MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Pear tree disease

Question: We have this orange-yellow spot all over our pear trees this year. Also a very small fruit set this year. 
Do you know what it is and how we could treat it organically?

responder: Erica Chernoh Assistant Professor of Practice Community and Commercial Horticulture OSU Extension Lane County Replied August 08, 2024, 6:32 PM EDT
response: That looks like pear trellis rust. There are two main rust diseases of pears in Oregon, Pacific Coast Pear Rust (Gymnosporangium ibocedri) and Trellis Pear Rust (G. sabinae). Rust fungi typically have two different hosts, the primary host (ex. your pear tree) that will display severe symptoms and a secondary host (ex. a juniper tree) which may only display minor symptoms and effects. Trellis Rust causes acorn shaped aecia on the lower leaf surfaces later in the season. Based on what I can see in the photos, this looks like Trellis Rust: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/pear-pyrus-spp-trellis-rust-european-pear-rust.   The best control is to remove the alternate host that is within a 1,000-foot radius of the tree (for trellis rust, this means all juniper), however, in urban environments this may not be an option if the hosts are in neighboring yards. There are no chemicals registered for home use for either species of rust, so your best option is to hire a company that is licensed to apply a commercial pesticide (see: https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/index.php/pesticide-information/hire-pest-control-company).  Pear rust can affect both European and Asian varieties of pear. Bartlett is considered less susceptible to Pacific Coast Pear Rust, but it can be severely affected some years. There are no listed resistant varieties for Trellis Rust. Other management practices include removing and destroying infected leaves, stems and fruit to limit the spread, collecting and destroying fallen fruit beneath trees, and of course removing alternate hosts when practical. With regards to the small fruit, there are a number of factors that could cause the tree to produce smaller fruit. Lack of water during dry spells or heat waves can impact fruit development. A freeze event during bloom can also affect fruit production and size. Do you prune and thin the trees? Do you fertilize the trees? Pruning, thinning, and fertilization, or lack thereof, all impact fruit size as well. Be sure to prune the tree during the dormant season, apply a balanced fertilizer next spring, and be sure the tree is getting enough water during the summer months, and hopefully you will see better fruit set next year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 7:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for all this information!!! Sent from my iPhone On Aug 8, 2024, at 3:32 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
What is causing this damage to my aspen tree trunk?

Question: What is causing this damage to my young aspen tree trunk? Thanks

responder: Scott Jerrell, M.S.  Replied August 02, 2024, 11:09 PM EDT
response: It appears to be a canker, which is a fungal disease with little to no treatment options.  In most cases this severe it is fatal to the tree.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 2:45 PM EDT
response: Hi Scott,   Thank you so much for your helpful reply! I’m saddened to learn there are no treatment options for the canker at this stage The tree is planted close to another Aspen, so would it be best if we take it down so it doesn’t spread?    Out of curiosity—what causes cankers? Is there any treatment that can help prevent it?   Greatly appreciated, Debbie Waller    On Aug 2, 2024, at 9:09 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: Scott Jerrell, M.S.  Replied August 05, 2024, 1:41 PM EDT
response: Cankers are a fungus, without diagnostics I can't for certain say which one.  Educated guess leans towards black canker.  Attached is a fact sheet, which outlines common bark diseases of Aspen.  www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5341328.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 2:01 PM EDT
response: Scott–thanks for your time and helpful reply!   Best, Debbie Waller   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 11:42 AM To: Debbie Waller <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: What is causing this damage to my aspen tree trunk? (#0149839)
Crabapple?  Or Buckthorn?

Question: Hello, I need assistance identifying a plant.  I had a crabapple in my yard.  I had to cut it down due to the rabbits damaging the bark and killing the tree.  I left the root ball in place.

This summer, a small sprout has appeared in the area of the root ball.  See attached photo.  I think it might be the root ball sending up a new stem, but my plant identifier app (Picture This) is identifying it as common buckthorn.  Can you tell me from the photo if this is a crabapple or a buckthorn?  Thanks.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied August 02, 2024, 9:28 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. My app also suggests buckthorn.  I would suggest you get rid of it. Even if it was you crab apple tree, you wouldn’t like the way it grows from a sucker.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 8:44 AM EDT
response: Thank you Deb.  I will destroy the plants.  Different topic. I am interested in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer.  I have looked up the U of MN Master Gardener program and plan to enroll in 2025.  Have you enjoyed the experience of being a Master Gardener volunteer.  Regards,  Paul Wisnewski   On Fri, Aug 2, 2024 at 8:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied August 03, 2024, 5:15 PM EDT
response: Yes!  I learned a lot from the classes and I’ve also learned so much answering questions. My only small disappointment is that I’m in Nobles County and was a member at large for the first couple of years.  Finally we have a small group of MG but it would be fun to belong to a larger group.  Hopefully in the future.
My 2 1/2 yr old blazing bush looks sunburn!!???

Question: My 2 1/2 yr old blazing bush looks sunburn.  Is that what this is?   What can I do about it?   This did not happen last year.  I've been giving it extra water.   It does get south midafternoon and West late afternoon sun.

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied August 03, 2024, 3:28 PM EDT
response: That's definitely desiccation: the plant can't uptake enough water to counter what it transpires in this heat. It could be due to insufficient moisture at the roots because of too infrequent watering or not long enough each watering or even because the irrigation system is not putting enough water where it's needed ie. the roots. I recommend you probe the soil with a screwdriver to better evaluate moisture and not just eyeball it or go by the clock; it may surprise you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 4:27 PM EDT
response: Thank you sooo much!   On Aug 3, 2024, at 1:28 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Pythium?

Question: I just noticed this white Webby cottony stuff growing on my grass this morning. Is it pythium? Is it dollar spot?

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied August 02, 2024, 2:40 PM EDT
response: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/bp/bp-109-w.pdf https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/dollar-spot I think it is dollar spot. The second web page contains treament recommendations also.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT
response: Can I drop off a sample at the U of M lab? Online it only talks about diseases in trees and plants. Is there information about law disease and how to take a sample?

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied August 03, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT
response: Normally yes for a fee. https://pdc.umn.edu/ However they are not doing turf grasses at the moment. BUT there is a link to Wisconsin turf lab. https://tdl.wisc.edu/ And it appears that the Wisconsin lab is a bit cheaper and takes online payments. Go to that site and look at "Submit a sample" and "homeowner" on top of the page.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 6:38 PM EDT
response: Thank you for that information.  On Sat, Aug 3, 2024, 12:26 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
problem with my peppers and problem with web site

Question: Hello, your "what's wrong with my  plant" "more information" buttons are not leading to the links.  I'm experiencing leaf disease with my pepper plants. There grown inn a greenhouse and a group of several varieties have tiny sunken bronze color spots that give general appearance of turning beige. I removed all diseased leaves and three days later there were as many again. it is moving fast. not affecting fruit, leaves drop after a few days, well watered, organic, I added compost only when they were planted, so far not affecting adjacent plants. I haven't seen this in my 50 years of gardening. I have searched extensively on line and haven't seen a sample like this. Please advise

responder: MJ Replied August 02, 2024, 11:14 PM EDT
response: Hi Donald, This looks like some kind of sucking insect damage, perhaps thrips, whiteflies, flea beetles or spider mites. All of these are tiny. Have you checked the underside of the leaves for any tiny bugs? Here are some pages that might help you: https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/pepper-bell/infos https://mgnv.org/plants/veg-herbs/between-rows/beating-the-bugs/june-tomatoes-peppers-pests/ One thing to try is spraying plants with insecticidal soap, making sure to reach the undersides of leaves. Do this in the evening when the sun isn't shining on the greenhouse, or you run the risk of leaves getting burned. By morning the plants should be dry. Sorry I can't be definitive. Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 10:18 AM EDT
response: Thanks MJ, I agree, it looks like insect damage but I am familiar with all those insects and even with a magnifying loop there is nothing in the vicinity. I also checked at night. I reviewed the links and perhaps in case I’m missing something I’ll give them a spray with neem oil and soap. I have to admit that this looks new to me and haven’t found anything like it on line.and my concern is that it is a new bacterial of viral strain and it is spreading fast. Thanks again for your help and hope your garden is doing well! - D  Donald Banaszak<personal data hidden>     On Aug 2, 2024, at 11:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied August 03, 2024, 4:18 PM EDT
response: Good luck Donald. I looked a long time online and could not find anything like the damage you're seeing. But I do think it's insect damage. I hope your spraying works!
What is wrong with my Roma tomato plant?

Question: This Roma tomato plant was planted around Memorial Day. Has been in full sun in an outdoor garden bed. Watered 1-2 times a day depending on how hot it has been. Temps have been 90-100 during the day fairly consistently since it was put in the ground. There are about 10 other tomato plants of different varieties in the same garden bed. The others all look great and are producing normal tomatoes. The soil was tilled before planting and compost was mixed into the holes. This plant was purchased from a different greenhouse than the others. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks for your time!

responder: Weld County Colorado Master Gardeners Replied August 02, 2024, 1:45 PM EDT
response: Hi, Erin,  Thank you for reaching out to the Weld County Master Gardeners with your question.  I am sorry to hear about your tomato plant.  At initial glance, it looks to me like your tomato plant has Tobacco/Tomato Mosaic Virus (TMV). TMV is common in Colorado. I have personally found Romas to be very susceptible to it.  For me, it doesn't matter where I get the plant or if I seed it myself, at least one of mine will come down with it every year.  Even though I do follow the guidelines for removal of plant matter and plant rotation.  However, since switching to Amish Paste, I haven't had an issue.    I can't be entirely sure though through the photo, so here are some resources for helping to identify TMV and other tomato ailments: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/recognizing-tomato-problems-2-949/ https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/vegetables/1834-common-tomato-problems/ https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/insects-diseases/1442-tomato-diseases/ https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/717.pdf   And here are resources for TMV specifically: https://extension.usu.edu/vegetableguide/tomato-pepper-eggplant/TMV-ToMV https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/common_question_and_answers_about_tobacco_mosaic_virus   Hope this helps! Sara

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 02, 2024, 2:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much! This is very helpful!  Erin On Aug 2, 2024, at 11:45 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Weld County Colorado Master Gardeners Replied August 13, 2024, 7:35 PM EDT
response: You are very welcome!
Bear scat with another type of scat on it?

Question: For wildlife folks: I found black bear scat near my home in Rhododendron. Nothing surprising -- lots of bears in the area. This time, I found a large bear scat, fairly fresh, with a smaller scat right on top -- see photo. The large scat has lots of seeds and berries, and the smaller one also has a few seeds and berries, but it's light brown, not black in color. Could the smaller one be from a bear cub? Raccoon? Bobcat? Definitely not a house cat.

responder: Dr. Dana Sanchez  Replied August 01, 2024, 9:13 PM EDT
response: I expect this is all bear, just different days of diet sampling. Bears are known to sometimes re-use defecation sites, what Dr. Jamie Jonkel calls "poop castles." Jamie is a second-generation bear scientist and manager, and he was interviewed  extensively about bear scats https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/bear-scat-identification/ BTW, the "poop castles" part comes quite a ways into the article.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 02, 2024, 10:21 AM EDT
response: Thanks! A very different scat compared to the first. Much obliged for your help.... Steve  On Thu, Aug 1, 2024, 6:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Growth on Locust Tree

Question: Hello, 
I just noticed this on one of my locust trees (see atachment). Would you please let me know what it is and if my tree needs "medical" attention?
Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 05, 2024, 11:41 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Roygina, Thank you for your question. This is something that our Diagnostic team will want to look at before we can send you in the right direction. Honeylocust are notorious for fungal disease such as canker which will develop different types of lesions on leaves, stems and trunks. Injuries or fresh cuts also pose problems as entry points for pest too. Here is a fact sheet to give you some information about disease and management for Honeylocust.   Honeylocust Diseases - 2.939 - Extension (colostate.edu)   But, I will make sure our Diagnostic team gets back to you.  Best, Lisa CSU ext. Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 2:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much!  Gina Hyatt  <personal data hidden>     On 08/05/2024 9:41 AM MDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 06, 2024, 11:14 AM EDT
response: Hello Gina,  Thank you for you question. The Master Gardener forwarded it for diagnostics.  After looking at the photo, it's consistent to "tree conk", which is essentially a mushroom.  Here is additional information that you may find useful:   University of California IPM "Wood Decay Fungi and Landscape Trees"  https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape-trees/pest-notes/#gsc.tab=0  Regards, Colorado Master Gardener CSU Extension Boulder County

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 3:29 PM EDT
response: You offfer a very special service! Thank you so much for this information.  Gina Hyatt     On 08/06/2024 9:14 AM MDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What kind of insect nest is this?

Question: Hi,

We have this nest on our house.  From research, I'm guessing it's a yellowjacket or bald-faced hornet.

Can you provide better identification for us?

This photo was taken July 9, the nest is much larger now, extending further onto the white fascia above the window, and larger in diameter.

I tried to view the color of the insects using the nest, but I did not want to get close enough to know for sure.

Thanks for your help!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 06, 2024, 10:57 AM EDT
response: I can't identify it based on just the nest, but either way, these nests are not perennial.  If they aren't bothering you (e.g. above your door), it should die off once it freezes.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 8:06 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your reply.  I would like to leave the nest as you suggest.  It's not over my door, but it is 40 inches from the sidewalk and about 8 foot from the ground.  Is that far enough away so that we don't 'invade their space', do you suppose?  I think with further observation that they are bald faced hornets.  Thanks for helping me think this through.  Sharon    On Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 10:57:39 a.m. EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 12, 2024, 8:19 AM EDT
response: Without seeing it and seeing interactions, it is hard to know if they are or will be a problem.  However, if people get harrassed or stung before the colony dies out for the season, you can always contact pest control.
Spider mites on eggplant?

Question: Can you tell me if these are Spider mites on my eggplant? I tried tapping the leaves on white paper but almost nothing came off so I haven’t seen the actual mites. This is happening every year but this year it seems early. I’ve sprayed insecticidal soap a few times and I try to keep the plants evenly moist. Any other ideas about what I can do?
Thanks

responder: Kendal Johnson  Replied August 12, 2024, 2:22 PM EDT
response: Predatory mites can be another option, but without confirming that spider mites are the cause, this can be a challenge.  Insecticidal soap should resolve the issue, but may take repeated applications, depending on the hatching cycle of the mites.  The plants look stressed in general, so ensuring that they are well watered would also be good, this will help them fight of insect damage too.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 4:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much! I really appreciate your time On Aug 12, 2024, at 11:22 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Italian plum

Question: Please help. Our Italian plum is not doing well this year after a great season last year.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 06, 2024, 11:32 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Ann.  The yellowing of the leaves is an indication that the plant has a nutrient deficiency, probably nitrogen.  Have you fertilized it?  Wilting typically occurs when the plant has inadequate water.    I suggest that (1) you get an inexpensive water probe to see how much water the plants are getting, and (2) get a soil test for pH and nutrients, and follow the recommendations the lab gives you.  The closest testing lab is this one in Sherwood:  https://al-labs-west.com/  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 5:49 PM EDT
response: Thank you much! Sent from my iPhone On Aug 6, 2024, at 8:32 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 06, 2024, 5:56 PM EDT
response: Welcome!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 15, 2024, 10:40 AM EDT
response: We are taking steps to deal with a regular fertilization and watering. What can we do about the worm infestation?Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPadOn Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 2:56 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 15, 2024, 10:47 AM EDT
response: I suspect that your tree doesn't have "worms", but instead what you're seeing is the larval stage of an insect, most commonly a codling moth, described here:  https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/plum/codling-moth/#gsc.tab=0  But, without an accurate identification of the pest, we can't recommend control strategies.  Can you get a photo of the pest as well as the damage to the fruit?  Thanks!
My yew bush was harmed by house painters

Question: Hello.  I have a previously very healthy yew bush in front of my home, which faces west in mostly sun.  I had my house painted about a month ago, and left the house because of the noise (about 5 people or more came with machines and stuff, this was not a hand-brush operation).  I have noticed that my yew bush is showing many brown needles, and it seems to be crushed in one area, which makes me think that the painting crew put a ladder right on top of it!  Had I been home I would have stopped them.  What can I do to help my bush recover?  Would more watering help?  We have had a lot of rain lately, but I don't know how much of it has worked it's way down to the roots.  Thank you, photos included.

responder: MJ Replied August 01, 2024, 1:56 PM EDT
response: Hi, I’m sorry about your yew. If it gets dry, water, but otherwise you should leave the plant to recover on its own. Don’t fertilize. If you see broken branches prune them off, but wait for dry weather to do that. You can also prune off any brown branches. Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 3:27 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your help.  One more concern...I think you might be able to see it in one of the photos, but I think one or more big branches have been bent.  Should I just leave that alone?  -Rose  On 08/01/2024 12:56 PM CDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied August 01, 2024, 4:02 PM EDT
response: Hi Rose, there’s no harm in lifting it up or trying to reposition it.
aster-yellows-vs-eriophyid-mites-on-coneflower

Question: aster-yellows-vs-eriophyid-mites-on-coneflower

This is my first experience with an issue with coneflowers.   I have grown coneflowers for 20 years and have never experienced this.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 9:15 PM EDT
response: Second image of affected coneflower plant.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 31, 2024, 9:37 PM EDT
response: These web pages may behelpful. https://northerngardener.org/aster-yellows-vs-eriophyid-mites-on-coneflower/ https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2006 https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/diseases/viruses/aster-yellows