MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Pear disease

Question: I have a ten year old D'Anjou pear that has done well until last year. Last year I started to see cracked bark in a few spots, a few dead limbs, and frass tubes. In response I removed a lot of material. Now I am seeing those symptoms again and it looks like the bark at the base of the tree on one side is weeping slightly.  Can you tell me what this might be? It is right next to another pear so I will remove it if needed. Thank you..

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 April 25, 2023, 12:31 PM EDT
response: The pear might need removal, unfortunately, since it sounds like it's in decline due to recurring borer infestations and possibly other ailments. Ambrosia Beetles, the group of tiny beetles that bore into trees and create those "frass tubes" of sawdust, tend to target stressed trees as a secondary pest, though occasionally some species do target apparently-healthy trees. Pears are vulnerable to an array of pests and diseases, which you can explore in our linked pages about pear cultivation, so other overlapping issues might also be present that can't be treated once established. As for what began the tree's tress, it's hard to tell. Perhaps it developed one or more girdling roots, had soil moisture levels become too high or low at some point that caused root loss, or sustained damage to its lower trunk bark. Fire blight is a common bacterial infection on pear and only some cultivars have decent resistance while others are quite susceptible.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 25, 2023, 4:01 PM EDT
response: Thanks! On Tue, Apr 25, 2023 at 12:31 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 April 25, 2023, 5:17 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Tomato start lost leaves

Question: Hi, I started my tomatoes early (1/7/23) and have been growing them under lights inside. One of my San Marzanos has lost its leaves along the stem while keeping the top leaves. Other than that it looks healthy. Is this a problem and should I plant it? If not, can I compost it?
Thank you

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 April 24, 2023, 11:12 PM EDT
response: Clackamas Master Gardeners have a tomato growing class May 3rd you may find helpful. OSU publication EC 1333 includes much more information about tomato growing. Your question has me a bit puzzled. Are you thinking this plant has a disease, so you wouldn’t compost it? When do you plan to pot into larger container?

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 24, 2023, 11:45 PM EDT
response: Hi Jackie,I was worried that it has a bacterial disease or  something that has caused the leaves on the stem to drop. If that is the case then I wondered if I shouldn't plant it. And if I shouldn't plant it, could it be composted? If there is nothing  wrong with it except for leaves dropping, then it will be up potted this week. I don't normally start them as early as January, so they have been inside a lot longer than normal. Kim  On Apr 24, 2023, at 8:12 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

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 April 25, 2023, 12:14 AM EDT
response: There’s some brown on the stem, but nothing that clearly looks like an infectious disease. when you pot it on, you’ll be burying the stem deeply anyhow. I suggest you mark this one to keep track of it,  so that if it fails further, you can toss it. Composting it this early in the year should be fine, but I don’t find official advice. Or, you could dispose of it on the “better safe than sorry” theory.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 25, 2023, 12:58 AM EDT
response: Thank you Jackie. Much appreciated.Kim  On Apr 24, 2023, at 9:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Will they survive?

Question: Hello-
The rabbits did a number on a few of our shrubs this winter and I’m hoping you can help me on if these will survive of if we are going to have to replace these?  I have 2 of the dwarf burning bushes and just the one pine.  Thank you!!!

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied April 23, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. You are not alone.  There was very heavy damage to shrubs and young trees this fall.  Branches that are girdled more than 75% around can be cut off at the ground.  Leave the rest and see what happens. For shrubs (plants that have multiple stems coming from the ground), the roots are alive and should come back. I cannot tell what your shrub is (azalea?)  It is heavily damaged. I would be inclined to replace it and next winter put it in a 3 foot high cage of hardware cloth.  Your evergreens appear to be Mugo Pine.  1. Clean out the debris under them. Cut dead branches now. Leave them be until next spring.  https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/pine/do-mugo-pines-need-pruning.htm#:~:text=The%20principal%20rule%20when%20it,only%20trim%20the%20new%20growth.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 23, 2023, 8:46 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  The shrub is a dwarf burning bush.  I have two of them and they both look very similar.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied April 23, 2023, 9:49 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing back.  In that case, you do not have much to fear. These grow back from roots. Follow my earlier advice.  You might consider a hardware cloth cage next winter. https://m2enterprises.com/advice/burning-bush-dead-winter#:~:text=Is%20My%20Burning%20Bush%20Dying,cut%20off%20the%20dead%20branches.
Tree

Question: What type of tree is this?

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 22, 2023, 3:48 PM EDT
response: What type of tree is this?  I may want to get one for my yard?

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 April 24, 2023, 10:05 AM EDT
response: Hello, It looks like an Eastern Redbud; a Maryland native tree. Eastern Redbud | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu) Thanks for contacting us. Judy
Plant ID

Question: Can you identify this sweet smelling plant growing on Isle of Palms in Douth Carolina? Thank you

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 April 24, 2023, 1:41 PM EDT
response: Hi,  While it appears that you are posting the question from Maryland, we typically can't ID plants out-of-state. However, this appears to be a Waxleaf Privet (Ligustrum japonicum or Ligustrum lucidum), invasive in the U.S. and not recommended for gardens in our area.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 24, 2023, 2:08 PM EDT
response: Thank youSent from my iPhone On Apr 24, 2023, at 1:41 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 April 24, 2023, 2:33 PM EDT
response: you're welcome
What Is This Plant and Is It Native?

Question: Can you identify this plant?  All I know it's that it's an invasive species as several the size shown in Plant ID are growing on a neighboring property. Two smaller plants like the one shown in Plant ID 2 are currently sprouting in a mulched bed at the rear of my yard.  I'd like to know what it is, whether it's a MD native, and how aggressively it will grow before I decide if I should keep them or dig them up.  Any insight you can provide will be appreciated.  Thank you in advance.

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 April 25, 2023, 10:45 AM EDT
response: Invasive species are non-native, technically; "aggressive" is the term we use for very vigorous, easy-spreading native plants, which this appears to be. It looks like either Milkweed (can't tell which species yet...possibly Common, possibly Swamp) or its cousin Dogbane, all of which are locally native yet known to be too aggressive for most gardens. Swamp Milkweed can be an exception because it doesn't spread nearly as much and is a great garden addition for Monarch caterpillars and pollinator value. Common Milkweed can be grown in gardens if given enough space to itself, though creeping rhizomes need to be contained or out-of-bounds stems repeatedly pulled/cut as the clump gets as large as you're willing to let it.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 25, 2023, 12:24 PM EDT
response: Miri, Thanks for your reply.  I hope it's Common Milkweed especially for the Monarchs and it'll be a nice addition to that back bed.  I'll be sure to keep an eye on it though as I don't want it taking over. I appreciate the information.  Have a wonderful day!~BrendaOn Tue, Apr 25, 2023 at 10:45 AM 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 April 25, 2023, 3:18 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Brown/purple patch

Question: Hi - This brownish/purplish patch forms in the same spot every year. Never expands fortunately. It usually doesn’t appear until summer but with recent high temps it’s here in April. Please help me identify. My yard is tall fescue, about four years old. 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 April 24, 2023, 2:41 PM EDT
response: We suspect this is environmental instead of having a pest or disease cause, but it's hard to tell. The fact that it's not increasing in size and occurs during stressful weather for the turf (drought or heat) supports the theory that it has something to do with soil conditions. Often, buried stones, either as obstacles to drainage or an accelerant to drying (by limiting the moisture-holding capacity of the soil), are the cause. If you dig into this area you might find buried debris like gravel or bricks within a foot of the surface (there could be construction debris no matter how old the home is...wouldn't be unheard of).  Otherwise, diseases like Brown Patch can occur during heat and drought (and we are still in a drought in most of MD so far this year), but we think it's a bit early for this still despite the recent heat waves, and we would expect it to have spread over time. Still, you can look for the leaf lesions and fluffy white mycelium (fungal growth) during dewy mornings to try to rule this causal agent out.  If you discover debris while digging, incorporating organic matter (compost, usually) into the soil when replanting with new lawn seed or sod should help improve its drainage as well as moisture-holding capacity, especially if the buried materials found can't be removed easily.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 24, 2023, 3:40 PM EDT
response: Very interesting and makes sense. I’ve been tempted to dig up the soil there thinking it was tainted in some way but didn’t want to damage the yard. I’m going to go for it now. Thanks for your help and quick response! David

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 April 24, 2023, 5:21 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
field grass in Caste Rock at 6600 feet elevation

Question: I removed invasive vines and want to reseed. This area is over a leech field and not irrigated although I can use sprinklers to get it started. Need suggestions on what type of seed to buy and where?
Thank you,
Larry Gomes

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 21, 2023, 6:50 PM EDT
response: Hi Larry, You've got a few options.  Do you mow the area or leave it to grow, and how tall would you like the grass to be? Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 21, 2023, 7:01 PM EDT
response: It gets mowed 2 times a month during mid summer growth. Low grow would be fine. On Fri, Apr 21, 2023, 4:50 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 22, 2023, 10:07 AM EDT
response: Ok, thanks. I think for that situation I would recommend a fescue blend--something containing tall fescue, sheep fescue, chewings fescue, hard fescue, and perhaps others.  (They would be sold as mixture, so you don't need to find individual types).  These will make a turf grass of decent quality (not something you'd want to play croquet on, but nice and green and, most importantly, tolerant of mowing).  You could get seed at most hardware stores or garden centers. You could also consider using warm-season grasses like buffalo and blue grama.  These also stay low and are tolerant of mowing, and are more drought tolerant than the cool-season fescues.  The trade-off is that they are not tolerant of frosts and so aren't green for as much of the year as the fescue will be. I hope this is helpful. Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 22, 2023, 11:15 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the information!  On Sat, Apr 22, 2023 at 8:07 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Jade plant disease

Question: Hi, how do I treat this white ? Fungus on my jade plant? 

Thank you

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 21, 2023, 3:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Janine, Thank you for contacting the UVM Extension Master Gardener helpline with your question regarding identifying and remedying the white fungus on your Jade plant. The white fungus on your jade plant could be mealybugs, which look like white puffs of cotton. According to Michigan State University Extension, once mealybugs are found on a plant, it needs to be isolated from other plants to prevent the infestation from spreading. With smaller infestations, you can use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol on individual insects, but care must be taken to dab it on the insect and not the plant to prevent damage to plant tissue.  I hope you find this information helpful. If you suspect my conclusion is incorrect or have questions, don’t hesitate to reply. Enjoy, Jeff Nummelin, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer www.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardener No endorsement of products mentioned is intended, nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned. Any chemical recommendations in resources included should be used for informational purposes only as these chemicals may not be registered for use in Vermont.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 22, 2023, 12:10 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Jeff. there are so many on the plant that I am just going to throw it away & get a new one before it infects my other plants. Sent from my iPhone On Apr 21, 2023, at 3:23 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Bare branches on dwarf maple

Question: Hi,

I live in downtown Wilmington. There is a planter box in front of my townhouse, in which I planted a dwarf Japanese maple in 2019. Its been doing well until this year. Its about 4 ft tall. This year, the lower ~2ft has lovely full leaves. The upper half is still bare. There are what looks like the start of leaf buds, but they are not developing. The branches feel healthy, and if I scratch off some of the bark it looks green/white underneath.

Is there something I need to do? Or should I wait?  

I apologize If this got submitted twice.

Thanks

responder: Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP  Replied April 21, 2023, 1:31 PM EDT
response: That tissue does not look dead yet. I would wait a little longer to see if the top part leafs out. It may not, though, in which case, just prune out the dead part.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 21, 2023, 2:06 PM EDT
response: Hi Susan, Thanks so much for the reply.If I needed to eventually prune it. Would I prune the trunk down to just above where the branches have leaves or just the dead branches, leaving the trunk alone?ThanksAroshanOn Fri, Apr 21, 2023 at 1:31 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP  Replied April 21, 2023, 2:28 PM EDT
response: Prune the trunk to the point above the leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 29, 2023, 3:17 PM EDT
response: Hi Susan, I was looking at the tree again this morning and I noticed this "boil" sort of thing on the trunk. It's a few inches above the top-most branch with leaves. There are a couple of bare branches below it.The trunk itself is turning green further and further up the tree, so I am hoping the buds on the upper branches will sprout.Thanks again for your help.RegardsAroshanOn Fri, Apr 21, 2023 at 2:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP  Replied April 30, 2023, 6:40 AM EDT
response: The "boil" looks like a scale insect. It is a little hard to tell from the photo because it gets blurry when I blow it up to look closely. You could pick the scale off.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 2:40 PM EDT
response: Sorry about the photo. I hope the following is a better picture. I was able to scrape it off easily with a sharp knife. It has a thin brown casing with some white fibers underneath. I wasn't able to take a photo, unfortunately. The wood underneath looked healthy. I will prune down the trunk if the upper branches don't recover in the next couple of weeks.  Thank youAroshan On Sun, Apr 30, 2023 at 6:40 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP  Replied May 01, 2023, 4:46 PM EDT
response: That does look like a scale insect cover.
What kind of snake is this cute guy?

Question: Found this 18"-ish snake in our yard in Potomac. Can you help me identify it? From the web is sort of looks like a juvenile eastern rattle snake or a juvenile North American Racer, but I'm far from certain.

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 April 21, 2023, 11:03 AM EDT
response: This appears to be a juvenile Eastern Ratsnake (perhaps you meant to write ratsnake instead of rattlesnake, which it is not). They can be quite common in suburban areas and are non-venomous. One key characteristic among young ratsnakes is the dark "bandana" stripe around their faces that connects their eyes to the far side of their jaw. Eyes on young racers, who bear a similar body pattern, are going to be proportionately much larger. You can see some of these comparisons in the references below:Common Snakes of Maryland Photo Guide - MD DNREastern Ratsnake - Virginia Herpetological Society (sample photos around the center third of the page) Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 21, 2023, 11:42 AM EDT
response: Thank you! I had found an image of a juvenile eastern rat snake, but miss-read it as rattlesnake. Glad to have it in my yard!   Michael  Sent from my iPhone  On Apr 21, 2023, at 11:03 AM, 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 April 21, 2023, 12:08 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
mahonia dropped leaves

Question: I have had a large bed of mahonia in my garden for almost 20 years. It has been so hardy and beautiful.  This year almost every leaf is brown or bronze and most have dropped off, for seemingly no reason. Other beds of mahonia are fine. This faces south, and is under a large tree. Should I cut all the stalks back and hope for regrowth? Thanks for any help you can give me! It looks terrible! jc

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied April 22, 2023, 2:48 PM EDT
response: JC,  Mahonia is a fairly hardy plant.  Since you have other mahonias that are doing well I would wonder what happened in this location to affect this shrub.  Was there more sun exposure last year?  Did you thin or prune the tree it is growing under?  Was the amount of water getting to this shrub less than the other Mahonias?  Although, they are drought tolerant, they don't tolerate hot winds or high heat.   I'd recommend a hard pruning to see if it comes back more healthy.  Are there any flowers?  Recommended pruning time for mahonia is after flowering in the spring.    They can also get "rust", but  I don't see rust spots in the photo you sent   Here are some resources  http://coloradomountaingardener.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-native-in-garden-oregon-grape.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 22, 2023, 3:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your answer. The tree above the mahonia lost one limb but I don't think it would affect the light that much. Everything else is the same as normal, as far as water etc. There are no flowers this year, so should I wait to prune or do it now? Should I also clear out all the dead leaves? You are an enormous resource. Thank you againjudithOn Sat, Apr 22, 2023 at 12:48 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied April 22, 2023, 3:42 PM EDT
response: I would prune it and hope it regrows. It looked like there may be some green leaves, so I hope the pruning will rejuvenate it.  Yes I’d clear out dead leaves. Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 22, 2023, 7:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  On Sat, Apr 22, 2023 at 1:42 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: