MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Black film on plants

Question: Hello!

I was on a long summer trip, and when I returned, I noticed that many of the plants in my back yard had a black residue on the leaves.  This is mostly contained to my back yard (which is on the western side of my property) and not my side yard (which is south-facing).

There is a neighbor's tree that hangs over much of my backyard, I am pretty sure that it is a hackberry.  I'm wondering if this tree is dropping something onto my plants?  I am attaching some photos.  

Any ideas about what this might be and if it is harmful to my garden?


Thanks, Erin DeLaney

responder: Bill J.  Replied July 20, 2023, 8:47 AM EDT
response: Sooty Mold Management Guidelines--UC IPM (ucanr.edu) It appears that your plants are covered with sooty mold.  The website above will give you some information on this condition.  It is generally caused by aphids excreting honeydew onto the leaves and then the sticky surface of the leaf attracting the spores of the sooty mold fungus.  Sooty Mold is generally not too harmful to plants except that it can reduce the ability of the plant to photosynthesize.  It is recommended that you spray your plants with water to wash off as much of the mold as possible and then spray them with a fungicide, such as Daconil.  If you can see the aphids on the plants and the water spray isn't sufficient to remove them, a spray with a landscape insecticide should be effective.  If the aphids are overhead in the tree, you may have to wash off your plants occasionally to keep the honeydew from collecting on the leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 3:57 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information.   I have tomatoes and herbs that are getting covered in the sooty mold.  If I am able to clean most or all of the sooty mold off, is it OK to eat these things?  I have basil plants that I was wanting to make pesto out of.  I will clean off the leaves as best I can, but I know that I won't be able to get 100% of the black off.  Will this be unhealthy to eat?Thanks!On Thu, Jul 20, 2023 at 8:47 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Bill J.  Replied July 26, 2023, 4:23 PM EDT
response: The Plant Doctor - Sooty Mold | Mississippi State University Extension Service (msstate.edu) Sooty Mold is not toxic to humans but it may affect the taste of fruit or vegetables.  It is recommended that the tomatoes be washed thoroughly before eating and the moldy leaves of the basil be removed and fresh leaves be allowed to emerge for picking.
Powdery mildew on peonies

Question: My peonies are all infected with powdery mildew. It is all over the leaves and the stems. There are quite a few of them all in a row along a rock wall facing west. They get sun all day starting around 10am. We are on the west shore of Lake Champlain in South Hero so there’s usually a good breeze coming off the lake. I’ve seen it on them in past seasons but never quite this bad. I know it’s hard to treat and am wondering if I should just cut them back to the ground now like I would normally do in the fall. They were transplanted to this location at least 20 years ago so they are at least that old. Is there anything I should do  throughout the spring/summer season next year to prevent this?
Thank you so much! I’ve attached a few photos.

responder: Sean Warner, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied July 20, 2023, 4:30 AM EDT
response: Good  morning Madeleine, As you said, powdery mildew can be difficult to remove.  If your peonies are done growing, you can prune them and remove any infected material. Be sure to wear disposable gloves and sterilize your cutting utensil after. You can also try neem oil, horticultural oil, or sulfur-based fungicides. These are more organic and will help. Applying these early in the growing season, before blooms appear will help as well.  Monitor any peony plants left and if they become infected, prune them back. Please let us know if you need anything else. Sean

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 8:47 AM EDT
response: Sean,Thanks for your reply. I’ll try these methods and hopefully have a better season next year.-MadeleineOn Jul 20, 2023, at 4:30 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
How to regrow meadow in Colorado mountains

Question: We have just completed building a house in Tabernash, CO at 8400 ft. We have field of dirt dug up from the construction that used to be a meadow and want to regrow the meadow. We have not brought in any extra soil and have just replaced the topsoil from the property. How would you recommend that we help the grass and wildflowers to regrow? Should we use a grass seed mix and water it to get it going or should we cover the soil somehow so that it doesn't blow away and let the previous grasses and wildflowers regrow?

responder: Denyse Schrenker   Replied July 27, 2023, 1:52 PM EDT
response: Hello Martha,  I would work on keeping the weeds really well controlled this summer and early fall and then seed in the late fall/ early winter. After the first small snows that will melt quickly and before a larger snow that will stick is the most ideal time. The idea behind this is that the snow will cover the seed for most of winter and it will slowly get worked into the soil over winter and then germinate with the spring moisture. This timing works really well for wildflower seed. Grass seed can be seeded at the same time or you can wait until early spring to seed. With both the grass and wildflower seed it is best to pack down the seed into the soil some by either using a lawn roller or putting down plywood boards and walking on them. You do not want the seed buried very deeply (you generally want it within the top 1/8th inch of the soil) but you do want to establish good contact between the seed and the soil. You could also include a nurse crop of oats (Avena sativa) or triticale. These annual crops will help hold the soil in place and control weeds while the perennial grasses and wildflowers are establishing. You want to make sure to mow them down before they go to seed though because they can become a weed issue if they are allowed to set seed. There is a type of sterile triticale (Quickguard sterile triticale) that does not produce viable seed that is great to use but more expensive.   Here are a few resources on establishing meadows: https://extension.unh.edu/resource/planting-pollinators-establishing-wildflower-meadow-seed-fact-sheet  http://rightofway.erc.uic.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/1A5-est-prairie-grasses-wildflowers.pdf  https://kenosha.extension.wisc.edu/files/2020/03/Five-Steps-to-Successful-Prairie-Establishment.pdf  Please let me know if you have any follow up questions!  Best, Denyse

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 9:39 PM EDT
response: Hi Denyse, Thank you so much for your thorough response!! All of the information was really helpful and we look forward to trying out your advice. Enjoy your summer!MarthaOn Thu, Jul 27, 2023 at 11:52 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Is this insect a bed bug, or something else?

Question: Hello. I’m concerned about this bug I found on my bed around 2 am local time in Portland. The light was on in the room and I noticed the bug crawling when I started to get into bed. When I lightly smashed the insect, there was red blood on the tissue. The bug is about the size of two pin heads and it has a long tube or "horn" on its head. It appears dark until I shined a flashlight on it for some of the photos. The band around its neck is dark and I couldn't get a good shot of it. The antennae are kind of long and look like they have a rounded tip, which I don’t see in bed bug photos online, so hopefully it is some other insect! Please let me know what you think it is. 

Here is the Google directory with photos at different angles and in different lighting: 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fN-YhDiMjQ8R0QxOQnt6Zcp1yzmf9A2j?usp=drive_link.  I attached a few of the photos too. Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 9:03 AM EDT
response: P.S. I also did not notice any hairs or appearance of vertical bands on the insect, which I'd expect to see with a bed bug.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied July 19, 2023, 7:55 PM EDT
response: Hi Laura, That is some kind of true bug (Order: Hemiptera). I can't see very much detail in your photos, but the antennae definitely look different than bed bug antennae, so I think you are fine.  Hope that helps! Yours,
Milkweed Tussock Moth

Question: These (native) Tussock Moths that like milkweed are not just dining on my milkweed plants, they are devouring them - quickly. I don’t want to wipe them out but I don’t want to lose my last two plants either. What do you suggest?

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 20, 2023, 1:00 PM EDT
response: Hi,  These are great! The plants are doing their job by feeding native insects, but yes unfortunately hungry caterpillars can ravish plants.  They most likely won't kill the plants, just defoliate them, and the roots should hold reserves to grow next season or possibly send up more growth this season. Besides picking some off, although that kind of defeats the purpose, maybe you could offer an additional food source? Could you add some additional milkweed for them even if you don't plan on adding it to that garden space long term, you could keep it potted (and watered) to give them more to munch on, or move them to the potted plant and move the plant away from the devoured in ground plants.  Maybe you could relocate a few caterpillars to some roadside milkweed in a safe location or hop on a social media gardening group and see if anyone nearby would like to share in the native plant gardening journey! Let us know if you have further questions. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 6:35 AM EDT
response: Thank you. I ended up relocating them to a Hemp dogbane plant nearby that they seem to be enjoying.   Sure hope my milkweed come back next year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 6:38 AM EDT
response: I’m also having an issue with my Veronicastrum virginicum plant. Any idea what is going on here?

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 25, 2023, 2:49 PM EDT
response: To our knowledge, we are not coming up with a specific disease but it looks like it could be some type of bacterial leaf spot. For now, we would just suggest that you take off the leaves that look the worse and monitor for more symptoms. At the end of the season you can cut back or rake up any of the dead plant material to make sure it doesn't overwinter. Avoid overhead watering if you can or at least try to water in the early part of the day when necessary.  Let us know if the symptoms worsen or the plant look changes.  Emily
They're very tiny, smaller than a piece of rice. I do not see wings.

Question: I have a question, I'd like to know if you're able to identify this insect. They're on my deck, my siding and my lawn furniture. Thanks for any information. Cathy Gough

responder: MJ Replied July 19, 2023, 12:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Cathy, The photo is not very clear. How big are these bugs, and do they have wings? It looks like they have antennas too?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 1:17 PM EDT
response: They're very tiny, smaller than a piece of rice and I do not see wings.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 2:21 PM EDT
response: Sorry the photo is blurry, the insect is very tiny, much smaller than a piece of rice. I don't see wings, but I do see antennas. They're not out in the morning, they usually come out afternoon. Thanks! Cathy Gough Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android  On Wed, Jul 19, 2023 at 11:23 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied July 19, 2023, 3:17 PM EDT
response: Hi Cathy, These look like springtails. They’re a nuisance but are harmless. Color varies, but they’re often gray. They like damp areas. Here’s a couple fact sheets: https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/springtails https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7363 Hope this helps. Thanks.
What's wrong with my peas?

Question: I am growing snow peas and they were doing great until recently I notice they are dying off from the bottom. The tops are still green and healthy looking. I thought maybe overwatering, but they are not just yellow, but dry and almost like not enough water. Need fertilizer maybe? Not sure what to do but I'd like to plant more so I'd love some advice. Thanks-
Lisa

responder: Cristi  Replied July 19, 2023, 7:35 PM EDT
response: Hi Lisa:  Generally, when peas start browning from the bottom up it is caused by a fungal disease, common root rot or fusarium root rot.  There is no treatment for this.  You will need to pull the peas out and start again, in a different spot of your garden, to prevent the transmission to your new crop.  I'm going to attach a bulletin that explains diseases of the pea and preventative strategies.   Pea Plant, Diseases and Pests  Thank you for your question,

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 9:11 PM EDT
response: OK, bummer but thank you. Will I need to remove the soil from the raised bed to avoid problems next year. Or will it die over winter?Lisa Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/19/23 4:35 PM (GMT-08:00) To: eclipse <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: What's wrong with my peas? (#0111320)

responder: Cristi  Replied July 20, 2023, 1:32 PM EDT
response: The recommendation is to wait 5 years before planting peas in that area again.  If it is not practical to wait that long, soil removal may be your best option.  Be sure you are using a variety recommended for Central Oregon.  I'm attaching that list below...  Recommended vegetables for Central Oregon.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 12:04 AM EDT
response: Yikes. OK, so now my green beans are yellowing. They are in the same planting bed so would you imagine that is the same problem? I only have two raised beds so if I need to keep peas, and now perhaps beans, out of there…can I plant anything else? My lettuce looks good and Broccoli seems ok so far. Or do I just need to dig it out and start over?You’ve been really helpful – thanks Lisa Canady<personal data hidden>   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Thursday, July 20, 2023 10:33 AMTo: eclipse <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: What's wrong with my peas? (#0111320)

responder: Cristi  Replied July 21, 2023, 11:19 AM EDT
response: Lisa: I would not plant anything else in this bed this year.  You may want to try the solarization method to speed up cleansing of the soil from pathogens.  To solarize the soil, you must leave a clear plastic tarp on the soil surface for 4-6 weeks during the hottest part of the year.   The timing is perfect!  This process will reduce or eliminate many soil inhabiting pests including nematodes, fungi, insects, weeds and weed seeds.  Soil Solarization for Gardens and Landscapes
Snow ball plant

Question: What pest is burrowing into this cut off branch on my snowball plant?  Notice the white specks which are sawdust. I don't think it's bugs?

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied August 02, 2023, 8:17 PM EDT
response: Hi Karen,  Looks like some sort of cane boring activity.  You would need to bring us a sample to our plant clinic in Redmond so that would could potentially identify the insect then suggest management.  You could also remove that particular cane and dispose of it to see if that helps.  Is it just the one cane that is affected?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 02, 2023, 8:59 PM EDT
response: Yes I believe just one cane. I will cut it off & burn it. If I see more I will let you know. Thank you.I actually have not seen anymore sawdust since I sprayed it with an insecticide.  KarenOn Aug 2, 2023 5:17 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Dear Karen, here's the response to your question: Hi Karen,  Looks like some sort of cane boring activity.  You would need to bring us a sample to our plant clinic in Redmond so that would could potentially identify the insect then suggest management.  You could also remove that particular cane and dispose of it to see if that helps.  Is it just the one cane that is affected?    Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0111311 Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist OSU Extension Service in Central Oregon <personal data hidden>   <personal data hidden> We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.
Portuguese laurels dying

Question: We have a few older Portuguese laurels that have grown very tall, resembling a tree. The are great for shade and the birds and squirrels love them.  The past couple of years we are noticing rows of small holes running down the trunk. One of the layers died this summer and another looks to be heading for the same fate.  What would be causing this and is there anything we can do to prevent?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 1:54 PM EDT
response: These large laurels have been in our yard for years.  We have noticed the holes for the past few years. We keep a close eye on the birds that come through the yard and do see the occasional woodpecker and sapsucker, but our guess would be that we would be seeing them regularly for to make so many holes. We really aren't sure if these holes are the culprit.  On the dead laurel, we do see a 'mold' at the base and wonder if this has something to do with it. Thanks, -john

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied July 19, 2023, 6:02 PM EDT
response: Flicker (sapsucker) damage. They can weaken a tree a lot and coupled with the extreme heat can indeed be serious.  When a tree experiences stress caused by humans, animals or any other means, sugars from the tree’s sap will concentrate in the area to help repair the problem. Many types of insects and animals, including sapsuckers, detect the sweet tree sap and will be attracted to the area. A larger concern is the opening of the bark and allowing insects and disease easier access into the tree. In some cases you can protect the tree by wrapping the trunk with hardware cloth or burlap to try and discourage them from feeding. Laurels have been known to resprout from the base, so you might try cutting down the dead one to see what happens. Good luck.
Evergreen tree shedding needles quickly

Question: I have an evergreen tree in my yard that is 40+ years old.  It is turning brown and shedding it's needles very quickly.  This has not happened in previous years.  We noticed a something that appears to be sap and we're concerned that the tree has a bug infestation of some sort.  I've attached photos of the tree and the substance on the truck which is about a foot or two from the ground.  Thank you!

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 20, 2023, 4:06 PM EDT
response: Hi Janice, Where in Jefferson County are you located? Could you tell me generally how long the needles are on the tree? That would help me identify the type of pine you have, which would be helpful for diagnosis of the issue. It does seem likely that you have borer in your tree - it might help if you could dig through the masses of sap to see if you find any larvae in the sap.  Are you noticing any breakage or die-off of branches? Are the symptoms only showing in this one pine? Thank you! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 4:57 PM EDT
response: Hi, The needles are about 2.5 to 3 inches long.  I don't know if there is larvae, but I'm attaching a phone of a crack/hole in the bark where I removed the sap. Yes, branches are dying off.  This is the only evergreen tree in our back yard.  We have two evergreen trees in the front, but they are a different type of tree and I don't see signs of this issue on those trees. Thanks,Janice

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 20, 2023, 6:43 PM EDT
response: Thanks Janice. Could you send a photo of the entire tree? Could you also tell me where abouts in Jefferson County you live? Thanks, Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 7:55 PM EDT
response: Hi Hania, Attached are a couple of photos of the entire tree.   We are located just East and South of 72nd and Ward Road in Arvada.  We are about 2 blocks south of Ralston Creek. Thanks, Janice

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 25, 2023, 2:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Janice, Unfortunately, it's difficult to tell what's going on with your tree via photos. It does appear like there was some borer activity where the resin is, but it's possible that the tree was able to expel the borers successfully.  The needle shedding might actually be a normal response, as pines will periodically flush out a lot of their interior pine needles since they are largely shaded out anyways. The browning could also be related to winter damage, which we've seen a lot of throughout the Front Range this year after those extreme cold snaps.  I'm not noticing obvious die-back of branches, although there are some potential branches with die-back higher in the canopy. With all of this in mind, I think it might make the most sense to call in an arborist to assess the tree in its entirety.  Thanks, Hania
What type of tree- Sick horse

Question: What type of tree

responder: MJ Replied July 18, 2023, 4:37 PM EDT
response: Hi Michelle, I need much closer photos of a branch, leaves and the bark to attempt an ID. If your horse is very sick please call a vet. Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 5:12 PM EDT
response: Thank youyesworking with a vet---- On Tue, 18 Jul 2023 15:37:29 -0500 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote ---

responder: MJ Replied July 18, 2023, 5:27 PM EDT
response: Hi Michelle, The first two new photos appear to be Siberian elm. The last photo looks like a box elder. Box elder is a maple and is linked to this illness in horses: https://extension.umn.edu/horse-pastures-and-facilities/seasonal-pasture-myopathyI am sure of the Siberian elm iD but less certain about the box elder. Nonetheless, sources on the web say horses should not be pastured where there are maples. I would remove both of these trees and make sure there are no dried seeds or leaves left in the area. This may be helpful for the future: https://extension.psu.edu/trees-in-horse-pastures I hope your horse gets better. So sorry about this! Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 10:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!---- On Tue, 18 Jul 2023 16:27:58 -0500 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote ---

responder: MJ Replied July 19, 2023, 8:46 AM EDT
response: You’re welcome.