MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Bark damage on 2 Japanese maples

Question: Our 2 Japanese maple trees have what appears to be freshly damaged bark. Wondering the cause and if we should take any action.
Thank you!

responder: Sarah Bronstein  Replied May 18, 2023, 1:19 AM EDT
response: Hello Vonda, It appears that something has been chewing on the bark of your maples. Rabbits are a common cause of this, although typically they would do this at the base of the tree and not up where you are seeing the damage. Squirrels or deer could also be culprits. although they would be more likely to engage in this behavior in the late winter, when food is scarce. If you live in a wooded area, it could also be a porcupine eating your bark. Regardless of the active pest, you will want to protect the tree from further chewing to avoid girdling (where the bark is stripped completely in a ring around the trunk). Once this happens, your tree is likely to die, or to sprout from below the girdled point. To protect the trunks from further damage, consider wrapping them in wire or mesh material. Be sure that the tree guard is not touching the trunk, to avoid further bark damage. The trees will heal around the scars on their own - there is no need to paint anything onto the bare areas along the trunk. Good luck! Sarah Bronstein Master Gardener, 2022

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 10:44 AM EDT
response: Hi Sarah, Thank you for your thoughtful response.  Hmmm.  We have LOTS of chipmunks.  Little beasts.VondaOn Wed, May 17, 2023 at 10:19 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Rodents in garden potting mix safety

Question: Hello, 
Some sort of rodent got into my potting soil from last year and started digging holes and burying/eating pumpkin seeds. There are also droppings in some of my containers of potting soil still in the garage. I am unsure if the critter(s) are mice, rats, or something else- I couldn't get a close enough look. (There was extensive construction nearby which I believe is what drove them into my garage and potting soil)

Is it safe for me to still use the potting mix to grow vegetables in containers this year? Do I need to do anything to make it safe? (The answers for farms and school gardens say not to harvest from areas with animal poop but in containers I don't have that option)

Please let me know if you need more pictures- the ones with more droppings from inside the garage today didn't turn out.

Thank-you!

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied May 14, 2023, 1:55 PM EDT
response: Good Afternoon Erica,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Please click on the following link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about vegetable garden food safety: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/lessons-learned-view-my-garden This article does not address mouse dropping in vegetable growing soil but does discuss food safety when harvesting produce.  Mouse dropping may end up in vegetable garden soil also, but would not be the concentrated amount you may have in your container. It appears from your photo, that this potting soil was used in a prior year. I cannot tell how many dropping are in your container.  My opinion is to use fresh soil in the containers that you are using to grow produce to eat. You could use the contaminated soil for growing flowers or perennials that you are not going to consume. I believe it would be better to be safe than sorry. Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2023, 3:10 PM EDT
response: Thank-you for your advice and helpful link Maureen!Could I let the potting mix sit in a mouse proofed bin in my garage for a year (or more?) to be able to use it in the future or would that still be unsafe? I had about 15 cubic feet of potting mix that I use for vegetables and it looks like they got into almost all of it. Unfortunately I simply do not grow enough flowers to use that much. I am weighing whether I need to find a flower gardener to give it away to or if it is worth keeping any of it for future use.Thanks again!EricaOn Sun, May 14, 2023, 12:56 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied May 17, 2023, 7:32 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Erica,  Again, I would not re-use that potting soil for vegetables you plan to consume.  Here is a link to composting the soil: https://extension.umn.edu/managing-soil-and-nutrients/composting-home-gardens#compostable-materials-882312 You could spread the used soil on your lawn.
Is this a Chokecherry tree??

Question: We have been trying to figure out if this is a Chokecherry tree. It has very fragrant (delicious smelling) blossoms for about a week to maybe two weeks. It gets very dark purple, almost black, little berries in mid to late summer. The lady who lived here before us wasn't sure what it is.

responder: Weld County Colorado Master Gardeners Replied May 15, 2023, 11:40 AM EDT
response: Dear Kim,  Thank you for your email and question!    Based on the photos, I agree that it is most likely chokecherry (Prunus virginiana).    Please let us know if you have any further questions!  Sara

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2023, 3:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much!! I appreciate you! Have a beautiful rest of your day and week!Kim Sherer On Mon, May 15, 2023, 9:40 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Dwarf peach tree leaf disease?

Question: Hi.  We have had a dwarf peach tree for a couple of years now.  Recently, I notices a strange issue with some of the leaves.  I've heard of peach rust, but when I looked up images, it looks different from what is going on with our tree.  I've attached pictures of the issue and would appreciate any help with identification and suggestions on what to do about it.  Thank you!!

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied May 15, 2023, 1:54 PM EDT
response: You have a common disease of peach called peach leaf curl. This is due to a yeast-like fungus that gets into leaf scars in the fall and/or bud in February. The images shows the leaf galls which are very colorful but they are not very plentiful so all should be ok. These leaves will eventually turn black and fall off. You can read more about it here: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/peach-prunus-persica-leaf-curl

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 1:37 PM EDT
response: Hi Dr. Pscheidt.  I just wanted to say thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my question about our ailing Japanese Maple.  Your reply was very helpful.  I really appreciate this service of OSU.  Take care. Christopher McHenryOn Mon, May 15, 2023 at 10:54 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Lawn weed identification

Question: Hello. I've attached 2 pictures of a lawn weed I cannot identify. If it matters, I live in northeast Columbus. As you might be able to see, there is a bit of purple on the top of the first pic. The weed looks like a little tree. I'd like to know how to treat it, whether with 2, 4-D, Quinclorac, Triclopyr, etc. Thank you very much

responder: Dennis Mohn  Replied May 13, 2023, 7:10 PM EDT
response: Hello,       I'm Dennis and I would like to be able to help you with your question. First I would ask if it is possible to get a picture a little closer to the plant . It appears to be growing in a crack in concrete, is this in a driveway or sidewalk?.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 13, 2023, 9:32 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for the response. The weed is not growing from the sidewalk; I pulled it from my lawn and set it down on my front porch, so that's the cement background you see. Tomorrow I'll get down in the grass and get a couple of pictures of the weed upright in the lawn, which I'll send youSent from Yahoo Mail on Android  On Sat, May 13, 2023 at 7:10 PM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2023, 7:32 PM EDT
response: Here are 2 close-ups of the lawn weed. I hope they assist you in identifying the weed and a good chemical to control it. Thank you very much Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android  On Sat, May 13, 2023 at 7:10 PM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Dennis Mohn  Replied May 15, 2023, 5:27 AM EDT
response: Hello again, I believe what you have is referred to as corn speedwell. It is best treated with a preemergence applied in the fall and again in the spring with a post emergence. It is best treated before coming into flower since it propagates by seed and spreads by runners.  The links provided below will give you more information on the plant as well as suggestions as to how to control it.  As with any pesticide or herbicide , always read and follow the instructions on the container carefully.  https://plantfacts.osu.edu/pdf/0246-312.pdf https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/cornus-florida https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-common-field-speedwell https://extension.umd.edu/resource/corn-speedwell

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2023, 4:54 PM EDT
response: This is very helpful -- thank you very much Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android  On Mon, May 15, 2023 at 5:27 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Dennis Mohn  Replied May 15, 2023, 6:28 PM EDT
response: you are very welcome
Rosa New Dawn Climbing Rose

Question: My climbing rose has tons of flowers, but the petals fall off after only a few days.  I feed them with a Espoma Rose-tone and the soil has lots of organic material.  Do you have thoughts on what might be causing the petals to drop so quickly?

Thanks.

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 May 15, 2023, 12:43 PM EDT
response: Hi,  It looks pretty healthy over all. Maybe the petal fall is just the fluctuating temperatures this spring. It could be rain or wind or days with high heat that is causing them to fall off. It looks like you're doing everything right with it!  If you notice any significant symptoms, feel free to send us back a photo or that area to inquire further.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2023, 2:21 PM EDT
response: Okay, thanks Emily.  I'll let you know if anything changes significantly. Best,MikeOn Mon, May 15, 2023 at 12:43 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 May 15, 2023, 2:37 PM EDT
response: you're welcome!
what's wrong with bradford pear tree

Question: This spring our Bradford pear tree has leafed out and developed blossoms (prior to hail storm) only at the ends of branches. The interior of the tree is relatively bare of leaves. This tree has been beautifully full and lush in past years. It was routinely sprayed for blight already. What's wrong, and can it be corrected?

responder: Weld County Colorado Master Gardeners Replied May 15, 2023, 11:54 AM EDT
response: Good Morning!  Thank you for sending in your question to CSU Extension!  Honestly, it's a little too early in the season to see if there is an issue with a tree leafing out.  Trees leaf out at different rates each year due to differing weather and temperatures during the winter and spring.  This winter was extremely cold, so things are a few weeks behind what we would normally expect.  It could also be slightly delayed due to the hail storms causing some damage to the tree and the tree needing a little more time to recover.  The tips of branches are the newest growth, so it's actually a good sign that those are leafing out.    I'd watch the tree closely over the next few weeks and, if it continues to be a problem in June, reach out again.  If you do need to reach out again, please send along photos of the entire tree with a little bit of the surrounding area, photos of the branches up close, and let us know the status of the blossoms.  Also be mindful of anything else you may notice about the tree.  And pruning, fertilizing, and other care practices would also be helpful for us to know in order to diagnose the problem.     Fingers crossed the tree catches up and everything is good for the season.  Please let us know if you have any further questions!  Sara

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2023, 1:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you. We'll just wait and see. Sent from my Galaxy-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 5/15/23 9:55 AM (GMT-07:00) To: astropj2 <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: what's wrong with bradford pear tree (#0099745)
Arborvitaes are so sick!

Question: Row of valued Arbors have been sick and debating pulling out.  Devastating. No other surrounding trees are sick.  Had Davey Tree apply a leafminer killer. Last year, Not much effect.  Help!  I really want to save them!  Thank you for your help. John Rushlow

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 15, 2023, 11:12 AM EDT
response: Hello, There are many factors that cause an arborvitae to brown, including improper planting, lack of water, too much water, environmental changes that could affect drainage and lead to root damage, insects, diseases and winter burn. How you water may have an impact. If an above ground sprinkler hits the branches of the tree, they may break the branches and an attack by an opportunistic fungus such as Phomopsis twig blight. Read more about Arborvitae diseases here: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/arborvitae/patchyyellowtobrowndiscoloration.html And here: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/arborvitae-needle-blight#:~:text=The%20best%20course%20of%20action,overwinter%20in%20the%20tree%20canopy. And here: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/arborvitae-thuja-occidentalis-root-rot Stressed trees are susceptible to insect attacks. Insects such as spider mites may cause damage to arborvitae. Check for mites by placing a white paper under a branch and give it a shake. The moving black dots that fall to the paper are mites. Read more here: https://extension.psu.edu/spruce-spider-mite Attached is another article about stress related evergreen dieback: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/id/id-477-w.pdf As you know, once evergreen leaves go brown and die, there is no way that they will recover. Photosynthesis which is necessary for growth only occurs in green leaves. Your trees which have no green growth cannot recover and probably should be removed.  In order to save the trees with green leaves, the problem should be diagnosed to consider a management program. However, it is difficult to diagnose the problem from a picture. For a definite diagnosis and treatment program, you can submit a sample to MSU Extension’s Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/ . A certified arborist would be able to assess the trees and suggest proper treatment. To find an arborist in your area, go to www.treesaregood.org, the website of the International Society of Arboriculture. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2023, 12:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you for helpful advice!!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 15, 2023, 6:28 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Bugs on Hibiscus

Question: I noticed these small brown bugs on my favorite hibiscus tree and a number of the leaves etc have turned yellow. Any idea what they are and how to rectify ?

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 May 15, 2023, 10:02 AM EDT
response: The small insects on your plant are aphids. They are usually minor pests that can temporarily reduce the aesthetic quality of trees and shrubs (and sometimes spread plant viruses) but they are relatively easy to manage. In your case, it looks like you have natural enemies (beneficial insects) that are already working to control the aphids naturally. There are some brown swollen "aphid mummies" present in your photos. These are aphids that have been parasitized by tiny wasps that laid their eggs inside -- and eventually killed them. Since you have beneficial insects at work, there is no need to use an insecticide. You could simply use a strong spray of water from a hose to wash the aphids off. That will be sufficient to disrupt the feeding of the ones that are still alive.   Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2023, 11:25 AM EDT
response: Thank you Crista, That is great and thank you for the quick response. I really like my hibiscus and glad to know it is going to be OK. Terry DunbarM:+<personal data hidden>On May 15, 2023, at 10:03 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
What is the name of this plant?

Question: Likes full sun. Has yellow daisy like flowers. Reseeds easily.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied May 13, 2023, 8:49 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. This appears to be one of the Hawkweeds.  It is highly invasive--much more so than dandelions. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/409445-Hieracium-lepidulum/browse_photos https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/orange-hawkweed I am going to check with some others on this and will be back to you.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied May 13, 2023, 9:36 AM EDT
response: This is indeed a hawkweed.   It appears to be for sale at a plant sale.  I do not recommend this--it is highly invasive by seeding and very difficult to eradicate.  Bag and trash.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 13, 2023, 12:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you. We were thinking false hawks weed, also. We had our annual plant sale and someone brought a bunch of them in. She said it even reseeds on her stone covered garden. I did label them as such.On Sat, May 13, 2023, 7:49 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 13, 2023, 1:04 PM EDT
response: The lady that brought it in said she bought it at Hyvee last year. On Sat, May 13, 2023, 8:36 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied May 13, 2023, 1:37 PM EDT
response: False hawksbeard Youngia japonica species https://warcapps.usgs.gov/PlantID/Species/Details/1775 is entirely different plant from the hawkweed Hieraclinae hieracium species. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/genus/hieracium/ Both are invasive.   This plant seems to be a hieracium  https://www.gardentags.com/plant-encyclopedia/hieracium-scotostictum/1985 or  https://www.perennials.com/plants/hieracium-maculatum-leopard.html or  https://www.perennials.com/plants/hieracium-maculatum-leopard.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 13, 2023, 3:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your help!

On Sat, May 13, 2023 at 12:37 PM Ask Extension <ask> wrote:
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White gloss on greens

Question: Here in Colorado Springs we had three inches of rain on May 11., yesterday. Today, the 12th, all of emerging vegie greens, as well as emerging flower leafs  have a white gloss on them. The white is not powder. Any ideas what this might be? Powdery mildew.?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 12, 2023, 10:58 PM EDT
response: Hello Gordon,   Thank you for your picture and your question. Please identify the vegetable in question.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 13, 2023, 8:11 AM EDT
response: All of our greens have the issue. Radishes, snap peas, spinach, arugula, Bok Choy and many of our emerging flowers. The pic is radishes. Others I talk to have the same problem after the rain.Gordon Kacala Sent from my iPad On May 12, 2023, at 8:58 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 16, 2023, 10:57 AM EDT
response: This appears to be powdery mildew. Here is a link provided by Colorado State University.  https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/vegetables/1833-powdery-mildew-vegetables/  We can only speak to your radishes (pictured). We are wondering if you thinned them out?   When the seedlings emerge, thinning plants to 2 inches apart. will help prevent powdery mildew and is better for vegetable production. Larger varieties, like daikon, should be thinned so they are spaced 4 to 6 inches apart.  Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
Blueberries

Question: This blueberry plant was blooming and had lots of blossoms. All of a sudden it turned to looking like this. The one next to it is still very healthy looking. Any insight as to what might have happened.
Thank you

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied May 14, 2023, 9:00 PM EDT
response: Hi Sue and thanks for your pictures of your blueberry plants. This looks like Scorch, a virus transmitted by aphids but not necessarily this year. It could have been incubating for 1-3 years but unfortunately means the plant will die and needs to be removed. I'll attach an article that tells more and I'm sorry the news is not better.  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/blueberry-vaccinium-corymbosum-scorch

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 20, 2023, 4:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your rely. It is greatly appreciated!SueSent from my iPhone On May 14, 2023, at 6:00 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied May 21, 2023, 12:00 PM EDT
response: You are very welcome.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 1:48 PM EDT
response: Hi Rhonda , Just to follow up with a question concerning the same blueberry bush. We went to take it out, and this is what we found.. could it potentially be making a comeback or is this false hope?Any insight would be helpful.Sent from my iPhone On May 21, 2023, at 9:00 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied June 01, 2023, 9:44 PM EDT
response: Hi Sue- I have since been looking into scorch in blueberries and it is very uncommon so hopefully I was wrong and the plant is fighting back from the blight or whatever got into it. I would trim and dispose of any of the dead areas and see what happens. Since the other plants are fine, just keep an eye on the whole lot and yes... there is always hope! Thanks for the update!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 9:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your quick response! Fingers crossed! Such great customer service!SueSent from my iPhone On Jun 1, 2023, at 6:44 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿