MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
What is wrong with my pumpkin plant?

Question: I have one pumpkin plant that is struggling and I noticed some damage on the vine this morning.  The other one that shares the box does not seem to have any of the issues this one has, so I am worried about this being a disease that could spread and want to know if I need to pull this plant or if there is something I can do to save 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 July 13, 2023, 4:09 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately it looks like the stem of the plant was damaged by something (it's hard to discern what might have been responsible) and it might now have a decay fungus taking hold, giving it what appears to be a fuzzy look to us in the photo. If this is the case, we recommend pulling up and discarding the plant, but you don't need to treat the other plant with anything as a precaution. You can explore our pumpkin growing information to see if there are other precautions to take for the remaining plant, though, regarding the more typical pests or diseases of this vegetable. Unfortunately we don't think replacing this one from seed will give it enough time to mature fruits by the end of the season.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 5:56 PM EDT
response: I went out to dig up the plant and noticed something similar on my other pumpkin that I had missed this morning.  Do I need to treat this for vine borers or is this just some external damage that it is recovering from?  Thank you for the advice!On Thu, Jul 13, 2023, 4:09 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 July 14, 2023, 10:19 AM EDT
response: You can prod the stem to see if any areas are soft/squishy/wet, which would imply a borer is present. If not, just keep an eye on the plant; if yes, you can either try killing the larva with pokes from a paper clip end or slice the stem open lengthwise with a razor blade to find the larva and remove it that way.  Miri
what is this larva?

Question: Found this larva on my shoe after pulling up an immature golden rod plant. What is it?

responder: Kathy M.  Replied July 14, 2023, 1:16 PM EDT
response: Hello Walter Thank you for your question and pictures.   Unfortunately, I cannot get a good enough look from your picture to tell whether your little larva is a butterfly caterpillar or a sawfly larva.  I suspect the latter, but...not sure. What's the difference you ask?  I am sharing a great fact sheet via the link below to help answer that question and hopefully equip you to identify future "finds."  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/sawflies  I hope you find this information informative and helpful. Thanks again for using the Ask a Master Gardener online service and for being a mindful and curious gardener!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2023, 3:29 PM EDT
response: Did you enlarge the picture for more detail? I did and see tiny black spots along the side, and 3 black legs on the abdomen. The sawfly larva doesn't look anything like this caterpillar.   I see a lot of detail and thought an expert like you would be able to tell me what to use to kill it—or even if I need to eradicate it from my garden. I try to stay organic, but if you can't tell me what this is the larva of, I may have to kill off some bees to get rid of this. So please ask around and try harder.      From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Friday, July 14, 2023 1:16 PM To: Walter Brian Caldwell <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: what is this larva? (#0110376)

responder: Jennifer Andon  Replied July 14, 2023, 5:22 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon, sir.  Thank you for your question. While our volunteers are very knowledgeable, they are not experts in all areas.  They are continuously learning and I appreciate your patience in getting a correct ID.  This is a cabbage looper caterpillar which feed on many different vegetable plants.  Typically, these larvae are kept in check with various natural enemies such as parasitic wasps.  Bt is another biological control option that is specific to caterpillars.  Like with all pesticides, always ready the pesticide label.    Here is a factsheet for your reference.  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/integrated-pest-management-i-p-m-for-cabbage-looper/  Thank you.
Lawn care info

Question: Hi
I am not an expert with maintaining lawn and hence need some help with rejuvenating my lawn since it looks like dead grass or too dry. I did detaching and also added milorganite fertilizer and water lawn every 2 days at 4am. Not sure what should be done in addition to above. Your help is appreciated. Attaching pic for your reference

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 13, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT
response: Cool season grasses go dormant when temperatures are high. Cut back watering to once a week or every other week and resume when it cools off this fall. Your grass will green up. Milorganite is a non burning fertilizer so putting it on the lawn probably didn't hurt or over stimulate it to grow during hot weather.   Lawn Care During a Drought (sdstate.edu)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 10:02 AM EDT
response: Thanks for quick reply....my neighbours in the community has same grass type but they have a very lush green lawns as compared to me and also I recently heard about liquid detacher and aeration products are they good to use ?On Thu, Jul 13, 2023, 8:41 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 13, 2023, 4:45 PM EDT
response: Trying a new lawn care program may help. Your lawn will do better if you raise the height of the mower and only cut the grass when it is 3.5 —4 inches high and cut it down to 3 inches. Let the cuttings go back into the lawn, change how the lawn is fertilized so dethatching is no longer necessary if you wish to conserve energy and grow a more resilient lawn. When the weather is very hot the grass should be slowing down it’s growth enough so it doesn’t need mowing until temps cool.  https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/lawn-care
please identify this insect that is all over my dog water dish and all areas under my maple tree

Question: I'm not sure if this is an insect or insect larve. I can't find it in my field guide books. I found dozens in my dog's water bowl and find them crawling all over, especially under my maple tree. I have vegetables growing nearby and  wonder if it is harmful to them.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 10:30 PM EDT
response: I'm not sure if this is an insect or insect larve. I can't find it in my field guide books. I found dozens in my dog's water bowl and find them crawling all over, especially under my maple tree. I have vegetables growing nearby and wonder if it is harmful to them. mystery bug.jpg1.2 mb

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 17, 2023, 5:34 PM EDT
response: Hi Richard,  Those are the larvae of lady beetles (ladybugs)! They are completely harmless to your dog and to your plants.   The female lady beetle must have laid eggs nearby which is why you are seeing higher numbers. Don't worry, they need to find food sources, and so they will move on quickly.   Ladybugs are very beneficial! They feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Perhaps you have some aphids on a nearby plant?    Ladybugs go through a full metamorphosis just like a butterfly, so most people don't recognize the larval stage of a ladybug since they look so different.   Here is more information: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/lady-beetles-5-594/  Please let me know if you have any questions.   Thanks,  Lisa  Lisa Mason Horticulture Specialist, Entomologist Colorado State University Extension, Arapahoe County
Raspberry problem

Question: My raspberries dry up and never ripen.  Please see attached picture.  What’s wrong? Thanks

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 13, 2023, 9:37 AM EDT
response: They did not get pollinated. It was either too hot or there wasn't enough attraction for bees. Interspersing pollinators between the rows or along the edges of the raspberry bed can help. Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and are drought tolerant.  If your plants flowered the week it was 90  degrees the heat prevented pollination, pollinators don't fly when the temps are above 80. Pollination can happen early in the morning but is limited.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 10:26 AM EDT
response: Thank you! On Thu, Jul 13, 2023 at 8:37 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 13, 2023, 4:38 PM EDT
response: Hopefully they will flower again this year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 4:45 PM EDT
response: I hope!  Should I prune the dead heads? Thanks. On Thu, Jul 13, 2023 at 3:38 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 13, 2023, 8:55 PM EDT
response: Since they never developed and won’t mature into seeds I don’t think it matters, but that is a good question.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 8:59 PM EDT
response: Ok, thanks.On Thu, Jul 13, 2023 at 7:55 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Worms on my pecan trees

Question: I found them today and they’re devouring the leaves! I’ve read your article.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 13, 2023, 12:51 PM EDT
response: Where are your trees located Joanne?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 1:49 PM EDT
response: Our trees are located in our yard, surrounding our home in Collin County, Tx.On Thu, Jul 13, 2023 at 11:51 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 15, 2023, 11:21 AM EDT
response: thank you!
big ants - carpenter?

Question: I have found 10 ants inside in the past week.  Outside ants are ok but I am finding damage to the deck from carpenter bees/ants.  Can you identify and how to treat.  

(PS-I have lots of peeling paint on the bedroom ceiling (built on a slab) -- new roof & repainted twice.  Do you think carpenter ants in the narrow attic (& Hot) under the heavy insulation could be the cause?)

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 13, 2023, 2:48 PM EDT
response: We are not able to tell size or enough detail from your photo, and at the moment we do not have an entomologist on staff.  The presence of carpenter ants is most often a sign of water intrusion in your home. They don't eat wood like termites, but they will nest in wood that is already compromised by water damage.  The damage of wood-rotting fungi in the area of a persistent water leak or seepage can be as threatening structurally as any damage caused by the ants  Here is our page on Carpenter Ants: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/carpenter-ants  Likewise, Carpenter Bees:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/carpenter-bees These guys are most attracted to bare and rough wood. A coat of paint or stain can help to discourage them.  (They don't eat wood either, but the female uses it to rear her young.) The page will tell your more.  We suggest getting a home inspection/repair contractor in to assess the situation, including what is going on with your ceiling and attic, and to find/repair any leaks or rotted wood.    Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 3:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Christine.  You were helpful.  On Thursday, July 13, 2023, 02:48:15 PM EDT, 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 July 14, 2023, 12:17 PM EDT
response: You're welcome. We are happy to help.
Hydrangea leaf disco

Question: I planted a hydrangea panicle about a month ago in a mixture of peat,compost and topsoil.  It is blooming nicely but leaves are rapidly turning yellow with brown spots. I also fertilized with product to lower ph. Maybe I overdid the peat and ph reducer. I am going to include picture of the leaves. It’s planted in a part shade location with plenty of sun.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 15, 2023, 9:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Denise, It looks like your plant isn't getting enough iron which is odd since you have tried lowering the pH. Did you fallow the instructions on the product you used ? How often are you watering ? More than once a week is probably too much. Bushes really don't need fertilizer. I would just use a pH lowering product like elemental sulfur. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/hydrangea/leavesdiscolored.html I think the brown spots are a fungal issue but not any significant problem. I hope this helps, Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 10:55 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the information. This is a great serviceSent from my iPhone On Jul 15, 2023, at 8:23 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 10:36 PM EDT
response: Hi Denise, I need to amend my advice as I missed the part about your bush being newly planted. (ugh!) You do need to water it more often, especially if you are in a high drought area. If you have been experiencing really hot temperatures I recommend using a shade cloth or anything to shade the bush from direct overhead sun as well.  I'm pretty sure your bush is very stressed in this heat. That makes the plant more vulnerable to insects and disease. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs I hope this is more helpful, Sally Granath
odd plant in odd spot

Question: Brooke, you may not be able to tell by the picture that this small plant is all by itself in a gravel walk-way.  But it is all by itself and looks nothing like any plant or weed we have - seems more like something from an arid climate.
Thanks for your help.
Bill

responder: D.Lauer Benton County Master Gardener Replied July 13, 2023, 5:35 PM EDT
response: Hello Bill.  I am sorry to report that I cannot really see this plant from your photo well enough to try and identify it. Are there two plants shown or is the part of the photo that shows something that looks more vinelike also part of the green upright looking plant? Could you possibly send a couple more photos maybe ones that shows the plants(s) not directly in the sun? There are some structures that look possibly like flowers that would be more helpful to look at as need to see color and number of petals etc.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 7:21 PM EDT
response: D. Lauer, it’s just one plant.  I sprayed it the other day before I realized how odd it was so it’s in the process of dying.   I’m in some sort of war with your computer system so this message may not get thru but I’ve included more pictures that may help with identification.  You can see by the date stamps that one was taken today – the others are from the first round.  Bill From: ask=<personal data hidden> [mailto:ask=<personal data hidden>] On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Thursday, July 13, 2023 2:35 PMTo: chenowethSubject: Re: odd plant in odd spot (#0110262)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 7:25 PM EDT
response: D. Lauer, it’s just one plant. I sprayed it the other day before I realized how odd it was so it’s in the process of dying.  I replied to you by responding to your email but I'm in some sort of war with your computer system so you may not get that message.   There are no flowers.  The leaves have serrated edges - like a desert plant.  Here are more pictures that may help with identification. You can see by the date stamps that one was taken today – the others are from the first round.  Are you in the eastern time zone.  The "Staff Posted" time is 3 hours later than the time I received your email. Bill

responder: D.Lauer Benton County Master Gardener Replied July 18, 2023, 6:51 PM EDT
response: Hello again Bill.  I am sorry I have not been able to identify your plant from the photos.  If it has not died from your spray yet and the serrated leaves are still visible you have two options, 1. Leave it in place and see if it sprouts flowers or some sort of reproductive shoot or produces seeds which will make it easier to identify.  2.  Pull up the entire plant and bring it in to the Master Gardener plant clinic desk in Linn County for identification.  The photos seem to suggest a grass which is very hairy and has serrated edged mature leaves.  I have been searching the Oregon Flora website.  Need details available only when viewing it in person or reproductive parts such as flowers or seed heads to determine if it is a grass and then what it is exactly.
Lindon tree bugs

Question: Hello,  my 16 year old Lindon tree had what looked like afids in the spring, with sticky leaves.  Now had bugs in many leaves and odd things on a few leaves. The tree usually has the flowers on but they dried up sooner than normal.  Tree looks unhappy.

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 13, 2023, 3:16 PM EDT
response: Hi Sharon,  Good news! Those bugs are the pupal stage of lady bugs, which are munching on the aphids or other sap-sucking insects that are causing the honeydew (stickyness) on the tree. It's been a "good" year for aphids because of all the rain and the succulent growth. At this point, it's probably best to let the beneficials do their part to help control the populations. This includes lady bugs, lacewings, and other predatory insects.   It's unlikely that the aphids are going to cause harm to the tree. It also looks like the flowers have finished blooming. The flowers will form the brown nutlets that you'll see later in the summer.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 3:33 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon,   Oh my gosh I'm so thrilled to hear this news!! I was worried.  Im happy it's all good,  didn't want to lose such a great tree.  I have heard that lady bugs eat afids. Nature rocks!!  Thank you so very much for the great information,  so lucky to be able to ask questions like these.  So appreciate you! -Sharon Nurture your mind with great thoughts- for you will never go any higher than you think.           Benjamin  Disraeli-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/13/23 1:16 PM (GMT-07:00) To: Sharon Pearson <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Lindon tree bugs (#0110257)
Lawn disease?

Question: I don't know what the problem is, but it's spread even further since I took these pictures.  I tried pulling the grass, but it didn't come out easily, so I don't think it is grubs.  We had a problem last year, mostly in a different area, and had to have it dug up & replanted.  We're old & it's hard to find someone to do it. (and expensive).  Hope you can figure it out & tell us what to do before it spreads any further.  Thank you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 10:18 AM EDT
response: Here's a couple of different colored new spots (dark brown) that have shown up in the same area.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 10:20 AM EDT
response: This second  picture didn't seem to upload.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 15, 2023, 9:59 AM EDT
response: What you are saying brings up new questions. It doesn’t look like a disease or pest problem.  When you say you replanted - sod or seed? Kentucky bud grass? A mix of fescues? Have you been watering the lawn regularly? We are in the 3rd year of a drought. It is normal for grass to go dormant during periods of drought. A lawn should have regular periods of wet and dry because too much water can damage it. Is your lawn even or is there standing water in some spots at times? Do you fertilize? When and how? The best time to fertilize is in the fall with a slow release fertilizer. Your lawn doesn’t really need any in the spring. Too much can burn your lawn in areas. Below are a couple of good articles and a video that should help you. https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/lawn-care https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/lawn-care-calendar

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 10:16 AM EDT
response: I don't know exactly the mix that was planted.  It was bought at Fleet & was advertised as a MN mix, but that was not the area that was replanted.  The grass was sprayed with a mix of fertilizer & weed killer the end of May by a commercial vendor. In early spring, there was some standing water in the area because of the large snow melt, but nothing since. We had a lot more than the metro.  We are watering regularly.  We've only had about .5 inches in the last 6 weeks here. So, no solutions? On Sat, Jul 15, 2023 at 8:59 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 17, 2023, 6:56 PM EDT
response: Just be sure you don’t overwater. Water early in the morning so that your grass can dry out over the afternoon. I wouldn’t fertilize again this fall as most of it looks pretty healthy,  Going forward, fertilization is best in the fall.  That early spring standing water could be the culprit. It takes a while before the damage shows up.