MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
What kind of vine is this?

Question: Hi, Can you help me identify this horrible vine that is in my raspberry bushes? In the past, I have known it to scrape me and leave a big red scrape which hurts. And it hurts more than if I had just scraped myself with a raspberry plant. It is more of a poisonous hurt. Also, I have just discovered that it seems to make me itch. I thought I got a lot of mosquito bites one day after picking, however, I did not see that many mosquitos and there are a LOT of "bites." They are little dots, a little smaller than a regular bug bite. I think it is the vine. I am attaching photos. It curls and winds through the berry bushes and goes up things if it gets a chance.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2024, 11:44 AM EDT
response: This looks like common hops.  Have you been growing any in the area?  All parts of hops are covered with tiny hairs that can cause rash and skin irritation if handled.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 1:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you! No, I have not been growing any, but now that I google pictures of common hops, that is what the plant looks like later in the year, with those flower things. And I think in past years, my mother has even said, "hey that looks like hops". Forgot that that was even the same plant. Guess she was right!  Thanks again!    On Wed, Jul 31, 2024 at 11:45 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
browning tomato plants

Question: I have 5 pots with diffeent tomato plants. They are browning from the bottom. New green healthy shoots come up from the browned ones until these too start browning. Any suggestions?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2024, 9:14 PM EDT
response: Hello,  Sorry about your tomato challenges! A few issues can present similar symptoms - namely, challenges with watering (a common issue given how dry it is and how hot our weather has been lately!) versus a disease such as Fusarium wilt.  Can you give us more information about how these plants are irrigated? When did you first notice these symptoms? How rapidly did they arise?  Here's a resource with more information on common tomato problems: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/recognizing-tomato-problems-2-949/  Best wishes, The Boulder County Extension Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 12:46 AM EDT
response: I planted the young tomato plants late May using brand new organic potting soil and they were doing fantastically until the first weekend of July. Right before that weekend I tied them up to stakes that I stuck into the pots. I watered them pretty well every other day always feeling for moisture an inch or two below the surface to be sure I wasn’t over watering.That first weekend of July we had a cold night, i’d say in the 40s but hey not freezing and all seemed ok but a few days afterwards this issue started. The plants started browning from below and nearest the main stem of the plant. Just as I would think the entire plant will die some of the browned stems would bring new green healthy looking shoots with green leaves and flowers which flourished until they too would start turning brown. But again from those brown ones green shoots would start growing…. The pots are in full sun on my deck. I see no bugs whatsoever. I used pots that I had in the garage and also old stakes. I didn’t disinfect either.   Thank you, Magdalena   On Jul 31, 2024, at 7:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 06, 2024, 11:50 AM EDT
response: Hello Magdalena,  Thank you for writing back with the answers to our questions.  Unfortunately, you'll need to pull the plants, remove the soil and sterilize the pots. After you pull the plants and remove the soil, put them in the trash, not in home compost (or you can put them in the city compost where it will get hot enough to destroy the pathogen).  Regards, Colorado Master Gardener CSU Extension Boulder County

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 10:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you.Magdalena    On Aug 6, 2024, at 9:50 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Cucumber disease

Question: Could you please identify this fungus or disease on my cucumber? It is spreading to all the leaves.

responder: Deb K  Replied August 01, 2024, 11:54 AM EDT
response: Thanks for contacting "Ask Extension" with your question about your cucumber plant. There are several fungi and bacteria that could cause the damage shown in the picture. Possibilities include angular leaf spot, alternaria leaf spot and anthracnose.  Below are recommended management options. Rotate crops. Do not plant cucumber or related crops in the same location for at least two years.  Plant resistant varieties. (Link to disease resistant cucurbit varieties)  Avoid overhead watering. Avoid crowding plants too closely. Clean up and dispose of symptomatic leaves and stems. Wash with soap and water after handling plants. Do not handle healthy plants after working with infected plants. Do not handle wet plants.  Copper fungicide spray or dust has been shown to reduce the spread if caught early. I don't think it will be effective at this point.   For a fee,  you can submit a sample to the OSU Plant-clinic for fungal or bacterial ID. https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic     Hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 11:07 PM EDT
response: Hi Deb, Thanks for your reply to my question. There wasn’t anything planted where the cucumber is for at least two years, and I planted one of the resistant varieties, “Summer Dance”. I’ve removed some of the leaves but don’t want to take too many off as the plant is still producing. The fruit looks fine.   I’ll try a different location for this next year. It doesn’t seem to have spread to any other vegetables.   DebraSent from my iPhone On Aug 1, 2024, at 8:55 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Deb K  Replied August 02, 2024, 3:10 PM EDT
response: According to WSU, Alternaria Leaf Spot doesn't usually spread to fruit in the PNW. It sounds like that may be what you have. In that case it's ok to leave the leaves on the plant until harvest.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 02, 2024, 3:52 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the info- I’ll look into Alternaria Lead Spot.DebraSent from my iPad On Aug 2, 2024, at 12:39 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Can I save wilting Crabapple tree

Question: Our crabapple tree's new foliage this Spring partially wilted and there were small drill holes in some of the branches. I submitted a request for explanation, it was passed on to an expert, but I never heard back. Will this tree survive, and can I prune it back substantially to thicken ot?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2024, 9:00 PM EDT
response: Hi Hans,  Sorry to hear about your tree! It seems like it's some sort of borer (insect) or sap suckers (bird) that is impacting the tree. Can you look at the holes and see if you see any ‘frass’ – the saw dust material left by borer insects around the openings on the trunk? This would be indicative of borers over sap suckers.   Here's a resource about a few different types of borers: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/shade-tree-borers-5-530/  Best wishes, The Boulder County Extension Colorado Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 02, 2024, 11:36 AM EDT
response: Thanks so much. I was also wondering if I could severely prune the tree back in the Fall. I know regular apple trees easily tolerate such pruning.   Hans   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, July 31, 2024 7:00 PMTo: hansjordan <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Can I save wilting Crabapple tree (#0149394)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 05, 2024, 12:05 PM EDT
response: Hi Hans,  Pruning trees in winter regulates growth and allows you to create structure. Pruning trees in spring brings on vigorous growth and fruiting wood. Timing is key to the health and growth of the tree. In our previous email, we sent you the shade tree borer fact sheet which is helpful in regard to the holes in the trunk. If you want, you could bring in a large branch sample to our office along with pictures and request a diagnostic test. Each test is $7.00. I also have two more fact sheets that will help you with crabapple management and pruning.   Flowering Crabapple Trees - 7.424 - Extension (colostate.edu) Science-of-Pruning-Full-Section.pdf (colostate.edu)  Thanks again for your questions, Lisa

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 1:31 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much, Lisa. This is very helpful.    Hans   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Monday, August 05, 2024 10:05 AMTo: hansjordan <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Can I save wilting Crabapple tree (#0149394)

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 6:26 PM EDT
response: I just read some of your pamphlet on pruning - which this letter links me to. Superb! Just wonderfully done. What a pleasure for this retired scientist (physics) to read it! Just had to let you know. Hans On Aug 5, 2024, at 10:05 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 07, 2024, 8:06 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your kind feedback, Hans!
Tree trunk splitting

Question: Hello. Can someone tell me what is going on with my Ivory Silk lilac tree? This spring I noticed the trunk was cracked on the south side of trunk. I understood it could possibly be from late freeze and thaw cycles. However, now the north side is split too.  It doesn't look good. Any ideas as to what caused this and if there is any way to save it? Would wrapping it help?  
PS- There are flower buds on the tree right now.

responder: Nancy Heskett Replied August 01, 2024, 7:12 AM EDT
response: Dear Terri, Thank you for your question and accompanying pictures. There are a number of potential causes for bark cracking/splitting, and trees that are thin-barked are more susceptible. The following article explains this problem.  Preparations to Prevent Southwest Injury | Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources Because I am not familiar with the Ivory Silk Lilac tree, I searched and found numerous articles such as this one but could not find any information as to if the Ivory Silk is a thin-barked tree. The bark splitting could also be due to the age and size or your tree. Syringa reticulata subsp. reticulata 'Ivory Silk' (Japanese Tree Lilac, Lilac tree) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu).   It might be good to have the tree assessed by a certified arborist. He/she could give you suggestions as to how best to care for the future health of your tree. How to Hire an Arborist | Ohioline (osu.edu) I hope you'll find this information helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 02, 2024, 2:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you!   -------- Original message -------- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>  Date: 8/1/24 7:12 AM (GMT-05:00)  To: Terri Pawloski <<personal data hidden>>  Subject: Re: Tree trunk splitting (#0149382)
problem with grass

Question: Hello, Can you tell me what is causing the yellowing of my grass and how do I correct it, please?  Thank you. Bob

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 11:57 PM EDT
response: Hello, I submitted this question 10 days ago and have not received a reply. Will there be a response? Thank you, Bob

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 30, 2024, 7:58 PM EDT
response: It looks like red thread, a low fertility fungal pathogen.  I would apply some fertilizer with nitrogen in September and again in October. Do this again in April and May. You should apply around 4 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft annually... Fertilization (youtube.com)
Mold/fungus on yellow squash in SW Portland

Question: I am trying my hand, growing zucchini and cucumbers  in one raised bed, and tomatoes and two others. I got several good zucchini (yellow squash)  but now I have some substantial mold or fungus and I'm wondering what it is and what to do?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 7:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  I cannot see photo #1, but photo #3 clearly shows blossom end rot.  The following explains the problem and how to address it:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/squash-cucurbita-spp-blossom-end-rot  I hope this helps.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 7:29 PM EDT
response: On Jul 30, 2024, at 4:08 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Dear doug8x10, here's the response to your question: Thank you for your question.  I cannot see photo #1, but photo #3 clearly shows blossom end rot.  The following explains the problem and how to address it:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/squash-cucurbita-spp-blossom-end-rotI hope this helps.  Good luck!     Thank you for your help - I will see if I can address the calcium deficiency the article mentioned.   Here is that photo that did not show up for you Thank you much for your help and sharing your knowledge. -Doug, Portland         Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0149357    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.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 7:32 PM EDT
response: As the article indicates, you now have a secondary fungus and/or bacteria growing on the surface.
Struggling Apple Trees

Question: Hello: I have two apple trees that are struggling. Leaves are dying and some present with burn marks and curling. Both trees were planted in 2021. One has possible root rot and the main trunk is unstable and often needs bracing in big wind events. Both want to produce apples, but up to this point the lateral branches are unable to support the weight. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to make these trees healthy.

responder: Kendal Johnson  Replied August 02, 2024, 3:18 PM EDT
response: Is there any insect activity on the leaves? Especially the undersides?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 02, 2024, 3:25 PM EDT
response: No insect activity.  Tim  On Fri, Aug 2, 2024 at 12:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Kendal Johnson  Replied August 05, 2024, 11:58 AM EDT
response: The one tree- is past saving. I suspect rodent damage to the roots based on the unstable trunk. this would cause nutrient and water uptake issues. I suspect the same with the other tree- but at an earlier state. The burned leaf edges is heat damage, if a tree is water stressed its ability to regulate heat decreases. I would suggest increasing watering on them for the rest of the summer. The heat this summer has been worse than last year, causing trees to experience more drought stress.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 6:10 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much. I will increase watering on the apple tree worth saving and remove the one past - saving. I will order a new tree from Raintree Nursery and replant in March. You all have been most helpful.  Tim Wear  On Mon, Aug 5, 2024 at 8:58 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Starting a grass & wildflower meadow

Question: Good morning!
I'm looking to establish a grass & wildflower mix meadow on 1.5 acres of our land that we recently cleared in New London. The more I research the process, including on the UNH Extension site, the more conflicting information I get, particularly about seeding rates (grass:wildflower ratio and lbs per acre or lbs per 1,000 sqft). 

I thought it would be best at this point to have a specialist advise me on the specific property I'm working with, if possible. I've included a photo and am happy to provide any other information you need.

Thank you!

responder: Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension.Danielle Albano Education Center Volunteer Program ManagerUNH Cooperative Extension Education Center Replied August 05, 2024, 10:17 AM EDT
response: Hi Lara,Thank you so much for reaching out to us at the UNH Extension Infoline.I have reached out to my colleague on Friday regarding your questions here, and she is more than happy to assist! Please email Amy Papineau, UNH Extension Field Specialist, directly at: <personal data hidden> . She has a specialty in meadow/wildflower related inquiries and will make sure you receive all of the answers you need! Have a wonderful week and happy gardening!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 11:40 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Danielle!I will email Amy this week.  Much appreciated, Lara   On Mon, Aug 5, 2024 at 10:17 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Plant ID

Question: This is growing shrub like in a garden bed between phlox, azalea & lemon balm. I didn’t notice it until it got to be about 3 feet tall. It is in a place where it is not easy to get photo of bottom of leaf, sorry.

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 30, 2024, 12:27 PM EDT
response: It's hard to be certain, but this looks like a sapling Goldenrain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata), a non-native species sometimes grown as a street or landscape tree which can behave invasively in our region, spreading by seed into natural areas. If you agree with that tentative ID, then the plant should be removed, and since it's young, it might not be too difficult to dig out. (Or if digging is not possible based on where it's growing, cut it down, repeatedly if necessary until it stops resprouting.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 6:56 AM EDT
response: Hi Miri, Thanks so much for your quick response!  Big "duh" to me because there is an entire row of these trees just across the street by the Light Rail tracks! Should have recognized it.  Yep, it will be dug out. Polly In a message dated 30-Jul-24 12:27:18 Eastern Daylight Time, <personal data hidden> writes:

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 31, 2024, 9:23 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Weed control

Question: This season we started using a service called Sunday for lawn, they say they don't use pre-emergents so weeds are phenomenal this year. How to control these weeds? These are broadleaf, spurge, etc.

responder: Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension.  Replied August 05, 2024, 10:37 AM EDT
response: Good morning and thank you for contacting the UNH Extension Infoline. Identifying the weed and trying to determine why it has invaded is the first step in managing broad leaf weeds in lawns. I do not see any grass in the photos you sent.   A healthy lawn would deter most weeds.  My first recommendation would be sample your soil to determine its health.  This is the link https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2783&context=extension&preview_mode=1&z=<personal data hidden>  Here are the four main methods of weed management: Mowing: Preventing Seed Spread. Pulling: Killing the Roots. Smothering: Blocking Sunlight. Herbicide: Chemically Killing.   Please read the instructions prior to use of any herbicide.  Also, compacted soil encourages weeds and not grass.  This is a link to starting a lawn.  https://extension.unh.edu/resource/seeding-new-lawn-video

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 6:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you David for your response. Unfortunately, that is how the lawn looks now, with weed invasion and hot weather, grass has gone dormant and sparse. Attaching soil test results from May 2024. This test was done by the Sunday fertilizer company. Please let me know if this would suffice or do you still recommend doing a soil test?  Best, Gunpreet

responder: Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension.  Replied August 06, 2024, 8:50 AM EDT
response: The soil test is very comprehensive.  The issue I see is that your pH is too low.  At 5.7, the nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are almost immobile in the soil.  They are not available to the roots.  It is great soil for growing blueberries.  Your soil has a lot of sand and little clay meaning water and nutrients go through the soil quickly.  I recommend adding lime to raise the pH.  A general rule of thumb is 40 pounds per 1000 square feet to raise pH from 5.7 to 6.7.  The finer the grain of lime, the quicker it reacts but the pellet form is not as messy.  It will take a few months for it to have an impact.  It needs to be watered in.
spirea question

Question: I live in a townhouse association and most of our spireas, many of them planted last summer, are dying. I'm attaching pics but the leaves turn red/brown and eventually the leaves shrivel up and the whole shrub dies. What would be causing this?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2024, 5:21 PM EDT
response: Hi Amanda, It could be fire blight; https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/fire-blight/ https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=808126 Either way, cut out all dead branches and remove them. Water the plants if you don't get adequate rain. There are many blights this summer because of the weather, lots of shrubs turning brown and crispy. I hope this helps, Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 5:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information!  This is throughout a 156 unit Association.  Does this mean the spireas are/will die and not come back next year? It appears some are dead already. sent from my iPhone    On Wed, Jul 31, 2024 at 4:21 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2024, 8:49 PM EDT
response: Some may make it. It's a " wait and see" scenario. It also has to do with how stressed the plants will get ( temperature and moisture being factors).