds You could rake it up and dispose of it, or just enjoy it until it gets dry and hot! I hope this is helpful. Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 6:23 PM EDT
response: Hi there,      Thank you ever so much for your speedy and reassuring answer! I am relieved. Will use the eradication methods suggested without any chemical intervention. Whew! I am genuinely grateful for your expertise.      Shannon Geyer  On 06/14/2023 4:13 PM MDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Insect on black-eyed Susans?

Question: In my front garden bed I have several perennials to attract bees, butterflies, etc.  Today I noticed little red insects (aphids??) on the stems of my Rudbeckia (see photo).  Are they aphids?  What can I use to kills them without harming bees, etc., and how often should I apply it?  Thank you.

responder: Judy Pfister  Replied June 15, 2023, 6:46 PM EDT
response: They are indeed a red aphid. With the dry weather, I noticed them today in our demonstration garden on our Rudbeckia as well. You can try to spray them off with a strong hose blast.  I held the plant at the top and sprayed up and down the stem with the hose  at half way on jet. I did notice several ladybug larvae on another plant with aphids and left them as food.  Another alternative is to use a soapy water spray on them directly. As soft bodied insects this will desiccate them, but will need to be reapplied about every 5 days, perhaps three times.  It depends on your coverage.  A third alternative is to use horticultural oil, making sure to spray directly onto where they are.  Again, you may need to reapply depending on your coverage.  If they have already done damage to the plant with their sucking mouth parts, cut the stems off and dispose of them. The plant will come back with a second flush.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 7:00 PM EDT
response: Thanks!  I sprayed them with soapy water with a little peppermint essential oil added because I read that scent is unappealing to them.  The plants still look good so I am hoping they will be okay. Question:  I read somewhere that I could spray some diatomaceous earth on them and thought I would try that tomorrow using the sprayer in the picture for a fine powder  application.  Will that be okay to do, and spray right on the stems?

responder: Judy Pfister  Replied June 15, 2023, 7:41 PM EDT
response: You could do that, but need to take care that you are protected from wind spray.  Diatomaceous earth will negatively affect bees and all caterpillars which I thought you were trying to avoid. Also it only works when dry and we are expecting rain tomorrow.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 8:09 PM EDT
response: Okay, I won't do that--definitely do not want to affect bees!  I'll keep using the soapy water spray every 3 days.  Thanks again!
Snap peas

Question: Some of my snap peas have these bumps on them
  I also see very small orange things on them, bugs?
The plants look healthy

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 14, 2023, 2:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Jojo.  Unfortunately, a photo of just the pod doesn't give us much information to go on. It would be helpful to see what the leaves and the peas inside the pod look like.  The only reference about bumps on peas is this one:  https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/pea-virus-diseases/ A virus isn't a disease; it is genetic material being carried between plants that changes the plant it is injected into.  If you can send more information, we can research further.  Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 8:02 PM EDT
response: Here are some more photos.The peas inside look fine, but the plant has developed white marks on the leaves.On Jun 14, 2023, at 11:12 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 20, 2023, 8:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  This appears to be powdery mildew, common in cool, wet springs.  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/pea-pisum-sativum-powdery-mildew There wouldn't appear to be any problems with the peas, but, as the article suggests, don't plant peas in the same area next year, and remove and destroy leaves showing the fungus.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 3:43 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your help and advice.I noticed my tomatoes also have white spots on the leaves. Is this the same things?On Jun 20, 2023, at 5:12 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2023, 11:34 AM EDT
response: Undoubtedly so.  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/tomato-solanum-lycopersicum-powdery-mildew

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 11:40 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the info.Is there an organic treatment for the powdery mildew?On Jun 21, 2023, at 8:34 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2023, 11:44 AM EDT
response: In each of the links I sent you, under "chemical controls", the products marked "O" are organic.  ("H" means meant foe homeowners.)
What is going on with this tree?

Question: Hi, this is my neighbors tree bordering my yard. This tree has a different look compared to other years. Should I be concerned? Or is it just because of all the rain it has the growth. I have attached pictures. Thank you.

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied June 15, 2023, 4:31 PM EDT
response: It looks like your neighbor may have two different insect pests on his Elm tree.  The first pest is an aphid whose feeding is causing those weird projections. Those are called galls. Although they are unsightly, they do not typically harm the tree. Here is a link to some information about them: https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1586  The second thing I see are the blotchy brown areas. Those are caused by insect larvae tunneling around inside the leaves feeding on leaf tissue. If you cut one of those open, you will see the insect larvae inside. My best guess is that it is Elm Leafminer but Elm flea weevil can also cause leaf-mining injury, and even the same aphids that cause the galls can cause leaf-mining damage (you can see that in the photos in the article that I linked you above).

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 11:54 AM EDT
response: Thank you!!!!
I knew you would know the answer.  Thank you for the quick reply.

Jill






On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 02:31:18 PM MDT, Ask Extension <ask> wrote:</ask>
Insect on rose

Question: I am wondering if you can identify this.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 16, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Liz: This appears to be what we refer to as the first instar of a grasshopper (it is a baby grasshopper). Let me know if you have any additional questions. Thank you for contacting us. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 3:12 PM EDT
response: Wow! So amazing to learn about. I have never heard that word. I am a poet and will use it in a poem at some point.Thanks so very much.LizOn Fri, Jun 16, 2023, 10:23 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 16, 2023, 3:51 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.
Asian lady beetle larvae good or bad?

Question: I believe I have asian lady beetle larvae on my hydrangeas. I know they eat aphids but not sure if I should destroy them or are they ok to leave alone?  I only see a few here and there on my 7 brushes.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 14, 2023, 10:23 AM EDT
response: Hello  It is great that you are observing and finding these beneficial insects.  Please do not destroy and/or remove them as they are a valuable beneficial and will eat aphids and other 'bad' insects.  These larvae will eventually turn into lady beetles and continue the lifecycle.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 10:53 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick reply. My google search said they are aggressive, invasive and eat the native ladybugs so they are bad to have around.  So confusing. On Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 10:23 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: