MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Rose disease

Question: Does my Ringo All Star rose bush have that 'red foliage' disease? I'm including 2 photos, one with the red foliage, and one without. Thank you.

responder: Jane K. If you would like to learn more, please check out these resources.  Replied June 05, 2023, 7:19 PM EDT
response: I really try not to diagnose any plant disease based on a single picture. There are simply too many variables and unknowns. However, rosette disease is usually pretty obvious and your picture is reasonably clear. Before making a final decision though, take a moment to google ‘pictures of rose rosette.’ That should give you plenty of pictures to compare to your rose.  Rose rosette disease is caused by a virus which is spread by an incredibly small mite. There is no treatment; you cannot cure it. Sadly, the plant needs to be carefully dug, roots and all, bagged and trashed, as soon as possible to slow the spread of the virus. Standard practice is to put a large bag over the plant, cut the plant off below and secure that bag, then dig the roots out as completely as possible and bag them separately. Tools and clothes should all be disinfected when done.   I’ve attached links to three short articles which explain the origins and descriptions of the disease. They will help you with your diagnosis also. I am very sorry to have to send these to you.   The Twisted Story of Rose Rosette Disease | BYGL (osu.edu)  Tips to Control Rose Rosette Disease (psu.edu)  Rose Rosette Disease | Oklahoma State University (okstate.edu)

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 08, 2023, 12:01 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for all the information. I suspected my rose had the disease already, with the red foliage, witches broom & the blooms were yellow, instead of the beautiful  coral to pink color, but I was definitely sure after I saw figure 3 from the Oklahoma info. My Ringo All Star rose looked almost exactly like the figure 3 photo. I had my husband dig my rose up, and we bagged it and threw it in the trash, which got picked up that evening. I am keeping my eye on my other rose, David Austin's Harlow Carr. I sure hope I don't lose that one too. Thanks again. On Mon, Jun 5, 2023, 7:20 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Jane K. If you would like to learn more, please check out these resources.  Replied June 11, 2023, 9:27 AM EDT
response: I appreciate your feedback and am sorry this happened in your garden.   Please don't forget to sanitize the equipment you used in order to prevent the spread of disease to your other roses.
Early summer something eating apples

Question: Something eating apples.  These were pulled off the tree for a better photo.  Any idea what this is and how to treat?  Thanks!

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 06, 2023, 10:22 AM EDT
response: The picture is too small to get a close up look at the caterpillar. It appears to have hairs. If this is the case, it could be spongy moth (formerly gypsy moth). They feed on a variety of host plants and will sometimes feed on apple leaves or fruits. In this case, the damage to the fruits may be due to another insect.  If you choose to use an insecticide, use one with one of the following active ingredients: spinosyn, carbaryl, esfenvalerate and malathion.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 5:22 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the reply. I sprayed them with BT and ordered a spray with the other ingredients you mentioned.  Here are some better photos of the caterpillars.  It looks like they have a line of stars down their back.  Do they still look like spongy moth?

responder: Erwin 'Duke' Elsner, Ph.D.  Replied June 13, 2023, 10:31 AM EDT
response: I think that is a spongy moth larva, perhaps instar 2 or 3.
Is this prostrate knotweed and can I kill it now( in June)?

Question: 1- Is photo prostrate knotweed?    2- How do I kill it?   3- Can I kill it now?  4- It is quite invasive in my yard(I have moved to this yard last fall).

responder: Replied June 04, 2023, 8:50 PM EDT
response: Hello! This appears to be a plant in the knotweed or buttonweed family.  It would be helpful to see the flowers, if any.  To positively identify the plant I recommend taking it to a reputable local nursery or your local Extension Office (see below for a link to find your local office).  I also listed some articles below that may help you.  Once identified you will be able to move forward with control options.    Oftentimes, reducing soil compaction and increasing soil health can help eliminate this invasive.  If you look at chemical controls, typically, you will want to use a pre-emergent in the spring or a post-emergent in the fall.  You can try mechanical controls, such as pulling the weeds by hand.  You'll want to make sure you get the roots.  This can be tedious if it is spread over a large area.  Here are some articles that may help you:  https://turf.purdue.edu/prostrate-knotweed/  https://www.missouriplants.com/Polygonum_erectum_page.html  https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/polygonum/achoreum/  Hope this helps!  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 04, 2023, 9:24 PM EDT
response: Hi Ani B.     Many thanks for the prompt reply and help. The Purdue article was the most informative. But I am a  little unclear about one point: can I apply the herbicide 2,4-D with dicamba right now and have it be effective? I have never used a broadleaf herbicide. Best regards, Timbo On Sun, Jun 4, 2023 at 8:50 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Replied June 05, 2023, 4:34 PM EDT
response: You are very welcome!  From the research I've seen, you can use it now (late spring - early summer), and it will be effective.    Keeping your turf healthy will be the best prevention.  A thick and lush turf will ensure your turf can fend off weeds AND disease pressure. Avoid wearing and tearing up turf by avoiding walking the same pathway, which will reduce the likelihood of compaction. Soil aeration and overseeding is also essential to preventing your turf from becoming an environment where prostrate knotweed can grow.   Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 9:04 PM EDT
response: Ani, Many thanks, once again. Happy gardening to you, Timbo On Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 4:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Replied June 07, 2023, 8:16 PM EDT
response: You are very welcome!   Happy gardening to you, too!
What is going wrong with our blueberrued

Question: Our blueberries had nice blossoms, now just a few berries after blossoms fell off, dried up twigs and berry. Site, what to do

responder: Kendal Johnson  Replied June 08, 2023, 5:45 PM EDT
response: With blueberries it can be a number of things, but likely was due to incomplete pollination, ant the plant aborted the fruit. Poor fruit set like this usually happens in colder, wetter springs when pollinator activity is reduced (like this year).

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 08, 2023, 5:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you. We will have a few berries, just no pie!!!Sent from my iPad On Jun 8, 2023, at 2:45 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Kendal Johnson  Replied June 08, 2023, 6:02 PM EDT
response: That is the case in a lot of places this year!
Rainer Cherries Shriveling

Question: This year the cherries on my rainier cherry trees (two side by side) are yellowing and shriveling and falling off the tree while they are still green. They did get sprayed ( a little late in the season) with Spinosad by fertilome. When are they not ripening?  Also there are ants climbing up and down the tree. Does that matter?

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied June 06, 2023, 7:15 PM EDT
response: This may be an issue called June Drop. I've had a couple of reports of this happening in Marion and surrounding counties. The cause is unknown but weather conditions can be involved. We've had such an unusual spring (winter straight into summer with extreme heat events!)  Is your tree irrigated?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 8:13 PM EDT
response: So sad!! Not irrigated directly but I did notice that the base probably get hit by one of the sprinklers we’ve been water 20 min early in the morning.Sent from my iPhone On Jun 6, 2023, at 4:15 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied June 06, 2023, 11:17 PM EDT
response: It's definitely a bummer! I had a lot of fruit drop in my own tree this year. Darn weather!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 11:37 PM EDT
response: Is it ok for my sprinklers to hit the base of the tree? Thanks!Sent from my iPhone On Jun 6, 2023, at 8:17 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied June 07, 2023, 5:17 PM EDT
response: It's unrelated to the issue of June drop. But, yes, avoid having the sprinkler directly hit the trunk. Watering the ground around the base is great. But having the trunk stay wet is inviting the potential for decay, Can you adjust the sprinkler or somehow add a barrier to block it from hitting the tree directly?  Also, the ants you mentioned are not related to the June drop. They are likely gathering honeydew from insects or feeding off plant sap. No worries about them!
Three stems or three plants?

Question: Hello!

We bought a Ukrainian Purple tomato at the Friends School Plant Sale and we’re not sure if for some reason the seedling we bought was actually 3 seedlings close together, or if it’s just one tomato that quickly grew to have 3 stems. And I guess the follow-up question is, should we prune 2 out of the three for the health of the plant?

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied June 04, 2023, 12:17 PM EDT
response: Good morning Dana and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. It almost looks like you have three plants, but without digging up the plant and looking, I can’t be sure.  You could dig it out and look, but it will probably be ok as is. A question for you, are the leaves that yellow or is that the sun hitting the plant?  If they are that yellow, you may want to consider fertilizing the tomato.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 04, 2023, 2:10 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon, and thank you for your help!  No, the leaves aren't yellow at all - it was just the afternoon light!  I also feel like we have three plants. I did prune one out because it was growing horizontally and weighing down the rest of the plant. But what you're saying is that it's probably okay to leave two tomato plants growing close together somehow, that they'll find a way to be okay. I guess this will be our experimental plant for the season! Thank you!Dana
Boldo - Plectranthus barbatus, also Coleus barbatus (or silimar)

Question: Hello, I was given a plant from Brazil and told it was medicinal. I'm not sure exactly what it's called, but from online research and looking at pictures, it seems to be named what is in the title of this question - possibly "Boldo" or a type of coleus. Is this okay to plant in the ground here in Minnesota? I don't want to introduce or promote a species that could potentially be invasive or unhelpful here in Minnesota. I've attached a photo. Thank you for any information or advice you may have.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 03, 2023, 10:23 PM EDT
response: I had to do a lot of searching to find any information on this plant.  It is not hardy outdoors in our zone but is considered invasive in warmer climates: https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/67719/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 9:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you! That is very helpful. I appreciate your time and effort to look into the question.   Allison  On Jun 3, 2023, at 9:23 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿
Berry identification

Question: Just discovered these berries in my backyard. Are they blackberries? If not, what are the y and are they safe to eat?

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 June 05, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT
response: These are called mulberries. They are a non-native, invasive species in Maryland, but yes the fully ripe (dark purple) berries are edible. Here is information about red mulberries from the University of Florida.   Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 9:54 AM EDT
response: Thank you for getting back to me so quickly! I had never noticed them before. I found them trying to get rid of some kudzu, so I guess I have at least two invasive plants in my backyard.   On Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 9:41 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 June 05, 2023, 9:56 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
How To Eradicate Invasive Clover

Question: The plant in the enclosed photos has arrived out of nowhere.  I would like to eliminate it from my lawn before it invades the garden.  I think that it may be European Water Clover. Any and all help would be appreciated. Thank You

responder: Barbara     Replied June 05, 2023, 2:03 PM EDT
response: Hello Brandy,  Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.  Clover has appeared in your turf and you would like to know how to how to irradiate it.  It is likely you have white clover in your turf, the leaves are more rounded.  European water clover grows in water.  The clover may be able to grow in your lawn because the grass needs some fertilizer.  I am sending two fact sheets which provide information about how to get rid of your clover and also how to best care for your lawn.  https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/lawns/1542-white-clover-control-lawns/  https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/lawn-care-7-202/  I am including  CSU's Lawns page which provides a wealth of information about turf in case you have any future questions.  https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/gardening-resources/online-garden-publications/lawns/  Best regards,

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 2:36 PM EDT
response: Barbara, Thank you for your email.I have lived in Colorado my whole life.  I have witnessed an entire lawn that was white clover.  This is not white clover and when it blooms, the blooms are completely different.  I understand that water clover should live in water, but it may have adapted to live out of water.I would like to get this under control before it is uncontrollable and you have to add it to a list of invasive species.Is there a herbicide that you would recommend?Thank you,Brandy R. Williams, PECitizen At-Large<personal data hidden>719.650.8293On Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 12:03 PM Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Barbara     Replied June 05, 2023, 5:16 PM EDT
response: Hello Brandy,  There are many clovers found in Colorado, I have sent a link from the Colorado Plant Database listing clovers found in Colorado.  Do you know what color the flowers will be?  Perhaps you can identify the clover that you have by looking at this list.    https://coloradoplants.jeffco.us/PlantSearch?name=clover  We cannot recommend herbicides but can send fact sheets that include the recommended chemicals.  https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/lawns/1542-white-clover-control-lawns/  "When using herbicides to control clover, ensure that the clover and grass are well-watered and not drought-stressed. Avoid making herbicide applications when temperatures are above 85 degrees F, as control may be reduced and the herbicide is more likely to volatilize and harm landscape plants and vegetables. Note that preemergent herbicides (aka “crabgrass preventers”) will NOT control white clover. Postemergent herbicides containing dicamba, triclopyr, and MCPP/MCPA provide good control."
Flying insect

Question: What is this insect? How do I get rid of it?

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 June 05, 2023, 12:42 PM EDT
response: Hello! Thank you for your question and photos. The insect pictured here appears to be a winged ant, although we can't be completely certain because the photos are just a bit blurry when we zoom in on them. However, we can say with certainty that it is not a termite, and it doesn't appear to be a wasp either. It is very common to see winged ants of various species at this time of year in Maryland. Since ants are actively expanding their outdoor nests at this point in the season, there's a high probability that this one just flew in from outside. Ants that fly inside by mistake like this usually die before they can find a good nesting site, and so no pest control would be needed for them. However, if you continue to see more winged ants inside your home, or wingless ants crawling around, you might need to take some action, since there are a few species of ants that can nest indoors. There are both nonchemical ways (including vigilant sanitation methods and things like caulking up gaps around windows and doors) and chemical ways (like bait traps and sprays) to prevent and control ants in the home. The link below provides more information on ants and their control in the home.  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/ants-indoor-insects  I hope this is helpful.  ~ Karin

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 12:52 PM EDT
response: Karin, thank you very much for your prompt reply.  It puts my mind at ease that they are not termites.Have a good summer.MichaelOn Jun 5, 2023, at 12:42, 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 June 05, 2023, 12:55 PM EDT
response: Hi Michael,  You are so welcome! I'm really glad we were able to help. I hope you have a good summer, too!  ~ Karin
White stuff on cherry tree

Question: I have this flowering cherry in my backyard, and it's got this white stuff on a few small branches. The small branches are all attached to the same main branch, and no other plants on the property seem to be effected. The tree is an unknown age, guessing maybe 10? in heavy clay soil, mostly sun. There is no odor, and no movement. The first two photos show up close the branch that has the worst, and the 3rd picture is the larger branch that all of the effected small branches are attached to. In the first picture there is a barely visible little spider that ran off of the white stuff. Not sure if he's related, but he's on the right side of the branch if you look for him.

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 June 05, 2023, 12:02 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This is White Prunicola Scale. You can refer to the general scale treat page for management, either with chemical or non chemical recommendations. There are 3 generations of these pests a year and the first treatment window is almost over (maybe slightly passed for Anne Arundel County). You will need to treat multiple times a year and possibly for a few years to get the population under control. If you think you can attempt to handle this yourself with the age of the tree, you can follow the recommendations listed, or we would suggest that you contact an arborist to assess the severity and to be able to use treatment methods only certified professionals can use.  If the investment of either time or money to treat the tree isn't worth it, then you can always replace the tree with a less susceptible species.  The spider isn't related, except maybe aiding in eating some of the crawlers. Great photo though! Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 3:03 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily,  Wow, very helpful, thank you! So far, it's the only branch on the tree, so I hope I can get it under control quick. Thanks!On Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 12:02 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 June 06, 2023, 9:36 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
What type of cicada?

Question: Hi, found this cicada emerging today, 6-3-23.  Can you tell me what type? About 3/4" long, small. It came out light green. Springfield, Lane County.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2023, 7:16 PM EDT
response: It's not longer green, but still small, kind of grey.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied June 05, 2023, 2:40 PM EDT
response: Hi Sarah, Nice job on your photos and observations!   The cicada species we have in our region are all native and they are in the genera Okanagana, Platypedia, and Neoplatypedia. Based on what I can see of the wing venation, the one you photographed is from the genus Platypedia or the genus Neoplatypedia. I'm attaching a little photo guide I put together to show the differences among the genera.  I'm not sure how much you know about cicadas, so I'll give you a little info...  Adult cicadas are fairly large insects that pierce plant tissues to feed on plant juices. This doesn't typically affect the plants much though. Adult cicadas also communicate through sound. Males make buzzing or clicking sounds to attract mates. Species in the genera Platypedia and Neoplatypedia make clicking sounds rather than the buzzing sounds that are typical of other cicadas.  The wingless immature stages of cicadas (nymphs) live underground where they feed on plant roots. The nymphs take several years to feed and grow, and then they dig up to the surface where they molt (shed their last nymphal skin) and become winged adults. When they first become adults, they often have a light greenish color, and they darken as they mature.  Cicada species in Oregon take 2-5 years to mature and become adults, but generations overlap, so some adults emerge every year. In contrast, the more famous periodical cicadas in eastern North America (Magicicada species) take 7 or 13 years to mature and become adults, but generations are synchronized so there are mass emergences of adults every 7 or 13 years, and adults are rare or absent in other years.  Enjoy! Yours,
Butterfly Bush & when to remove dead branches

Question: Hello,  Is this a good time to remove the wood from my butterfly bush?  It was cut down to 1/3 in Spring.  I think the existing tall wood is probably dead wood.  Please see attached photos.  Mant Thanks!

responder: Linda, OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Thank you for allowing us to help you with your gardening questions. Here are some other helpful websites: BYGL Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/ OSUE FactSheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu State Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.os  Replied June 05, 2023, 10:22 AM EDT
response: Yes, you can remove the old wood now.  Actually you can cut the whole plant down at the end of the season and it will re-emerge in the spring.  The flowers form on new wood.  Here is a link to further information about butterfly bush:  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/butterfly-bush/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 10:27 AM EDT
response: Thank you!