MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
pruning Diablo Ninebark

Question: The photo shows an unkempt Diablo Ninebark that's about 9 feet tall. A large shrub was recently removed that abutted the ninebark.  Will the ninebark thrive if at the end of winter in 2025 it is severely pruned back, with all branches cut to about 6 inches above the ground or does the pruning need to leave some branches behind? thanks

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 18, 2024, 8:07 AM EDT
response: Hi Sharon, Why wouldn't you want to cut it back this fall ? I would take out all old branches and generally cut the whole thing way back,  pulling out any dead branches.  https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/2023/06/28/how-do-you-prune-nineback-shrubs/ It should be fine if you cut it down to six inches or you could leave some healthy branches at around three feet so you still have the shape and presence of a shrub left. Wait until the plant goes dormant to do this and make sure it is getting watered now so it isn't stressed going into winter. Hope this helps, Sally Granath Hennepin County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 18, 2024, 8:30 AM EDT
response: thanks Sally. I want to cut it now but all the advice I've seen says it would stress the plant as it goes into dormancy but you addressed that - wait until it's dormant. I'm going to go at it then!!   From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Friday, October 18, 2024 7:07 AM To: sharon-coombs  Subject: Re: pruning Diablo Ninebark (#0157897)
Jumpseed ID?

Question: Is this Persicaria virginiana? Found in a shady sloped woodland in the front and backyard of a home in Takoma Park. The seeds do "launch" when brushed. Stems are thin and solid.

At the very least, can we confirm whether it is japanese knotweed? 

For knotweed, what is the cutoff date for foliar herbicide treatment, or the physiological indication that foliar application would be ineffective? Resorption??

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 October 15, 2024, 12:57 PM EDT
response: It does resemble our native Jumpseed, but we can say with certainty that it is not Japanese Knotweed, which looks different in stem and flower/seed (more images for comparison can be found in this Maryland Biodiversity Project gallery). If manual removal isn't possible and an herbicide is needed, you can probably still spot-treat the plants with a systemic now, though we do not have data regarding the precision of that timing and when it would be too late in autumn to make an application. (Before its leaves change color too much, most likely.) The alternative is to cut the plants down to ground level and then re-cut them promptly any time new growth re-emerges next year. This can either eliminate the use of herbicide or weaken plants enough that an application of systemic later next year might have an easier time killing the roots without second or third applications potentially being needed.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 15, 2024, 1:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you!MarkMark Dennis Director of Garden Management240.878.1930<personal data hidden>www.backyardbounty.netFollow us on our blog and InstagramAnd for all this, nature is never spent;    There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;~GERARD MANLEY HOPKINSOn Tue, Oct 15, 2024 at 12:57 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 October 15, 2024, 1:10 PM EDT
response: you're welcome
Beans leaf

Question: Hello,
Please take a look at the attached pictures and let me know what is wrong with my pole green beans.
Thanks.

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 October 15, 2024, 12:20 PM EDT
response: These raised dark-colored pustules resemble Bean Rust, a fungal infection. As per the management tips on the linked page, it would be best to remove all bean plant debris as soon as the harvest is finished (dispose of the material, don't compost it) and avoid planting beans in that location for a couple of years. While no bean cultivar is immune to all forms of this particular rust, some have improved resistance to at least some of its variants. When replanting beans in a future season, you can look for cultivars with noted rust resistance to improve their odds of not contracting the disease.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 30, 2024, 1:40 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the info. As a home/backyard gardener, it is not possible for me to rotate the beans. What I can do is to replace the soil -I use self made planters, 5 planters 10" deep 1 foot wide and 8 feet long- and chemical wash the fence -pole beans are climbing the yard metal fence- and replace all terillis material. Please let me know if these help and recommend the chemical to wash the metal fence.

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 October 30, 2024, 3:37 PM EDT
response: Fortunately, you should not need to bother with replacing the soil, nor would it likely provide much benefit in this situation. Although not necessary, you can wipe down the trellis with a 10% bleach solution. The most effective approach, though, would be to try a bean variety next year that is rust-resistant. The variety 'Kentucky Wonder' seems to be a oft-used option, though we don't have a reference list of all possible choices.  Miri
What is this shrub?

Question: What is the shrub in the pic & how tall

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 October 15, 2024, 10:40 AM EDT
response: Hi,  These look like Cephalotaxus harringtonia fastigiata  or Fastigiate Japanese Plum Yew.  They can get to be about 10-12 feet tall but they are very slow growing so it will take while to get that tall. They will widen with age as well.  Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 16, 2024, 5:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the expeditious & detailed response. Much appreciated. On Tue, Oct 15, 2024, 10:40 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 October 17, 2024, 11:45 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Hydrangeas arborescens invinsibkr wee white

Question: Hello there, 
A bit ocncenrned about these hydrangeas with white eggs , I think,  as leaves wilting. Is this something to worry, take action, care for? Or what to do? Thanks much!

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 October 15, 2024, 10:54 AM EDT
response: The white particles on the leaves are not eggs; they are debris from the spent flowers as they shed parts that have expired due to the age of the flower, which is perfectly normal. The plants do not appear to be wilting, but do make sure that they are periodically monitored for watering needs, both while still in their pots and after planting. (The page linked above pertains to in-ground plants, as potted plants tend to dry out faster than those in the ground.) As deciduous plants, they will soon be shedding leaves for winter, especially once we have a few overnight frosts. If you intend to plant them in the ground (recommended for their best health and performance), try to get them in soon so they can start establishing roots before the soil surface freezes more consistently.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 15, 2024, 11:17 AM EDT
response: Thank you Miri so much for your help. So relieved I thought it was a plague, and the nursery guy told me it was aphids?We are planning to put them in the ground sooner than later.You are always very helpful.Warm regards,Susy

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 October 15, 2024, 11:23 AM EDT
response: Aphids can leave behind white debris (shed skins) below the colony when populations are high, but that would not be expected this time of year, nor on this type of hydrangea, and the shed skins would not be this large and coarse either.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 15, 2024, 11:30 AM EDT
response: Thanks Miri! Susy

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 October 15, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Spiky growths on pear leaves

Question: Hi there! Thick, spiky growths have formed on the backs of many of our pear leaves. What's going on, and what should I do about it? Thanks very much for your help!

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied October 15, 2024, 7:41 PM EDT
response: We have a new fungal disease in town called pear trellis rust. This fungus comes from infected junipers. The spores on the spikes forming on the underside of the leaves will go back to the juniper to infect them to keep the cycle going. You can read all about it here: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/pear-pyrus-spp-trellis-rust-european-pear-rust

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 15, 2024, 9:34 PM EDT
response: Thanks very much! Michelle Graas she/her/hers  On Oct 15, 2024 4:41 PM, Ask Extension wrote:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Dear Michelle, here's the response to your question: We have a new fungal disease in town called pear trellis rust. This fungus comes from infected junipers. The spores on the spikes forming on the underside of the leaves will go back to the juniper to infect them to keep the cycle going. You can read all about it here: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/pear-pyrus-spp-trellis-rust-european-pear-rust  Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0157801 Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor State Extension Plant Pathology Specialist  Oregon State University l OSU Extension Service Room 1178 Research Way Technology Center 4575 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333 Voice:<personal data hidden> Cell:<personal data hidden> FAX:<personal data hidden> 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.
Is this milkweed?

Question: I was clearing overgrown lemon balm near a fence in my yard and I found that a vine was crawling the fence and had pods that resemble milkweed. Is this a type of milkweed? And are all types being collected for the Monarch population? A plant ID app said it may be Honeyvine.

responder: Thanks for allowing me to help with your gardening needs,  Replied October 14, 2024, 8:45 PM EDT
response: Hello Thanks for letting me help you with your awesome. Those seed pods really do resemble common milkweed seed pods and there is a good reason. It is honey vine and that IS a type of milkweed. The flowers resemble common milkweed.  Honey vine requires fertile moist soil. It is not as nutritious as common milkweed but is listed as a food source for monarchs. It is prolific seed producer and is sometimes considered invasive. Here is a fact sheet on it. You can decide if you want to save its seeds. It will likely spring up from a taproot where you pulled it out of https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1709

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 16, 2024, 7:12 AM EDT
response: Shelley,Thank you so much for your help. I noticed the aphids mentioned in the article on this vine and others this year for the first time. I didn’t know what this golden growth was so good to know. Thanks,EmilieOn Mon, Oct 14, 2024 at 8:45 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Insect  behavior on highbush cranberry leaves

Question: Hi there! The undersides of our highbush cranberry bush's leaves have insect clusters on them -- one or more cluster on the majority of the leaves. Can you please tell me more about this phenomenon and whether I need to intervene?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 16, 2024, 1:28 PM EDT
response: You asked about behavior. What you are seeing is a form of mutualism. These are aphid colonies that are farmed by ants. Ants provide the aphids with protection from predators and parasitoids, and the aphids provide sweet honeydew, a byproduct of their feeding on the plant, to the aphids. I see some winged morph aphids as well and other stages. Unless the aphids get out of control and start to heavily impact the plant, there is no need to intervene. If you were to intervene, interfering with the ants will probably lead to the disappearance of the aphids. Adding borax around the base of the plants is an old grower remedy that will stop the ants and allow the predators to get access to the aphids.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 16, 2024, 1:55 PM EDT
response: Thanks very much! Michelle Graas she/her/hers  On Oct 16, 2024 10:28 AM, Ask Extension wrote:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Dear Michelle, here's the response to your question: You asked about behavior. What you are seeing is a form of mutualism. These are aphid colonies that are farmed by ants. Ants provide the aphids with protection from predators and parasitoids, and the aphids provide sweet honeydew, a byproduct of their feeding on the plant, to the aphids. I see some winged morph aphids as well and other stages. Unless the aphids get out of control and start to heavily impact the plant, there is no need to intervene. If you were to intervene, interfering with the ants will probably lead to the disappearance of the aphids. Adding borax around the base of the plants is an old grower remedy that will stop the ants and allow the predators to get access to the aphids.  Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0157800  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.
Apple trees breaking at base of tree

Question: Hello,

I have an orchard of various varieties of apple trees and recently the trees have started breaking off at the base of the trunk.  Do you have any ideas as to what could be causing the damage and ultimate death of these trees and is there any way to treat or prevent this from happening to the rest of the orchard?

The trees were planted last fall in sandy loam soil and receive drip irrigation.  The affected trees are all located in the same area.  They are approximately 3' tall and not staked or supported.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 18, 2024, 8:15 AM EDT
response: Was there any visible damage to the trunks of the trees? Any signs of insect boring damage (e.g. excrement, insect body parts, cocoons, etc)? Otherwise, I would recommend looking at the roots for signs of root rot or fungal infections. Diagnosing these kinds of things on young trees can be very difficult without seeing them in person.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 22, 2024, 8:15 AM EDT
response: Hello,   There is no visible trunk damage or signs of insect damage.  If it is root rot or a fungal infection, what is the best method for treatment, if any?  Would it be recommended to send a sample in to Plant and Pest Diagnostics for analysis/confirmation before treating?     Thank you for your help!       From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Friday, October 18, 2024 8:15 AM To: Rogers, Katherine  Subject: Re: Apple trees breaking at base of tree (#0157790)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 30, 2024, 9:30 AM EDT
response: Yes, the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory can help with this (pestid.msu.edu). There are many possible causes of root problems and it can be really challenging to determine what may have happened. You could also reach out directly to one of our MSU Extension staff with expertise in fruit production.
Help, bug infestation

Question: I just discovered my heavenly bamboo, Japanese maples, and few flowers and one type of mint coated with these, and black Beatles with like a red dot looking thing on them.  What can I do?

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 14, 2024, 12:45 PM EDT
response: I've never seen these before. This year, do you  know what it is and what they are?  Hornets and flies like them it appears,  all that whitish pinkish bugs on plants. On Sun, Oct 13, 2024, 11:37 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Dear Randy, Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online. YOUR QUESTION #0157786: Help, bug infestation  I just discovered my heavenly bamboo, Japanese maples, and few flowers and one type of mint coated with these, and black Beatles with like a red dot looking thing on them. What can I do? Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States. If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.  This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 16, 2024, 1:35 PM EDT
response: Hi these are mealybugs, a type of insect that feed on the plant in a similar method to aphids (they consume plant juices). I suspect the beetle you describe is a predator that is consuming the mealy bugs. It may be the mealybug destroyer. If that doesn't clear up the issue here is some more information: https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/common/landscape-mealybug
Grub control

Question: Hello, I’d appreciate your recommendations for grub control. I have a smaller lawn planted with a grass/clover mix. I’ve had a grub problem for more than a year (last year I was able to see the grubs themselves) and especially recently there are brown patches and every morning many spots look freshly dug up. We have a lot of raccoons and I suspect they are digging up grubs. 

Nematodes worked well in spring but I’ve applied twice in the last couple weeks and am still find the animals are digging every night. 

What other solutions would you suggest? I’ve read about milky spores for longer term management and neem oil. I’m reluctant to use a chemical insecticide but I supposed would if absolutely needed. 

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 October 14, 2024, 9:27 AM EDT
response: We doubt that you have a grub problem, which at its worst can affect the growth of your grass/clover, and you'd be able to roll up dead turf like a carpet. It is not abnormal or troublesome to find some grubs- it's if you were seeing like 11-15 in a square foot area that it would become problematic. We are getting multiple reports of some dug holes in yards right now. Mostly happening at night, the most likely culprit is raccoons or skunks who are looking for soil invertebrates to eat. You can see some of the same damage on our page here:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/raccoons/  The most common invertebrates, perhaps, would be earthworms, which are plentiful now, and if you are watering, they will rise in the soil profile to be closer to the surface so as not to drown, but will be present even if you are not.   We suggest you try to pat down the soil/plants that are disrupted, and maybe add some more seed to those spots.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 14, 2024, 4:37 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your help! Yes it's definitely looking like the raccoon damage you write about ans great to know that it probably isn't grubs after all. We've definitely been watering after doing overseeding so that makes sense about worms or other insects.  On Mon, Oct 14, 2024 at 9:27 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 October 14, 2024, 9:59 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.