MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
dahlia disease

Question: The attached are my dahlia cuttings.  Some leaves showed shimmering things on them.  From the same plants, some cuttings are healthy and some show these symptoms.  Typically lower leaves have these problems.

They grow indoors under the dome. Does the mother tuber have issues or I did something wrong to cause this?  Thank you

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 22, 2023, 4:11 PM EDT
response: Hello, There is no question those tubers have some issue going on. To me it looks spider mite damage, but, I'd like to see it under a microscope. https://extension.psu.edu/dahlia-diseases https://www.allaboutgardening.com/dahlia-diseases Check out the info from the two links above. I think I would remove the infected leaves and sterilize your scissors. Spray your plants with a insecticidal soap. https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/common-dahlia-pests-and-diseases I hope these links help you.  Sally Granath MG Volunteer At Large

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 23, 2023, 9:15 PM EDT
response: Dear Sally, Thank you so much! It is very much appreciated.YuhongOn Wed, Mar 22, 2023 at 3:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Oak tree has mushrooms

Question: A branch about 20 ft high fell off my Oregon White Oak tree and it is rotten and covered with mushrooms.  I cut the rest of the branch off and the core is rotted.  it looks like the rot may go partway into the tree.  The rest of the tree appears healthy and there are no other visible mushrooms.  Is there anything I can do to save it?  

If the answer is no, How long before it will rot enough that it becomes a hazard?

Thank you for your help.

responder: Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice  Replied March 21, 2023, 2:40 PM EDT
response: Hi Michelle, Thank you for your question and for sending the pictures. There appear to be two types of fungal rot happening here. On the branch, the white rot most likely happened once the branch was already dead. The rot you see in the center is brown, brown rot, which could be a fungus rotting out the oak's heartwood.  Unfortunately, there are no treatments to prevent this or stop it. You can get a certified arborist out who can test the tree to see how rotted it is and, therefore, how much structural integrity and time the tree has left.  Please let me know if you have any further questions.  Best, Alex Gorman, OSU Extension Forester

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 21, 2023, 3:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you Alex,I was afraid you were going to tell me there was no way to save the tree.  That makes me sad.  I love my little oak tree. Can you please tell me what I can plant in its place that won't be susceptible to the same fungus?  I had some aspen trees in my front yard that died of the same thing so I don't want to plant anything else that is susceptible to it.  Is there a list of shrubs and trees that are immune to it somewhere?Best regards,Michelle On Tue, Mar 21, 2023 at 11:40 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice  Replied March 21, 2023, 5:01 PM EDT
response: Hi Michelle, Unfortunately, finding a tree that is immune to any fungus is virtually impossible. When one tree is resistant to one type of fungus, it is susceptible to others. Your oak tree likely has many years to decades left to stand and is mostly healthy. Again, I recommend you seek a tree care professional and arborist to do a whole tree health assessment.  If you replanted something in its place, I would look into planting redwood, giant sequoia, or western red cedar.  Best, Alex Gorman, OSU Extension Forester
Plant identification

Question: Would appreciate knowing what the name if of this plant.  The stalks have yellow flowers in the Summer. The seeds make this plant prolific.
Thank you.
Sidney

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 March 21, 2023, 12:22 AM EDT
response: My educated guess is that you’ve got Sisyrinchium striatum, commonly called pale yellow-eyed grass or satin flower. I remove the flowers before the seeds set, meaning I have very few plants volunteering each year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 21, 2023, 3:25 AM EDT
response: Thank you for identifying this plant.  Yes, I'll need to remove the flowers before they go to seed.    On 03/20/2023 9:22 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Trachelospermum, two varieties

Question: Happy Valley area, at least 10 years old, growing against a wooden fence, with partial sun and a 1-foot high deck in front.  Some browning leaves, especially on the lower growing variety each early spring, but this year is far worse, especially on the low growing variety.   What to do?  Three plants are lower growing.  Three plants reach five feet or more, if not trimmed.  Horizontal wire support keeps twining branches upright.   Buds haven’t broken yet, March 17.

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 March 21, 2023, 12:46 AM EDT
response: These jasmine plants grow in western Oregon, but can be damaged by freezes so they have “off” years. I hope yours will grow fast as the weather finally warms, covering the browned sections. Here is an article with information and helpful links. There might be more going on, such as root problems. If you remove the struggling plant, look at it closely for clues to the problem before replanting.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 21, 2023, 8:50 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  We did have a heavy snow February 22.  We’ll be patient.   Should we pull the dead leaves or just leave them?  I have already trimmed some really distressed looking branches to hopefully help encourage what remains.

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 March 24, 2023, 6:33 PM EDT
response: I generally see advice to leave the brown, and wait for new growth to just cover this old part.
Sad sarcococca March 17

Question: Happy Valley area, entryway, against the house,  under eaves, very little sun, east side of house, though plant faces south.  What should we do?  Shrub is at least 10 years old.

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 March 21, 2023, 12:59 AM EDT
response: Oh, it is struggling. I’m not sure what is happening, but some things to think about: how is summer watering and winter drainage? Over 10 years have drainage pipes clogged, gutters in disrepair, or sprinklers broken (not working or leaking)? What about light? As with your jasmine, have nearby plants grown enough to shade these? Is this a sudden problem? If so, herbicide drift from lawn applications are sometimes a culprit. Some shrubs need a refresh with rejuvenation pruning, or replacement. Do you add fresh layers of organic mulch annually? Do you fertilize?

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 21, 2023, 8:39 PM EDT
response: Shade issues haven’t changed.  No herbicides are used anywhere.  No professional maintenance either.  I did do extra watering, besides the drip system, in the heat of last summer.  We had a heavy snowstorm February 22ladting less than a week

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 March 25, 2023, 12:04 AM EDT
response: As with your other plants, wait and see how they regrow before cutting back the damage.  You have established plantings, so being comfortable with pruning for size or rejuvenation is a skill you’ll appreciate. This Extension Master Gardener video covers quite a lot of information.
Daphne odora problems

Question: Happy Valley area.  Shrub is close to entry way, against house, faces east with dappled shade.  Are the unopened buds diseased? Winter damaged?  Normally the plant fills the air with sweet fragrance after Christmas.

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 March 21, 2023, 1:03 AM EDT
response: Daphne ordora is known for “just up and dying” ne year. Maybe gardeners will just buy a replacement. Wait and see what yours does. You’ve got a few struggling shrubs. Are you in a particularly cold or windy location? Have you changed any lawn maintenance last summer?

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 21, 2023, 8:31 PM EDT
response: We did have a heavy snow February 22 that remained on our shrubs for less than a week.  Lots of tree damage in the area.  We are in our late seventies and do all our own gardening so far, having lived here in Oregon for 4 years. Landscaping was done by previous owners, professionally we think.  We’ll wait a few more weeks and see what happens.  Replacement would be too hard for us.  We appreciate your help!

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 March 24, 2023, 6:31 PM EDT
response: Start with a “wait & see” strategy, giving your plants a full season to recover. You’ll know in 3-4 months more what the lasting damage is, and where to prune.
What insect?

Question: Found this bug in my bathroom. Worried it is a tick. Can you identify?

responder: Cristi  Replied March 21, 2023, 1:50 PM EDT
response: Hi Terry:  I cannot positively identify from the picture, but it is not a tick.  I'm attaching a good reference for Oregon based ticks. How To Protect Yourself From Ticks  Thank you for your question.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 21, 2023, 3:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you. That meshes with my own research. I am operating on the suspicion that it is a carpet beetle, based on images, non-professional opinions, and the app, Seek. Do you have any recommendations for pet and child-safe treatment?TerriOn Tue, Mar 21, 2023 at 10:50 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Cristi  Replied March 21, 2023, 5:38 PM EDT
response: Terri:  Finding one carpet beetle is no cause for alarm.  It could have been carried in on a person, pet, or the wind.  If you suspect an outbreak, please read the attached article.  It will tell you what to look for and how to proceed.  Finding and Removing Variegated Carpet Beetles

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 22, 2023, 2:06 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your help!On Tue, Mar 21, 2023 at 2:38 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Cristi  Replied March 22, 2023, 6:26 PM EDT
response: You're welcome! :)
sour cherry/copper fungicide

Question: Hello, 
I have planted Montmorency cherry tree the last winter. The nursery store suggests to apply a copper fungicide to prevent bacterial canker. I have bought bonide copper fungicide. Please advise when and how to apply it. I live in Hillsboro,OR.
 Thanks, Milla

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 20, 2023, 11:26 PM EDT
response: Milla: The information on the label indicated quite a few sprays with copper. That would be normal advice for sweet cherries. But pie or "sour" cherries are generally far more resistant to bacterial canker than sweet cherries are. So you could probably reduce by half or more the number of applications. Follow all the label instructions for mixing and spraying. Have eye protection. Hope this helps. Chip Bubl  OSU Extension Agent/Columbia County   <personal data hidden>   <personal data hidden> work phone.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 21, 2023, 1:14 PM EDT
response: Hello, Is it right time to spray it now? Thanks, Milla

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 21, 2023, 1:26 PM EDT
response: Yes, you could spray it now before the rain starts. Chip
Pruning a mature pin oak tree

Question: I would like to know if given the warmer than usual January and February,it is too late to have my mature pin oak tree pruned. The pruning may be delayed several more weeks due to tree cutting companies being inundated with work caused by the recent ice and heavy snow storms.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 20, 2023, 12:52 PM EDT
response: These photos of the pin oak were taken 3/20/23

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied March 20, 2023, 1:29 PM EDT
response: Hello Laura We had this question asked on Feb. 28th and here is MSU Professor, Forest Ecology, Deborah McCullough’s reply:  “Pruning oaks should not be a problem at this point( Feb. 28th). I would be very surprised if the tiny nitidulid beetles that can vector Oak Wilt are active yet. They would have to warm up to the point where they could fly - which takes quite a bit of heat accumulation. Then they would have to find a mycelial mat on a tree that died last year and the mat would have to be producing spores - too early and too cool for much of that. It is unlikely that many trees are producing mats, let alone spores. Given all that would need to happen, I think you have a month or so for pruning.”  Based on that, if you cannot prune before April 15, which is the beginning of Oak Wilt season, then do not prune until after Oak Wilt season ends — middle July or beginning of August. Waiting until after several freeze events in fall, through the winter, is the safest time to prune.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/smart-gardening-to-prevent-oak-wilt  If you must prune for a safety concern, then be prepared to immediately( in under 5 minutes) paint each cut on the tree with household latex paint. A pruner sealer may also be used but, household latex paint works as well. ( removing full name, piblic database)

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 20, 2023, 4:57 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick response.   Laura          -----Original Message----- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> To: Laura Flanagan Sawyer <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Mon, Mar 20, 2023 1:29 pm Subject: Re: Pruning a mature pin oak tree (#0092827)
egg pod?

Question: Any idea what kind of egg pod this may be?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 20, 2023, 2:51 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Keith.  We don't know whether it is a cocoon, a clutch (of eggs) or a growth, such as a gall, on the plant.  What plant species is it growing on?  Where on the plant was it located?  Is it hard or soft?  If you can fill in the blanks, we can try to provide an accurate answer.  Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 20, 2023, 3:22 PM EDT
response: It is hard and on a Kiwi. My backyard in SW Portland.   On 03/20/2023 11:51 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 20, 2023, 6:00 PM EDT
response: Is it at the end of a branch or twig?. Without laboratory examination, our best guess is that is one of the galls described here, which has been found on kiwi in California:  http://pnwhandbooks.stage.extension.oregonstate.edu/plantdisease/pathogen-articles/pathogens-common-many-plants/bacteria-other-prokaryotes/crown-gall You can have it examined by the OSU Plant Disease Clinic:  https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/submit-sample/how-submit-plant-materials Sorry we can't be more specific.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 20, 2023, 9:46 PM EDT
response: Thank You.   On 03/20/2023 3:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 20, 2023, 10:13 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
Pepper damage

Question: Hello, 
I just noticed some brown spots on my pepper seedlings. I'm not seeing anything obvious hiding on the bottom of the leaves.
Do you know what this could be and how to control it?

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied March 20, 2023, 3:27 PM EDT
response: The color on the seedlings is very poor. This is usually this early on to excess water, cool soil and or air,  poor root growth or beginning damp-off. If you want, send me soil temps, light intensity etc. and I'll try to troubleshoot it further.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 20, 2023, 4:28 PM EDT
response: Thanks.  They are on a heat mat in a greenhouse.  Soil stays above 60/65 and extra cover keeps air temp warm at night. No supplemental light but in full sun. I wouldn't be surprised if overwatering is the issue.  Would love to confirm that it's cultural and not disease.  Thanks! Michaela

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied March 21, 2023, 9:31 PM EDT
response: our best bet is to take them to the Lane Extension at 10th and Jefferson for an eyes on checkup. No charge.
Fruit trees

Question: We have 40 fruit trees and hope to make fruit nectar for the kids soon. We have a 1 acre yard and most of the trees are 5-7 years old. Our question has to do with spraying. My wife and I disagree when the best time is to spray. As a result we end up not spraying, and the fruit (especially peaches) either disappear overnight from squirrels or have bug damage. We need advice on how to produce good-looking fruit. Obviously I am only sending a photo of the best=looking peaches

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied March 20, 2023, 11:18 AM EDT
response: Hi- Generally, apple, peach, and sweet cherry have the most insect pest and disease problems, closely followed by European pear, plum, apricot, and tart cherry. Fig, Asian pear, Asian persimmon, pawpaw can usually be grown without spraying pesticides.  Since you have many fruit trees and have already experienced pest and disease problems you should follow a spray schedule because the problems tend to return each year and by the time you see the signs and symptoms of a problem it is too late to spray.   Example: brown rot is a devastating fungal disease of the stone fruits like peach and cherry. To control this disease, the first fungicide application is made when flowers first open. Waiting to spray until you observe the brown fruit lesion and fuzzy mycelial growth means you are too late. The preventative fungicides available to home gardeners do not cure fungal or bacterial infections.  The best way to avoid problems is by selecting varieties with disease resistance, improving soil health, and giving each tree what it needs to be healthy- proper light, pruning, fertilization, etc. Garden sanitation is also critically important- quickly removing infested and badly diseased plant parts.  For timing- we suggest following VA Tech's 2023 home fruit guide (right menu). They also have solid information on synthetic and organic pesticides and their relative effectiveness. The key is learning and addressing the most persistent and severe problems like brown rot, plum curculio, codling moth, rust diseases, peach tree borer, and apple scab.  Other resources: UME fruit pages NCSU web page UKY web page (10 years old) Purdue web page  Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 21, 2023, 9:44 AM EDT
response: Thank you
Rhododendron problem

Question: Hello,
I'm wondering if you have any ideas what is wrong with my rhododendron hedge.  It has been in the ground about 15 years, gets regular water during the summer.  I usually fertilize it every other year or so.  It does get some sun but is shaded during the hottest part of the day.  It started to look a bit ratty last summer but is looking much worse now.  
Thank you. 

Note the white spots on the second photo.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 20, 2023, 12:11 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Galen.  Are your plants in the sun?  They appear to have leaf scorch and/or burn, described here:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/azalea-rhododendron-spp-leaf-burn They may be showing the effects of fertilizer burn as well.  I suggest that you get the soil tested for pH and nutrients, and ask for soil amendment recommendations.  This article has a list of labs:  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em8677 You can find more information about the care of this species here:  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/fs12/html Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 06, 2023, 5:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your reply.  I had the soil tested and it seems it is in good condition with a ph of 6.0. Organic matter is 7.3% which I was told is good--the average for the Willamette Valley is 4.5 - 5%.  The only thing they suggested was to give the rhodies and laurels a tiny bit of nitrogen which would be available now.  He said once they start growing, the nitrogen level would be fine.   So, while I'm happy to hear my soil is pretty healthy, I'm still not sure why my rhodies and laurels are looking so poor.  I will pay more attention to the light conditions this summer.  We did lose a large willow three in that area a couple years ago so I know there is more sun there, but the rhodies are against a tall fence, so I think they are somewhat protected.  As far as why the laurels are so yellow and losing leaves, I guess that's still a mystery.  The person from the testing lab was pretty clear about not fertilizing either of them.  Keeping my fingers crossed here.Thanks again.GalenOn Mon, Mar 20, 2023 at 9:11 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 06, 2023, 5:57 PM EDT
response: The three photos all appear to be rhododendrons.  I was hoping the yellowing was abiotic (sunburn, nutrient deficiency, etc.), but if that is not the cause, then I suggest you consider one of several diseases that can cause these symptoms.  Here is the PNW diagnostic page on rhododendron leaf diseases:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/rhododendron-leaf-spots Unfortunately, the only reliable diagnosis can come from a lab examination.  Here is the link to the OSU Plant Clinic, to which you can send samples:  https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/submit-sample/how-submit-plant-materials I hope they can help.