MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Pole bean vegitative stress

Question: Pole beans growing in my earth box, the new leaf growth is small, curler, ragged, and pale on first phase planting.  Second phase planting is better, but some leaves have spots which are similar to what is occurring on nearby cucumbers.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 2:01 PM EDT
response: Good morning,  Is it possible that an herbicide was applied to a nearby lawn after the beans were planted? This looks a bit like herbicide damage but there are also some other options. Thanks, Michelle D Master Gardener Apprentice

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 3:09 PM EDT
response: No herbicides used within about 100’, which is the space we control  On Jun 24, 2024, at 12:01 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 4:19 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately, it sounds like your beans may be infected by curly top virus. I'll include a links to details here and here. This virus is spread by bugs, and usually doesn't show itself until after the first wave of leaves are developed. It makes new leaves pucker and turn downward. There are not any good treatment options. The beans will most likely survive, but be unproductive. You may have to remove and destroy the infected plants in order to protect the rest of your garden.    Please reach out with any other questions, Brody K Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 5:50 PM EDT
response: Is there a protocol in removing the infected plants to prevent spreading?  Can I replant in the same place right away?  Is the planting medium compromised? On Jun 24, 2024, at 2:19 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 6:01 PM EDT
response: The disease is mostly spread by Beet Leafhoppers. Removing the infected plant close to the other plants isn't ideal, but you should be safe if you cover the other plants with netting or other covers to prevent bugs moving from plant to plant. The soil COULD be used, but I'd probably remove the soil and use clean soil for the rest of the season. Replanting is fine after the new soil is in. Just make sure to cover the new plants with nets or covers as well to prevent the Leafhoppers from infecting them.  Good Luck! Brody K
Aphids infested these chives. What should I do?

Question: This morning I discovered my potted chives had been infested by what looks like aphids. The pot is next to other potted herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, cilantro and parsley). Should I dispose of the infested chives and the pot they were in? How can I prevent the aphids from infesting other plants, both in the pots and in the vegetable garden beds a few feet away?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 1:19 PM EDT
response: Please note: I'm a features editor at The Oregonian and would like to publish the answer to this question on oregonlive and in The Oregonian. Thank you!

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied June 24, 2024, 7:54 PM EDT
response: Hi Kjerstin and thanks for your question and the picture of your black aphid laden chives. No! You don't need to ditch the plant to save its neighbors! Aphids can be removed with a strong stream of water from a hose and chive plants are sturdy enough to take this treatment. If you feel like doing more, you can use an insecticidal soap as well.  Obviously the aphids are most attracted to this plant, which might be because it has been stressed somehow, but I would still move it away from the other pots before you hose them off. Then just sit and wait for the lady bugs or other aphid-loving predators to move in. They will not look like the cute little beetles at first because at the larval stage they are more like teeny tiny black alligators. But come they will, and you can be proud to know you are helping with the life cycle of one of our favorite pest controls.  Great picture of aphids on chives!
Ailing Clematis

Question: My Clematis looked lush last month & is now a mess.  Some leaves look like something is eating them, others have turned a dark color.  What could be the cause?  Remedy?  Thank you.

responder: Carrie M  Replied June 27, 2024, 7:14 PM EDT
response: Good evening Ann,  The most devastating problem of clematis is a fungal stem rot and leaf spot called clematis wilt. The two fungi credited with causing clematis wilt are Phoma clematidina and Ascochyta clematidina. With this disease, the plant or part of the vine suddenly collapses, and within a few days, the stem and leaves turn black and die. Cut off and destroy all the affected parts. Rake up and dispose of fallen foliage. https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/uploads/534/79846/06-Growing-Clematis-English.pdf https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/diseases/cankers/clematis-wilt https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/clematis/ The photo shows some leafcutter bee, caterpillar, beetle or earwig feeding damage too. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/leafcutter-bees   Good luck & have a great day!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2024, 7:20 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the information. On Jun 27, 2024 7:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  Dear Ann, here's the response to your question:  Good evening Ann,  The most devastating problem of clematis is a fungal stem rot and leaf spot called clematis wilt. The two fungi credited with causing clematis wilt are Phoma clematidina and Ascochyta clematidina. With this disease, the plant or part of the vine suddenly collapses, and within a few days, the stem and leaves turn black and die. Cut off and destroy all the affected parts. Rake up and dispose of fallen foliage. https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/uploads/534/79846/06-Growing-Clematis-English.pdf https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/diseases/cankers/clematis-wilt https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/clematis/ The photo shows some leafcutter bee, caterpillar, beetle or earwig feeding damage too. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/leafcutter-bees   Good luck & have a great day!  Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0143997 Carrie M Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  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.
What’s killing my roses

Question: Leaves look eaten and tunneled.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2024, 2:04 PM EDT
response: Hi Rosa, I'm sorry to hear about your roses! From what I can see in the photo, I think you have rose sawflies.  These relatives of bees and wasps cause the "window-pane" damage that I can see on many of the leaves in the photo.  As larvae, they look kind of like slimy green caterpillars, so also get called rose-slugs (though they aren't closely related to slugs at all).   If you find them on the leaves, spraying the plants with a forceful jet of water may dislodge many larvae, which often will then fail to re-find the plant. Larvae may also be handpicked or dislodged by shaking plants over a container for collection and disposal. If these methods are inadequate, pesticide options, including pyrethrins, can provide adequate control but may be illegal to apply if the roses are flowering because the danger to pollinators.  Read the label for any product you are considering for application instructions and restrictions. The leaves furthest to the right in the photo have damage that could be the work of very young sawflies, but could also be something else--it almost looks like damage from soap or oil, or possibly from different types of insects.  Did all of the damage occur at once, and when did you first notice it? I hope this is helpful, Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 4:58 PM EDT
response: John,We just noticed it this morning and not all of the roses are infected. We will immediately spray them with water.   During the winter we surrounded the roses with bricks to protect the crown, and a new puppy instead of leaves or straw.    We truly appreciate your help.    Rosa Montemayor. Sent from my iPhone On Jun 21, 2024, at 12:05, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2024, 6:26 PM EDT
response: Good luck!  Let us know if things don't improve soon on the new growth.
What is this plant?

Question: I originally got this as a stray seedling with a peony plant I purchased at a local nursery.  I potted it out of curiosity.  It's grown into a lovely good sized plant.  Can you tell me what this is?  Thank you for your help.

responder: eGardener  Replied June 23, 2024, 5:06 PM EDT
response: Hello, happy to help. I suspect it may be a weed but I'd be happy to continue working with you to identify it. Could you send a photo of its flower and what month it bloomed when that happens? Though the question may look closed, when you add a reply, it will reopen and notify me.  Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2024, 5:35 PM EDT
response: So far there hasn’t been a hint of blossom or flower.  Below are pics from just now.  The largest leaf is now 7.5”.I have not seen anything like this growing wild in our area.  I live in rural Isanti county.  Sandy soil country. Thank you so much for your help.                    Vicki NielsenThe Question Asker Replied June 23, 2024, 5:35 PM EDT Hello Vicki, It's burdock an invasive weed. The common burdock can be found everywhere in Minnesota but there are three varieties and all of them are invasive and should be eradicated. Here is information about all three types from Minnesota Wildflowers. You could cut one of the stems to see if it's hollow or not. If not hollow, it is the likely newer variety called Actium lappa.  Good-luck! eGardener  Replied June 28, 2024, 12:26 PM EDT Thank you so much for researching this for me.  The leaves do look similar to the Great Burdoch.  Leaves on the other 2 are too pointy.  I don’t see any branchy stem coming up or flower buds.  I got this seedling in April.Perhaps this matures late summer?  Being as it is contained in a pot on my patio I will let it mature to see what it does.  Should be interesting.  Thank you again for naming my Mystery Plant and letting me know I shouldn’t plant it in the garden!                Vicki NielsenThe Question Asker Replied June 28, 2024, 1:15 PM EDT

responder: eGardener  Replied June 28, 2024, 12:26 PM EDT
response: Hello Vicki, It's burdock an invasive weed. The common burdock can be found everywhere in Minnesota but there are three varieties and all of them are invasive and should be eradicated. Here is information about all three types from Minnesota Wildflowers. You could cut one of the stems to see if it's hollow or not. If not hollow, it is the likely newer variety called Actium lappa.  Good-luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2024, 1:15 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for researching this for me.  The leaves do look similar to the Great Burdoch.  Leaves on the other 2 are too pointy.  I don’t see any branchy stem coming up or flower buds.  I got this seedling in April.Perhaps this matures late summer?  Being as it is contained in a pot on my patio I will let it mature to see what it does.  Should be interesting.  Thank you again for naming my Mystery Plant and letting me know I shouldn’t plant it in the garden!                Vicki NielsenThe Question Asker Replied June 28, 2024, 1:15 PM EDT
My apples look deformed and insect infected

Question: Good day, 
These young apples exhibited these spots almost as soon as the fruit formed. There was also some transparent, gummy deposit at the site of the spots. The apples appear to be growing in a deformed manner.  
(1) do you have an idea what the infestation is?
(2) is it possible to treat it and rescue this season’s crop?
(3) what should I do to prevent a reoccurrence next year?

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 June 21, 2024, 12:39 PM EDT
response: Amending to add:  You can cut apples open to look for larvae. They may have already pupated. Pick up and remove and discard all infested apples. and  Fruit deformities can be caused by stinkbug feeding, rosy apple aphid feeding, or cold damage to buds/flowers in spring.  It is not easy to grow what most people consider good tree fruits in Maryland without close management, including carefully timed and repeated chemical spray applications starting early in the spring for the multiple insect pests and diseases that are common in our area. Growing small fruits like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are much more successful without a lot of work.   While we generally recommend that people avoid using many insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides in their landscapes, you generally need to to get unblemished fruit. This page can tell you more: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/fruit-plant-care/, under the "plant and pest problems" headline- press on the dropdown menu to expand. Click on the 'Home Fruit' portion of this Virginia Pest Management Guide:  https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/456/456-018/456-018.html See plum curculio and coddling moths. Spray applications are preventative and start very early in the season as the buds swell and are repeated in various ways on a schedule so it is too late for this season.  If you choose not to take the chemical spray route (most people don't want to) it is still sometimes possible to get some fruit- you will just need to cut out the bad parts- certainly enough to make a pie or two from a mature tree, and you can leave the rest for wildlife.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2024, 3:10 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for the quick response and useful advice. I understand the difficulty in growing tree fruit but I’m determined  Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone  On Friday, June 21, 2024, 1:50 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Princeton Elm yellowing and dropped leaves

Question: We have 2 Princeton Elms planted in full sun in our front yard. Though they have both looked extremely healthy, one of them now has yellowing leaves and has dropped many leaves. What can we do? We water on a regular basis.

responder: David Hillock  Replied June 21, 2024, 12:13 PM EDT
response: It is difficult to tell from the images alone what may be happening. Knowing how the trees were planted and cultural information may help. It could be stress, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. I suggest taking samples into the Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center for diagnosis and possibly to be sent off to the disease lab. Take cuttings of twigs/branches that are about 6 to 10 inches long that have healthy and affected leaves. I would wait until early next week instead of doing it today so the samples can be shipped, if necessary, and received quicker. Contact information for the Oklahoma County Extension Center can be found here -https://extension.okstate.edu/county/oklahoma/. Be prepared to provide additional information so they can properly provide a diagnosis. One additionl thought, the canopies look pretty thick and it would probably help to do selective removal of some interior branches/twigs to thin out and open up the canopy. This would allow better air circulation and reduce the potential for fungal diseases. For information on pruning and training trees see our fact sheets - Training Young Shade and Ornamental Trees and Pruning Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, and Vines.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 7:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick response.   Am I able to bring samples directly to the extension center instead of shipping them? If so, where exactly do I go and to whom do I give the samples?  Thank you, again.  Shari Moore  On Fri, Jun 21, 2024 at 11:13 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: David Hillock  Replied June 21, 2024, 9:26 PM EDT
response: Please see directions and link to the extension center in response above.
Woodland sunflowers

Question: Hi, 
I was wondering if you could give me some help with my woodland sunflowers. There are currently 2 problems. 

Some of the leaves have this stuff that looks like bird droppings and some are doing the leaf curling. 
Is this something you can help with?

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied June 21, 2024, 3:15 PM EDT
response: Hello Molly, The first photos appear to be bird droppings. Try gently washing them off with water.  The distorted  leaves are some sort of insect feeding on them. Turn the leaves over and look for aphids. Also, carefully open some of the rolled up areas to see if any insect is inside.  The distortion could be from gall forming insects as well- tiny wasps that cause the leaf to distort when the insect is either feeding or laying an egg. All this on the leaves will not impact the flowers. There are pests of sunflower that do impact flowers and seeds. There are some that consume leaves as well. I am including a bulletin on that so you can watch for those. https://ipmworld.umn.edu/charlet  Pollinator friendly insect control includes insecticidal soap, neem oil, washing with a stream of water. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how-to-control-invasive-pests-while-protecting-pollinators-and-other-beneficial-insects  To get a second opinion, and perhaps an exact diagnosis if there is enough “evidence” left on the plant, you may submit samples and your pictures to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab. There is a modest fee for submitting samples. See the lab’s website for how- https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much. I have looked under the leaves and didn’t find any bugs but will look again. I sprayed neem oil on them and hopefully that will help. Will also try soapy water. Molly Beedon Sent from my couch    On Jun 21, 2024, at 3:15 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied June 22, 2024, 10:19 AM EDT
response: You are welcome. I would be careful with soapy water, as some household soap will burn leaves. Insecticidal soap is safe for plants when used as the label directs. The insects may be gone by now. Sometimes they feed, distorting the leaves, then enter their next life stage and move on. Be sure to treat the undersides of the leaves, too. Regards, Laura
Cone flower abnormal growth

Question: There is a spike growth coming from my cone flower.  at first I thought it was a weed growing very close to the plant, but it appears to be part of the plant.  What is this growth? The flowers look distorted too.

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 June 21, 2024, 9:16 AM EDT
response: The 'flower' spike you see is coming from another plant. It looks like Plantain and is blending in very well with your coneflower leaves. If you look very closely the leaves are a little different- shape-wise and are ridged/veiny, and the stems are more flat than round. Here is our page on Plantain so you can compare:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/plantain/ We can't see the base of the plants to say for sure but you may   be able to carefully drive a narrow trowel or garden knife straight down near the rosette and rock it enough to pull the weed out. Otherwise you could keep pulling those leaves off over a long period of time to try and tire out the root. Your coneflower looks stressed but we can't see any major problem. If they are young and establishing (perennials take a good 3 years to really get going) it will be important to keep them well watered, especially in periods like this week with days of very high heat and no rain.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 10:13 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  I grew it from seed last fall, so it is still very young. I will do a better job with watering.  Sent from my iPhone  On Jun 21, 2024, at 9:16 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

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 June 21, 2024, 11:56 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.  Enjoy the weekend.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 3:04 PM EDT
response: After reading this reply, I went outside and verified that my coneflower is, indeed, surrounded by a plantain! I certainly do feel silly! I decided to just go ahead and trim the leaves for now. In the fall, I will dig the plant up and separate the coneflower from the plantain. Thank you very much for your prompt reply !  Sent from my iPhone  On Jun 21, 2024, at 9:16 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 21, 2024, 3:06 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!