MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Cherry tree budded but produces no leaves

Question: I have a cherry tree in my yard that budded earlier in the season. But the buds never opened and no leaves have grown on the tree. In addition, there are some small green tufts of growth coming out of various parts of the tree. They are growing slowly, but I don’t know if this is affecting the tree at all, or what it might be. Is there a way to care for the tree and get it to grow its leaves back?
Thank you in advance for any help. 

Andrew

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied June 17, 2023, 3:59 PM EDT
response: Hi Andrew,   It is hard to tell without knowing a little bit more. What type of cherry tree is it? When was it planted? Does it have good drainage? Has it been healthy and leafed out and budded in years past?  It looks like the small green tufts could be water sprouts, a sign that the tree is stressed.   Hopefully we can help with some additional information - thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 18, 2023, 1:59 PM EDT
response: Hi, thank you for your reply! It is a Royal Ann cherry tree. It was here when I bought my house, but I think it was probably planted in 2019 or 2020.The drainage might not be optimal, as it is just in a small plot surrounded by pavers on three sides and a concrete wall on one side.Last year it was healthy, there were plenty of leaves and it even produced a bunch of cherries.I don't have too much more information about it, hopefully that answers your questions.Thank you,AndrewLe sam. 17 juin 2023 à 13:59, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> a écrit :

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied June 19, 2023, 1:59 PM EDT
response: Andrew, Royal Ann is a sweet cherry variety and with sweet cherry trees on the Front Range frost is a common problem, not to mention they are not self-pollinating so it takes two trees to produce fruit. Sour cherry aka pie cherry varieties bloom later and tend to be more reliable in Denver.  I suspect that what happened here is the tree formed buds last season but the buds died due to cold temperatures over the winter. The little wisp of green tissue trying to push from the trunk looks like the last gasp of energy coming from the roots. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but in my opinion, your tree will not recover. I would recommend replacing it and starting fresh.  Here's a link to an article about growing tree fruit in Colorado that you might find helpful: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2022/12/Tree-Fruit.pdf
Pink and Brown spots on roses

Question: Hello. I'm writing to ask for  help in identifying these odd spots on my roses.  The pink spots tend to show up on my white roses. I've had them before.  The brown spots are new for this summer. They appear on the petals of blooms that are still growing, making them look like they're wilting even if they're new blooms.  The roses are watered regularly with soaker hoses and fertilized with a rose fertilizer. They were planted in compost with cow manure and myko fungi. I am otherwise successful in growing roses, both of the English shrub variety by David Austin Roses, and floribundas/hybrid teas.  I would appreciate advice. Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 9:11 AM EDT
response: I just went out to remove the two roses with the pink spots and was shocked to discover that the spots had spread to all the other blooms among the three shrubs. I did some deadheading last night; the spots were not there.  Incidentally, I attempted to treat the brown spots with a BioAdvanced 3-in-1 spray.

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied June 19, 2023, 8:55 AM EDT
response: Thanks for reaching out with this question. It looks as if you might have gray mold or Botrytis blight on your roses. This pathogen has a wide range of temperatures at which it can develop and if it's been humid in your area, that may explain why you are seeing all of the sudden. You should be sure to clean up any of the infected petals that may have fallen around your plant to prevent further spread. You may also want to back off on the fertilizer, since too much nitrogen can lead to fast, floppy growth that is more susceptible to infection from this type of pathogen. Other that that, you should see this problem clear up as we move into the drier conditions of summer. Here is a link to a great resource on rose care from the University of Maryland. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rose-identify-and-manage-problems

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 9:11 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for getting back to me with this helpful information. Much appreciated.
Green shield bugs

Question: Last year we had a huge infestation of green shield bugs, they completely took out our tomatoes and peppers. This year I’m starting to see them again. What can we do to control them?

responder: Chris Rusch Replied June 20, 2023, 1:03 AM EDT
response: They can be identified and caught with yellow sticky traps, or look for stink bug traps on-line or at your garden center.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 1:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information, although in one of the articles the link that is supposed to go to organic options for control  http://stopbsmb.org goes to a page about cbd gummies...  Mindy On Mon, Jun 19, 2023 at 10:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Chris Rusch Replied June 22, 2023, 5:19 PM EDT
response: Thanks for letting me know.
Mishaped Leaves in Gardens

Question: Hello there, I have a cherry tree, tundra berry bush and a maple tree that have leaves that are "scrawny" and mishaped. They look underdeveloped and thin. I was wondering what it is and if I should or can do anything about it.  It is only the 3 plants in a garden of many. Please see pics. Thanks so much for your help!

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 17, 2023, 1:53 PM EDT
response: Having some areas of spotty curling leaves across several different plants suggest herbicide drift.  Were there any lawn products sprayed lately?   Also look to see if the new growth is normal.  Usually some areas of herbicide drift will grow back normally. Regular watering will help the plants outgrow the effects. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/noticing-herbicide-drift-your-garden

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 5:19 PM EDT
response: We have not sprayed any lawn products. No idea if the neighbors did. It does look like what you said, just seems strange that it was random places in the garden. The affected plants and trees are quite far apart in the yard. We have a 3 acre property and only one close neighboor. There is a sod farm behind us but it is about 3/4 of a mile back. They have been there for many years and nothing like this has happened before. The plants started their growth in the spring like this. The fruit shrub and maple tree had some normal leaves and some small twisted leaves. The cherry tree leaves are all malformed and it is worst at the top. No normal growth but still tried to flower. They are all growing and hanging in there even with our severe drought. Lots of watering along with it.Thanks for your help!-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 6/17/23 12:53 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Sheron Prinsen <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Mishaped Leaves in Gardens (#0105826)

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 21, 2023, 6:18 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.  Don’t overwater because that can cause issues also. If the soil is moist at 6” down, no need to add additional water.  (I just stick my finger down or a pole and see if I get moisture.). Hopefully you will see improvement  in the next month. Good luck!
What is wrong with milkweed?

Question: Hi, my milkweed is in its third year I think, it had self sown elsewhere in yard and I transplanted it here last year. Do you know if this is a disease where I need to pull the whole plant up and throw it out, or is it something more mild? You can see the leaves are very pale and yellowish and most of the orange buds aren’t blooming. Thanks!

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 16, 2023, 9:43 AM EDT
response: We know that is disappointing and looks concerning. We guess that is due to mites, which are tiny sucking insects which can be intense in hot, dry weather.  Here is our page on them with more information:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/spider-mites-flowers-and-groundcovers We wouldn't recommend any sprays other than with water on a plant that is already stressed like this.  You don't need to pull the plants out.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 8:52 PM EDT
response: Oh, thank you! I’m glad I don’t have to pull it! Sent from my iPhone On Jun 16, 2023, at 9:43 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Apple pests

Question: On June 3 when I spayed the Empire apple tree there were no spots on the apples.  Today, June 15 many,  many apples had as much as 7 slightly sunken spots on them!  Apples are approximately one inch in diameter.
Please advise,
Thanks in advance

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 15, 2023, 9:34 PM EDT
response: This looks like the damage caused by an insect or insects with piercing mouth parts. This includes tarnish, plant, bug, stink bugs, or possibly plum curculio. These insects are attracted to fruit once they reach about 3/4 inch and larger in size. The problem is generally worse in areas with broadleaf flowering weeds, nearby woods and hedgerows. Periodic insecticide treatment will protect the fruit.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 3:45 PM EDT
response: What insecticide should I use and how often? I did spray theapple tree June 3rd with Bonide fruit tree spray which contains Captan, Malathion, and Carbaryl. I am a home gardener. (No commercial license)On Thu, Jun 15, 2023 at 9:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 17, 2023, 9:12 AM EDT
response: The malathion and carbaryl components will control plant bugs.  Usually a 10 day interval is sufficient for spraying.   If there has been more than about 3/4 inch of rain since the last spray, shorten the interval for the next spray by a few days.
Brown lacy zinnia leaves and brown maple leaves

Question: My Zinnias have been on the ground for about a month and the leaves have turned brown and kind of lacy  looking. I see no evidence of bugs, except a few ants, no aphids. What is the cause?

I bought a maple tree when it got home after riding in the back of the trailer flapping in the wind, some of the leaves started to turn brown. Is this from the flapping in the wind or sun burn? What should I do?

responder: marjorie n. OSU Ext. Master Gardener Replied June 16, 2023, 1:07 PM EDT
response: I suspect that your zinnias are attacked by earwigs. You don't see them because they are nocturnal insects and hide during the day. Roll up a damp newspaper or similar light-weight paper such as packing paper and leave it out at night. In the morning, pick it up without unrolling it, stuff it in a plastic bag and toss it in the garbage. Make sure the plastic bag is sealed so the bugs can't get out. There are  also chemical sprays to use against earwigs, but you would have to go out in the night to find them. As for your maple, it took a hit, as you said, from the transport. If you planted it correctly and are giving it moderate water, there really isn't anything you can do. You might prune back to another leaf junction, but that would depend on how many leaves you have that are intact. You don't want to leave the tree totally bare. I would just wait and see what happens after planting it and caring for it as it renews itself.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 4:46 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much. On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 10:07:13 AM PDT, Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: marjorie n. OSU Ext. Master Gardener Replied June 18, 2023, 6:29 PM EDT
response: You are very welcome. An interesting comment: my neighbor has maple in a container in a fairly shady spot, but it gets reflected light in the afternoon from the concrete driveway it sits on. The part that gets the most sun is browning after the really hot day we had about a week and a half ago.  also, I was wtering my potted tomato plants this morning and picked up one of the pots to find a whole "colony" of earwigs. I stomped on those I could get!
Please ID plant

Question: What is this plant? Thought it may be a hosta, but now think it may just be a weed. Thank You.

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 16, 2023, 12:40 PM EDT
response: This is a type of perennial Plantain. There is a wide-leaved variety but this looks more like Narrow-leaved Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), which is widespread in MD and invasive.  You can dig it out. Since it's a perennial just removing the top leaves won't get rid of it. Use a weed knife or shovel to dig down near the center of the leaves and get as much of the root as you are able.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 17, 2023, 11:17 AM EDT
response: Thank you. Will uproot right away.On Fri, Jun 16, 2023 at 12:40 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What is gnawing on this wood post?

Question: We have a gazebo supported by 4x4 posts. The posts have been attacked by some animal. The damage is confined to the upper part of the posts that is directly under the structure. Can you identify what is causing this damage and how to stop this animal? Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 16, 2023, 11:47 AM EDT
response: I'm consulting with a colleague on this.  My initial thoughts is that this looks like a porcupine gnawing given the size of the teeth marks...  Porcupines are pretty rare around here, so it's surprising.  https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/plants_wildlife/rte/rteanimalfacts.aspx?AID=North+American+Porcupine#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20watchlisted%20species,Great%20Basin%20to%20northern%20Mexico.  Where are you located? In western Maryland? One thing that deters most chewing mammals (which this looks to be) is a cayanne pepper application.  You can mix the powder into a slurry with a small amount of water and paint it on the wood.  It will wash off in rains, but it looks like this is protected from the rain, so this may work well for you. I'll let you know when I hear back from my colleague, but cayanne wil probably help regardless. Best, Luke

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 17, 2023, 11:25 AM EDT
response: Thank you for this answer. I live in Carroll County Maryland. Could this be a groundhog? We have these on our property.Will wait for your response after your colleague responds to you.On Fri, Jun 16, 2023 at 11:47 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 18, 2023, 1:27 PM EDT
response: It could be a groundhog, but I don't usually see groundhogs climbing to the top of posts like this, although it could be possible.  My contact I checked with did not know what it could be.  If you're curious, you could put a motion activated trail camera on the post and see if the critter comes back.  But if you're more concerned with preventing the chewing, try applying some cayenne pepper.   Best, Luke

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 10:59 AM EDT
response: Hi, Luke, Thanks for your follow up with your colleague. I “painted” those gnawed areas with the cayenne slurry and am hoping that works for whatever is gnawing on the posts.On Sun, Jun 18, 2023 at 1:27 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Unknown Tree

Question: What kind of tree is this, spotted in Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis.

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 15, 2023, 5:20 PM EDT
response: This looks like a Mulberry (botanical genus name Morus). We have one native species in Maryland, the Red Mulberry, but most trees people encounter, especially in developed areas where habitat has been degraded, are the invasive White Mulberry. (The "white" does not necessarily refer to the berry color as, when ripe, they will often be red changing to black, just like those of our native species.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 4:28 PM EDT
response: Okay, thanks. On Jun 15, 2023, at 5:20 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Bug Identifier

Question: I found a bug I’ve never seen before in my yard. A free identifier app suggests it is an Asian Longhorn Beetle, but it looks nothing like a beetle. It’s about 2 inches long with big eyes on top of it’s head. Is this something I should be concerned about?

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 18, 2023, 2:29 PM EDT
response: This is a big eyed click beetle. They are soil-dwelling insects that feed on nectar and plants and don't pose a major risk to the garden. The larvae are predators of wood-boring beetles, and if you come across this insect, it is best to leave alone.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 18, 2023, 11:32 PM EDT
response: Thank you so very much!!It will be at peace in my gardengood to know it means no harm. Kate Sent from my iPhone On Jun 18, 2023, at 2:29 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Sick Spruce Trees

Question: Hello, We have become concerned about our Spruce trees. They are in front of our home, and are lighted at night from the bottom. A few days ago, I noticed these pretty awful "wounds" on both trees. One is much worse than the other. I am forwarding photos in hope that someone might know what this is, and what we can do to treat it. We would hate to lose our trees, they are very large, and beautiful. they both have new growth on their branches. Thank you so much for taking a look.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 16, 2023, 4:33 PM EDT
response: Hello, the photos suggest a wound which is localized to the area where the source of bleeding occurs.  The exudate that is coming from the tree is likely a syndrome called wetwood.  Wetwood is wood that is saturated with water and defensive chemicals (phenolics) and it accumulates around wounds and rots in some conifers, like spruce, fir, and hemlock (whitewoods) .  This may be a defense against the decay fungi that colonize the wound because it creates low/no oxygen condition in the wood and decay fungi require oxygen.  Methane producing bacteria do grow in the wetwood, and cause pressure to build up in the wetwood.  That causes wet exudate to seep out of the tree trunk at wounds.  Often, black or brown mold will grow on the surface of the bark where the exudate accumulates.  In terms of management, I don't think you can do much, as this is an advanced condition.  If the tree is near a house or high human use area, you may want to have an arborist evaluate it for potential risk/hazard.  There may be some decay associated with the wound, but it is difficult to determine that without examining the tree.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 1:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for looking into this for us. I am looking for an arborist.
Mealybugs on Fir Trees

Question: Hello. The large fir trees on my property in Green Mountain Falls are heavily infested with mealy bugs. Can you give me any advice?
Of course, I’d like to avoid spraying pesticides but I’m afraid it may be necessary. Is there an expert in this field  that you could recommend to help me eliminate the bugs? Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 15, 2023, 1:38 PM EDT
response: Hi Debra, You have observed Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgids. These insects will soon form galls ---- cucumber shaped growths on the tree that resemble seed cones. If you'd truly like to avoid spraying insecticides, then you're in luck because these insects usually have a negligible effect on tree health. Extremely heavy infestations may cause minor retardation of tree growth, but the galls are covered by new growth the following year and become almost unnoticeable a few years after they form. Their populations are highly cyclical, so a heavy infestation this year does not necessarily mean that it will be this severe next year.  The only reason to treat would be if you are not willing to tolerate this cosmetic damage. If you decide to treat, now would be the best time for foliar sprays. Once these insects inhabit the galls they induce, insecticides will be ineffective because the galls will serve as a barrier against chemical control. It will be difficult to apply foliar sprays to the entirety of your trees since they are so large. Insects inhabiting higher branches will be able to avoid treatment. But if you are just trying to preserve the aesthetic value of the trees, eliminating the insects in your eye-line may be worthwhile. Foliar treatments of Carbaryl (Trade Name: Sevin) and Permethrins can be very effective. Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps are also effective for controlling these adelgids, but they can cause temporary needle discoloration by washing off the oils produced by the tree.  Soil injections of imidacloprid can control these adelgids. However, the treatments often fail to kill many of the insects until after the galls are formed. These galls usually remain green rather than browning in early summer. Soil injections are more effective when applied in the fall. Also, applying a systemic insecticide means that it will be translocated into all parts of the plant, including the pollen. This neonicotinoid-laden pollen can induce sub-lethal effects in whichever non-target insects/other organisms (e.g. bees) come into contact with it.  If you have any spruce trees nearby, I would check them as well since this insect uses them as an alternate host.  Again, these treatments would be to preserve the aesthetic value of the tree. These insects will not significantly affect the vigor or longevity of your trees. Let me know if you have further questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 2:05 PM EDT
response: So helpful! Thank you!  It’s been keeping me up at night.       Debra  On Jun 15, 2023, at 12:38 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿
Pinus nigra “komet”

Question: I recently bought this plane. It is only about 3 feet high. At this point. The candles have not opened for new growth. They are still flexible and if I flex them I can see green my thought is just to leave them for now. Any ideas would be appreciated. Also, there is some pine flowering at the base of the candles

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 15, 2023, 11:38 AM EDT
response: Hi Steve, Thank you for the question. You mentioned that this is a newly planted tree.  It appears from the photo that is is getting full sun?  I think you should continue to water it, maybe give it some pine tree fertilizer (read label for proper amounts) and watch it for a few more weeks.  It could just be a little slow from stress of being replanted.   Please reach back in a few weeks if you are still concerned.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 1:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you .. I am using hollytone for feeding .. sounds greatSent from my iPhone On Jun 15, 2023, at 10:38 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿