MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Squash borer/ Pickel Worm

Question: Hello, Reaching out for some assistance. We discovered two things attacking our Squash, we think they are the Squash Borer and the Pickleworm (I have attached photos). Looking for confirmation on both and the process in dealing with them. Do we have to remove our entire field crop? are our cucumbers at risk and if so, measures we can take to save them. We are an Organic Certified Farm, selling our produce. Best, Theresa

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 9:20 PM EDT
response: Hi Theresa,  I believe those are both squash vine borer. The boring into the stem is definitely squash vine borer. The larva on the fruit also looks like a tiny vine borer larva. They can bore into fruit (though I've not seen it!). Pickleworm is a southern pest, so if you are down south it could be possible.  Squash vine borer typically does not bother cucumbers, it mostly bothers squash and pumpkin, so your cucumbers should not be at risk.  There is not much to be done if the caterpillars are in the stems or fruit! There is only one generation of this pest, though, so any plants that weather the storm should be okay and produce (there are not additional generations that will keep emerging to cause more and more damage).     This is a nice publication on organic controls for squash vine borer. These include row covers to keep the moths off of plants, so they can't lay eggs, and insecticides (e.g. spinosad) applied before eggs hatch and caterpillars enter stems/fruit (the eggs are laid on the surface of stems, caterpillars hatch and if there is insecticide will die). If you are still seeing moths flying (they are out in the day), you could try to protect healthy plants, but I would guess it is too late to do much good (time/money with little result).  Row covers are effective but have to be on before the moths arrive to lay eggs, and need to be removed for pollination. There are some organic insecticides, but these need to be applied BEFORE the eggs hatch into caterpillars, that then move into the plants where you cannot reach them.   Make sure to work the crop under promptly whenever you finish harvest, or are done with it. You may be able to kill some larvae that way before they complete development (which would reduce the number of moths emerging next year).  This is a tough pest when land is scarce and cucurbits need to be grown every year within a confined area! But it is a specialist on cucurbits, so if you can rotate out of squash and pumpkin for a year, the problem would be greatly reduced. That is hard to do.  Hope this helps!  Best regards,  Ben Werling

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2024, 1:35 PM EDT
response: Thank you Ben. We appreciate your feedback and the additional suggestions. We did decide to clear our fields, since more than 70% of the crop was being affected. We will be rotating out the crops for next season and then incorporating some of the suggestions the following year. Best, Theresa
What is wrong with my raspberries?

Question: My raspberry bushes have a grey mildew on them.  What can be done to treat them?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2024, 10:36 AM EDT
response: Hello,  The grey mildew on your raspberries is likely caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, commonly known as gray mold. This is a common issue, especially in fall raspberries, due to the cooler and wetter conditions that favor the development of the fungus. More information at this link:  Management of botrytis gray mold in fall raspberries - MSU Extension  Here are some steps you can take to manage and treat the gray mold:  Cultural Control:  Ensure your planting site has good airflow to reduce humidity in the canopy.  Use low-density plantings, narrow rows, and trellising to minimize humidity buildup.  Maintain good weed control and use moderate fertilizer to prevent lush growth, which is more susceptible to mold.  During picking, avoid handling infected berries to prevent spreading spores to healthy berries.  Harvest timely and cool the berries rapidly after harvest to reduce post-harvest rots.  Fungicides:  There are several fungicides labeled for control of Botrytis in raspberries. For example, Switch (cyprodinil + fludioxonil) is a reduced-risk fungicide with excellent systemic and protectant activity against gray mold, and it has a 0-day pre-harvest interval (PHI), meaning you can apply it up until the day of harvest.  Remember to always read and follow the label instructions when using fungicides. It’s also beneficial to remove old, infected canes and plant debris, as the fungus overwinters in this material. More information at this link:   Management of botrytis gray mold in fall raspberries - MSU Extension  I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 1:21 PM EDT
response: Could this be blight and how would I treat it if it is?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 1:21 PM EDT
response: Could this be blight and how would I treat it if it is?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2024, 1:40 PM EDT
response: Hello Again,  For a confirmed and precise identification of the problem, I recommend you send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab. The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is <personal data hidden> - Please include your name – The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI – The lab may also ask for additional images too.  Their website is at this link:   Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  Their Contact Information is at this link:  Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  This link will explain the details on submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:  Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  I hope this helps!
Rhododendron

Question: How do I treat my rhododendrons with black vine weevil?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 8:46 AM EDT
response: I haven't head anything about my rhododendrons question.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 06, 2024, 12:56 PM EDT
response: Just received it. Will tackle it today.  On 08/06/2024 8:46 AM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2024, 3:04 PM EDT
response: Just wanted to know if you were able to find out any information?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 14, 2024, 6:19 PM EDT
response: Please take a sample to the nearest extension office Form the picture it looks like water droplets.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 14, 2024, 6:20 PM EDT
response: Please send the question. You send a box with a password. I do not use this box and have never seen it before.  On 08/14/2024 3:06 PM EDT Ask Extension wrote:          Mary Fowler, A question assigned to your group, #0148603 has presently gone unanswered.  Please try to respond or reassign the question at your earliest opportunity. To view or respond to the question, please login. You're receiving this notice because the question is assigned a group of which you're a member.     This message was sent by Ask Extension. If you need help, please visit https://askhelp.extension.org/.
Unusual sunflower

Question: I am curious about cause of this mutation in the sunflower. Another flower head is growing in the center.

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, 2024, 11:03 AM EDT
response: This appears to be a type of mutation called proliferation, and it can be somewhat common in certain plant groups like the daisy family (the large group that sunflowers belong to). Sometimes the mutation is temporary, occurring in certain blooms but not every flower in every year. If it does start to occur more frequently and more prominently in an individual plant (for perennials that survive the winter, that is), it might be due to a virus-like infection, in which case the affected plant may need replacing. For now, though, it's an interesting curiosity and the plant can be enjoyed as-is, especially since it's an annual.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2024, 4:50 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the response! I thought you might like to see that the flower head in the middle has now bloomed.  On Thu, Jul 25, 2024, 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 July 25, 2024, 7:05 PM EDT
response: You're welcome, and thank you! That is indeed an interesting flower.
Honeycrisp with spots

Question: Hello, 
I have a baby honey crisp. It has some sort of bullseye spots as well as black marks. Wondering if there’s someone who sprays home apple trees or who could help teach me how to care for it properly.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 25, 2024, 10:18 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. I am inclined to think this is rust. Do you have junipers near by? https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/cedar-apple-rust#:~:text=Disease%20is%20most%20common%20on,with%20a%20bright%20red%20border.  Are the fruit damaged?  If so, send photo. https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/apple-scab#:~:text=Apple%20scab%20is%20the%20most,olive%2Dgreen%20to%20brown%20spots.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2024, 1:51 PM EDT
response: Some of the fruit does have marks on it. is there a service in the twin cities or from the arboretum that could help me figure out how to care for the tree? Thanks much!

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 25, 2024, 3:32 PM EDT
response: Thank you for sending the additional picture which looks like one of the lenticel diseases. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://1stdirectory.co.uk/_assets/files_comp/69d9d61f-a12e-4d6b-8feb-0db35b5ed5d8.pdf  The University and Arboretum provide educational material but do not make house calls and we cannot endorse particular companies.  You should have an ISA certified tree professional look at this. Here is information for you. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
Fungus on upon Ponderosa pine

Question: I may not be looking hard enough but I cannot find anything similar to this. However, it appears to me to be a fungus of some sort. I have included a photograph with this question.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 12:35 PM EDT
response: Hello Robert, Thank you for contacting Ask Extension with your question. It actually appears that you have Woolly Pine Adelgids. They are a type of aphid that feed on the phloem of the tree that contains sugar and water. They secrete these white, waxy threads that you are seeing. Typically they do not cause much damage to the tree and are quite common. If you are mainly just seeing them on this one pine cone, you can remove that cone.  Happy gardening, Allisa LinfieldHorticulture Coordinator, CSU Extension El Paso County

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2024, 7:40 PM EDT
response: Thank youBob Ownbey On Jul 25, 2024, at 10:36 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Smoke bush verticillium wilt

Question: To anyone willing to offer their advice,
I have a young smoke bush (cotinus coggygria lilla) with bright red coloring on the leaf margins and maybe one or two spots with yellowing. Overall the leaves are not brittle. I've attached some photos, one of which shows a dark region in the cross section of a cutting. Are these symptoms consistent with verticillium wilt? Am just hoping to get an opinion from someone who has seen this before.

Thank you kindly in advance for your feedback!

responder: Dawn Fradkin  Replied July 29, 2024, 11:49 AM EDT
response: Hi Cam, Thank you for reaching out to Ask Extension with your questions about your Smoketree/Smokebush.  Based on your pictures, I do not see any symptoms of verticilium wilt in your leaves. The Lilla Smokebush is usually one of the purple varieties and since the leaves on yours are mostly green, it leads me to believe yours has been stored in shade, rathar than full sun. Smokebush tend to lose their purple coloring in shade. These plants can often have a slightly different colored leaf margin, but I think you are seeing it more due to the greener leaves. The damaged leaf with the necrotic spot does not look like a verticillium wilt symptom. It looks like the leaf was torn and damaged somehow (shipping & handling? planting? an animal?).  Your stem photo does not look to have the telltale signs of staining in the sapwood (which would be the white ring, inbetween the green and the middle "heartwood". The angle that it was cut is misleading though. I see the area at the bottom left that looks to be gouged in the white "sapwood" which makes it appear like it might be stained, but i think it's just a shadow from the gouge.  Below is a link to a publication that explains the symptoms of verticilium wilt. Take a look at the pictures because there is an example of Verticillium Wilt on Cotinus coggyria, so you can see what the vascular staining looks like. https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/verticillium-wilt  If you are still unsure as to whether you have VW or not, you can send a sample to be tested. Here is more information: https://agsci.colostate.edu/agbio/plantclinic/  I hope this helps, Dawn

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 4:35 PM EDT
response: Dawn, Thank you for getting back to me. The information is very helpful and I sincerely appreciate the time! I'll rely on these resources for future reference as well.  All the best, - Cam

responder: Dawn Fradkin  Replied July 30, 2024, 1:22 PM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Apple tree concerns

Question: To whom it may concern, I have this  Apple tree that were pre extending when I bought my property last year. Last year around this time the apple Tree was barely surviving since its was tangle with others branches. I had cleaned the area and sprayed some Neem oil to treat it. Must say this 2004 its better looking than last year. However, I see the leaf are turning and they looked fried up and the apple looks like they have a tumor. Overall, it just does not seem healthy. Thank you for your time and any assistance or suggestions that you can offer will be gadle appreciated. Thanks

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2024, 10:02 AM EDT
response: It looks like cedar apple rust. See https://www.phillyorchards.org/2015/07/09/cedar-apple-rust/.  Also from Cornell: http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/cedarapplerust.pdf.  You may want to try a fungicide. Neem seems less effective.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 4:20 PM EDT
response: Thank you.Sent from my iPhone On Jul 26, 2024, at 10:03 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Turf killing insect

Question: I have some small black bugs apparently killing the turf in my yard and turning it brown.  The turf just lifts off the soil without any root formation.  Any idea what type of bug this might be and how to control it.

responder: V/r,  Replied July 28, 2024, 9:18 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, Here is a list of insects.  Have you actually seen the bugs?  If you don't see the actual bug on this list you can send in some photos and I can try to identify it. Turf Insects - Turf (msu.edu)  Another option is to send in a sample.   Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2024, 9:40 AM EDT
response: It’s a billbug.  Any Recommendations on a product to treat it? Thanks for your response. You’ve been very helpful.Sent from my iPad On Jul 28, 2024, at 9:19 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: V/r,  Replied July 29, 2024, 9:10 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, See attached for info. Managing Billbugs in Turfgrass (purdue.edu)  I hope this helps.
Poison Hemlock?

Question: Is this poison Hemlock? 
It grows tall, approximately 5'. It is stems are smooth. It has some vertical stripes of red, near its base. The root is narrow 
orange to yellow.

responder: Lindsey K. Kerr, MS, MHP (she, her, hers)  Replied July 24, 2024, 2:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Mary, Can you send in additional photos? I am having a hard time seeing distinguishing features from this photo. When I zoom in, the leaves and flowers are out of focus.  I would need photos of the stem and leaves and a closeup of the seed head to be more confident.  If it is poison hemlock the only real hazard is eating it or inhaling it if you're mowing it and fine particles are in the air. Touching it is generally not a problem.  Here is an article that goes into detail about how to ID poison hemlock.  And a really great comparison guide of plants in the carrot family, including poison hemlock. If you scroll down to slide 9, you can see that poison hemlock has characteristic purple spots on the stems and the stems are smooth – no hairs. They may appear to have a waxy, whitish coating. I hope you take a close look at this guide because it's very helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 27, 2024, 7:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick response. I was trying to take better pictures,  but these are the best I can do for now. From the link you sent identifying Poison Hemlock seems to clarify that we do not have poison hemlock.  The stems are not thick with the purple.  Even the taller stems are still thin, though smooth, but not the obvious purple. Also, I'm just realizing since it has been going to seed, the little pods are sticking all over my dog ... I think you would've mentioned that, annoying and obvious trait! I will send pics of  the seed pods; and some new growth that is coming up close to the ground, and does not have purple hues. So, again thank you.If I'm mistaken, please let me know. I'll be pulling these up anyway since they are an irritating  nuisance.Thank you again,Mary Zarb On Wed, Jul 24, 2024, 2:57 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Lindsey K. Kerr, MS, MHP (she, her, hers)  Replied August 28, 2024, 10:09 AM EDT
response: I think you have a type of Torillis or hedge parsley. According to wikipedia, another common name is "tall sock-destroyer." Common names can be funny! It's hard for me to tell the exact species from the photos , but it is most likely Torillis arvensis or Torillis japonica. In either case, it is not native, and listed as invasive in some states. As you have found out, the seeds readily stick to animals and humans. The seeds fall and come up in the spring. When you are removing it, make sure you don't let the seeds fall! Don't put seeds in your compost. I would recommend cutting off the seed heads and putting them in a plastic bag, sealing it, and putting it in the trash. The rest of the plant can be dug up and put in compost.
This is referred to as a magnolia but is nothing like the southern magnolia tree

Question: What is this disease? Some kind of scale? How do I treat it??? Also, there is shiny sap on many of the plants below the magnolia.

responder: Cindy B  Replied July 24, 2024, 11:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Denise,  It appears that your magnolia is infested with Magnolia Scale.  As the name suggests, magnolia scale feeds on magnolia trees, particularly star magnolia, saucer magnolia, and the many popular hybrid lily magnolias. Native magnolias such as sweet bay and cucumber tend to be less severely affected.  What you see on your tree right now are the female scale insects protected under a white waxy/powdery coating. The sticky substance on the plants below the tree is called 'honeydew' and is excreted by the scale insects as they feed.   Magnolia scales give birth to live young called "crawlers" that emerge from under the female insect from late summer through the end of September. Insect life cycles are dictated by heat so the emergence of crawlers will vary from year to year.  While the presence of magnolia scale doesn't necessarily pose an imminent threat, extensive feeding by a large population often leads to yellowing of leaves and twig dieback. Over time, an untreated population of magnolia scale may lead to the decline of the tree.  Magnolia scale can be managed mechanically or chemically. If the infestation is within reach and fairly light, it can be removed by gently rubbing or scrubbing the insects off the affected branches. Removal of entire branches may be called for if the infestation is particularly heavy.   Timing is a critical factor when using chemicals to treat magnolia scale. Scale is most vulnerable at the crawler stage - late summer to early fall - when it can be treated with contact insecticides. It may require more than one treatment and large trees may best be treated by professionals. Spring is the best time to apply systemic insecticides. This article from the University of Kentucky provides more detailed information about chemical treatments: https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef431  Here's another excellent article about magnolia scale from the University of Massachusetts. https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/magnolia-scale  If you decide to seek professional assistance, the following link takes you to the Ohio Chapter of ISA where you can find certified arborists in/near Auglaize County.  https://ohiochapterisa.org/aws/OCISA/pt/sp/trees4ohio_find-an-arborist  I hope this information helps you solve your scale problem!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2024, 8:33 PM EDT
response: Thanks soooo much  On Wed, Jul 24, 2024 at 11:57 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Sunflower leaf damage indicator

Question: Hello. We have sunflowers in a south facing bed with some moments of shade throughout the day. They are on drip that was set to 5 minutes every 6 hours, 30m a day, but with the heat earlier this summer I bumped that up to 7 minutes every 6 hours. The plot gets weekly organic fertilizers and compost tea. The fertilizer is neptunes harvest for rose and flowers, 2-6-4. 

I think they’ll still bloom based on the upper leaves looking better than they lower. 

Can you identify the cause of the Leaf damage in the attached photo?

responder: Answered by theHome 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 24, 2024, 1:24 PM EDT
response: It is difficult to say what is happening with your lower leaves.  We'd expect it could be the effects of heat scorch, minor leaf spot and/or mite damage. None of these would be greatly concerning. You can just pinch off the lower leaves and put them in the trash.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 2:28 PM EDT
response: 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 July 24, 2024, 2:49 PM EDT
response: You’re welcome!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 3:59 PM EDT
response: Thank you!