MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Spots on Marigold Foilage

Question: Hi,

Some of my marigolds have developed spots on the foilage.

I suspect some kind of pathogen is at work here. Despite trying my best not to water the foilage some invariably gets on it. I'm probably also guitly of overwatering during this drought period. The soil in the bed is very thin, dries quickly and is exposed to very windy conditons. Consequently I try to compensate with moisture after checking about 1 and on-half inches below the soil level. Maybe the photos will provide some clues as to what it is and what to do about it.

responder: Lori N. Replied June 07, 2023, 5:55 PM EDT
response: You have created a lovely garden planting.  It is very difficult to tell what is wrong with a plant from a picture.  This website gives some advice on growing annuals: https://lancaster.uni.edu>growing-annual-flowers.  It indicates that when watering, make sure the water reaches the root zone.  (A soaker hose might be helpful, so the water doesn't get on the leaves.)   Usually this means 1-1 1/2" per week.  It recommends fertilizing, but further reading indicates marigolds can get leggy and flop over with fertilizing.  It's better to deadhead (remove the faded flowers from the plants) regularly.   You might want to mulch around your plants to help hold the moisture in and therefore require less watering.  You also might want to remove the leaves that are most offensive-looking to you and check the leaves, particularly on the bottom, for insects.  I hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 7:23 PM EDT
response: Some of my research would suggest the possibility of a fungus or bacterial problem. Do you think it would be wise to spray with a copper fungicide? Regardless, I'm dialing back the water temporarily even though this area dries out very quickly.

responder: Lori N. Replied June 07, 2023, 11:21 PM EDT
response: I'm glad you are examining your plants carefully.  Hopefully you will be able to assess your problem by comparing what you're seeing with guidelines from this website: https://extension.psu.edu>marigold-diseases which lists the diseases of marigolds along with their symptoms, the cause and then the management of that disease.  In almost all cases it says avoid overhead irrigation.  Perhaps you can look at your plants and see if the problem fits any of these categories. Regarding copper fungicide.  It is a protectant for many foliar diseases but it "must be applied before the presence of the disease in order to be effective."  When sprayed on leaves it acts as a preventive, but it will be washed off by rain or irrigation and then enters the soil.  You would need to spray frequently to keep the copper on the surface of the leaves.  If you use copper fungicide be sure to follow the directions on the bottle and make sure your use is indicated on the label.  Spray only the foliage of the plant.
Diagnosis of x disease phytoplasma I suspect on my cherry tree

Question: I planted the black republican  cherry bare root 4 years ago. My research suggests it has  x disease phytoplasma. The tree must be removed if it does. Please direct me to source for a diagnosis. I send photos I took of the tree. Thank you

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 07, 2023, 5:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you are on the lookout for cherry X disease. It is a severe threat to cherry production in the Pacific Northwest. You can get your tree tested by any of the labs listed here. However, the OSU Plant Clinic may be the closest option. You can find more information on submitting plant samples to OSU at this website: https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/submit-sample/services-and-fees.  It is best to sample at least four (4) five-inch cuttings from symptomatic/diseased limbs including leaves, fruit, and fruit stems. The best time to sample is just before harvest through mid-August, though you can probably sample now if you are already seeing some symptomatic cherries (i.e., lagging in size or coloration). You may consider reading more about cherry X disease scouting and sampling at this website: https://treefruit.wsu.edu/crop-protection/disease-management/western-x/sampling-guide/. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Ask Extension with any additional questions. Thank you! Cody Copp, Extension Horticulturist, OSU Extension Service Umatilla County

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2023, 12:18 PM EDT
response: I plan to send you samples of the tree. I understand the fee is $86. You suggested 4 samples. Will that be $86 for each one? Thank you,  Anne

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2023, 12:31 PM EDT
response: Is the diagnosis fee $86 for each of the 4 samples you requested?AnneOn Jun 7, 2023, at 2:30 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 12, 2023, 11:23 AM EDT
response: You can combine the four sub-samples together and have them tested as one sample. You'll want to only include one tree per sample if you have multiple trees. It seems like you only have one symptomatic tree, so you will only need to pay for one test. You are right that $86 is the base fee for plant disease diagnosis, but you should contact the plant clinic directly<personal data hidden>) to confirm that the $86 fee will cover X-disease diagnosis. Some diseases require an extra fee due to the extra time required for analysis.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 2:49 PM EDT
response: Thank you. I’ll send 4 samples of one tree.AnneOn Jun 12, 2023, at 8:23 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Silver maple tree leaf loss

Question: A mature (80 years +) Silver Maple growing 100' uphill from lake edge is losing about 15% of its foliage to what might be tar spot. Leaves curl, dry and fall to ground. They are accompanied by green worms, 3/4" long,  with 8 (?) pairs of legs. Are these things related? Are they worrisome to the tree?

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied June 06, 2023, 4:16 PM EDT
response: The insect larvae and the spots on the leaf are not associated.  looks like you have the beginnings of a foliar disease known as Maple Leaf Blister (which looks a lot like Maple Anthracnose).  Either way, this springs cool, wet weather was conducive for these diseases.  Here is an article written by one of my colleagues that helps explain more...https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_leaf_blister_and_anthracnose_two_foliar_diseases_that_can_appear_on_s

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 9:51 PM EDT
response: Good answer and much appreciated the reference to the article.  Thank you for another question solved.SteveSent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android  On Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 4:16 PM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Do I have a vole issue and, if so, what is the best way to deal with it.

Question: Last fall while harvesting my carrots I found most of them were half eaten from under the plants. There was a small tunnel that ran right down the row. I set a mouse trap under a bucket where the tunnel exited the ground. On two successive nights I caught a short tailed shrew but no voles. Yesterday I found a hole in the same location which is now in my beet bed. I set a trap but didn’t catch anything. Today I noticed Tunnel across the lawn leading to my asparagus bed. It’s not a mole so I’m pretty sure it’s voles. I’m not seeing any damage yet but I’m sure that’s coming. I attached some photos of the tunnel network so you can see the situation. How do I eliminate these guys before they get out of hand. I’ve been gardening here for 40 and never had this problem before.

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 07, 2023, 1:08 PM EDT
response: Hi- sorry to hear about the invasion. This is one of the most comprehensive vole management guides: https://wildlife.unl.edu/pdfs/controlling-vole-damage.pdf  Predators will most likely become aware of this localized vole population and help you with control. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 1:58 PM EDT
response: The article does not mention a non toxic bait called voleX that I found on line. The bait clogs the digestive system of the vole causing it to die of dehydration. Since voles can’t vomit the material only affects voles. If predictors eat the affected voles it has no effect. You might want to look into it as a safe intervention for other gardeners.Sent from my iPad On Jun 7, 2023, at 1:09 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 June 07, 2023, 3:24 PM EDT
response: Thanks for this information.  Jon
Dying plants

Question: 2 mature hollies and 1 hydrangea were dug up then replanted 2 days later because the sewer line was replaced. They look awful! Can they be saved and how? If not, what to do and who can help?? Thanks in advance

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 07, 2023, 3:18 PM EDT
response: This looks like drought damage from the root trauma of being dug and replanted this time of year, possibly combined with lots of root loss if the root balls dug were too small. Were the root balls being kept very well-watered while out of the ground? If not and they dried-out too much, that will cause the death of lots of branches (not just their foliage). All you can do is continue to monitor them for watering needs as they re-establish (if enough roots survived) and cut back all dead or dying stems. (You can wait to see if they leaf back out again instead and just let the dead leaves fall off as-is, but we suspect too much damage was done for that to happen.) Do not fertilize them as this will worsen their stress. Mulch over the exposed soil so the moisture doesn't evaporate too quickly and the soil stays shaded; use about a three-inch layer or less and don't pile the mulch against the main stems.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 7:41 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your advice. I'll try!!On Wed, Jun 7, 2023, 3:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 08, 2023, 9:34 AM EDT
response: You're welcome, good luck!
Maple Tree Leaves Discoloring

Question: I had several trees trimmed a few months ago by a professional tree trimming company.  Over the past two weeks I have noticed 12 of my maple trees display wilting leaves that are becoming discolored and falling off.  There are a few other maple trees that were not trimmed as aggressively and do not seem to be displaying the same problems as the 12 that were more aggressively trimmed.  All of the maples are well established and at least 10 years old.  I have never seen them have this issue in the 4 years I have lived in my home.  Could there be a disease that is affecting most of my trees, and could it have been caused by contaminated tools used by the tree trimming company?  Were the cuts not properly sealed to prevent infestation/infection?  Is it just bad luck?

Thank you and go green!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 06, 2023, 5:34 PM EDT
response: Hello,  An issue has come to the forefront here in Michigan. It is widespread right now. That is maple anthracnose and/ or maple leaf blister. Your leaves showed characteristic spots. I would say that leaf has either anthracnose or maple leaf blister. Some of your leaves could have both.   "This spring conditions were just right for maple leaf blister and/or anthracnose, the leaves showing irregular black and tan spots. If your fallen leaves are showing black and tan spotting as shown in the pictures here— https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_leaf_blister_and_anthracnose_two_foliar_diseases_that_can_appear_on_s then it is likely one of the two conditions."  They are not life-threatening; you just need to keep trees watered while we are in drought conditions like right now.  Lawn sprinklers that are set to water turf are typically not enough. To properly water a tree, thoroughly soak the entire area under the branches of the tree. Apply one or two inches of water twice a week when no rain is expected. If you use a sprinkler, you can place a flat-bottomed baking dish in the area being watered and watch the level to determine when 1 to 2" of water has been applied.  More details on watering established trees are here:  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-established-trees-and-shrubs#when-to-water-trees-and-shrubs-1261760  I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 6:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the thorough answer!  Have a great day! On Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 5:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 06, 2023, 6:50 PM EDT
response: You are welcome - Have a great day!
Boxelder tree has lots of curly leaves, tiny green worms, and mildew on the bark

Question: Just noticed this happening to my mature boxelder tree today.  A younger, nearby boxelder is starting to show the same symptoms.  Leaves are spotty, and eill curl if a bug is inside them  Bugs inside are tiny wormlike creatures, no more than a quarter inch long.  
The bark in some parts of the affected branches seem to be discoloring, from what I might describe as hard mildew.  The last pic of the branch agains the rock shows it best.  How can I treat this problem? Thanks.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 15, 2023, 3:44 PM EDT
response: For best results, reach out to Mollie at the Tri-River Area office at <personal data hidden>.  Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 1:19 AM EDT
response: kinda sounds like a waste of our time.  sorry to bother you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2023, 10:39 AM EDT
response: Hi Tim, the Ask Extension system has been a little glitchy recently. Sorry for the delayed response. We’d like to help you with your boxelder. It looks like your tree may be affected by a leafroller. The curling sounds like it might be boxelder leafroller. I can't tell exactly from the photos. You may also have some boxelder bug activity. Are you able to bring in a sample to our office at the Mesa County Fairgrounds? We're open 8am-5pm. Generally speaking, the trees should push out another set of leaves (if necessary) and recover without any intervention. You can use horticultural oil next late winter/early spring to target eggs, if you like. (Insect Control: Horticultural Oils (Fact Sheet 5.569)) Without seeing more of the branch, it is hard to say what is causing the sap to run, staining the branch. Boxelders do run a lot of sap in the spring, so if there was something feeding on a twig, that could cause this.   How do the trees look overall? If you can upload photos that show the whole tree(s) in their setting and photos where the base is visible, that can help give us the big picture.  Be sure to keep the trees as free of stress as possible. Our biggest source of stress is water (too much, too little, wrong place, etc., so be sure the trees are receiving adequate water, where and when they need it. Below are some resources on watering: Watering Mature Shade Trees (GN 657) Fall and Winter Watering (Fact Sheet 7.211)
Bugs  on bushes

Question: What bug and how do I kill this bug on my bushes.  It is eating away on the leaves.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 06, 2023, 5:14 PM EDT
response: Hello,  Based on what I see in the images - These appear to be aphids. Numerous aphids feed on trees and shrubs in the landscape. They may occur throughout the season when plants are actively growing. Some are vectors for viral diseases of plants. Aphids suck plant sap from leaves and stems, causing distorted growth, yellowing of foliage, and premature leaf drop. Aphids also excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that sooty mold fungi can grow on.  Management Aphids have many natural enemies, including syrphid fly larvae, lacewings, lady beetles, and parasitic wasps. Soaps, oils, and other insecticides are also effective.  If you want to get a confirmed diagnosis from the MSU Diagnostic Plant Lab. Please email your digital images prior to bringing or sending physical samples. Images can be sent to <personal data hidden>.  MAKE SURE IN THAT E-MAIL YOU INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER!!   Be prepared. The lab may ask for more images - THE LAB WILL LET YOU KNOW IF A SAMPLE NEEDS TO BE SENT - There is a $20-25 dollar fee (if they need a sample sent).  Lab email: <personal data hidden> Lab phone:<personal data hidden> Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  PLEASE READ BELOW ON PREPARING YOUR SAMPLE (if the lab needs a sample)  From the lab: Please do not ship samples on Fridays. Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, please allow additional processing time. They thank you for your patience and understanding.   Every sample must be accompanied by a completed submission form. Please place the form in a separate resealable bag to prevent it from getting damp or soiled. The form is at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/General_Sample_Submission_Form_May2022.pdf  Complete details of submitting a sample are at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/  I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 5:27 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick reply.  We will try staying and if that does not work, will be contacting you again.ThanksSent from my iPhone On Jun 6, 2023, at 5:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 06, 2023, 5:36 PM EDT
response: You are welcome, and have a great day!
Maintaining native grass landscaping

Question: Hello, I'm hoping you can answer a question about native grass maintenance for me. We have native grass planted around our Condo complex in Gypsum, CO.  It's pretty well established in most places. Because of all the rain this year it has gotten very tall, and some of our residents would like to see it trimmed around the buildings and patio areas to around 6-8". Our landscape management company replied "when you trim it like that the native grass isn’t given a chance to germinate and spread seed in the late summer or fall when cut downs are done to help spread the seed." So my question is, is this accurate? We're not talking mowing all of it, just keeping it trimmed a little shorter around the buildings. I've attached a few photos so you can see what type of grass I'm talking about. You know how HOA's can be, we're about to have a revolt! Any advice you have would be most appreciated.  Thank you, Cheryl Bottomley - Gypsum, CO

responder: Denyse Schrenker   Replied June 13, 2023, 2:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Cheryl,  Your question got directed to me (I guess my vacation responder on Ask Extension didn't work!). Do you have any other questions about maintaining the native grass? Feel free to respond on this site or via email. Sorry this didn't get answered on here before I could reply to your email!!  Best, Denyse

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 3:24 PM EDT
response: No worries, thanks again Denyse!  We're supposed to have an HOA meeting eventually to discuss options for landscaping, I'll present the information you gave me and see where it goes from there. Thank you,Cheryl BottomleyVideo Production Coordinatoro:<personal data hidden>c:<personal data hidden>www.eaglecounty.uswww.ecgtv.comOn Tue, Jun 13, 2023 at 12:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
KY Coffee Tree: cut trunk root?

Question: Hi. 
My Kentucky Coffee Tree was planted too deep & about eight (8) inches of mulch was covering the tree trunk.
I recently removed the mulch & soil that was surrounding the base of the tree’s trunk.

There is a root that has grown from the trunk, and it is above the tree’s root flares.

QUESTION: would you recommend that I cut off this trunk-root?

Please see the photos.
Thank you very much.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 06, 2023, 7:59 PM EDT
response: Good Evening Andrea,  I am wondering how long the tree has survived with too many inches of mulch? Based on your photos, the tree trunk looks healthy. I think you could go either way. Now that you've removed all the extra mulch, you could wait and see what happens with the extra root. Or, it appears you tree is healthy and happy and well rooted. You could probably trim it off and the tree would be fine.  Here is a link to the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about tree care:  https://extension.umn.edu/forestry/tree-selection-and-care You could still leave a couple of inches of mulch on the tree roots.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 2:26 AM EDT
response: Thank you. The tree was planted nine (9) years ago, so that’s probably how long there’s been too much mulch around the tree trunk. I likely planted the tree too deep.  On Jun 6, 2023, at 6:59 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 07, 2023, 7:43 AM EDT
response: It looks like a healthy tree. Glad you caught the extra mulch.  Good Luck!
Yellow Plant

Question: Hello! I was wondering if someone could identify this flower that appears to be taking over my garden? Thank you!

responder: Alex Bunten, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied June 07, 2023, 1:06 PM EDT
response: Hi Liz, Thanks for reaching out to UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline.  It's a little hard to tell from the photo. Do you have any other shots of just the flower and leaves? Is there a milky substance when it's cut?

responder: Alex Bunten, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied June 08, 2023, 2:49 PM EDT
response: It looks a lot like something in the spurge family. Check these two resources to see if you think it's a match. Both would have a milky sap when the stem is broken.  Cypress spurge: https://www.vtinvasives.org/invasive/cypress-spurge Leafy spurge: https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/leafy-spurge

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 08, 2023, 4:34 PM EDT
response: Thank you, it's definitely cypress spurge!!  On Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 2:49 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Alex Bunten, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied June 08, 2023, 7:23 PM EDT
response: Glad to help! Good luck with containment.