MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Silver maple dropping many leaves

Question: My very old and huge (possibly 100 years old) silver maple is dropping very dry and Grey mottled leaves. Help!

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 02, 2023, 10:09 AM EDT
response: These symptoms are very likely due to anthracnose, a fungal disease that is active now in multiple locations in Maryland (particularly on silver maples). Here is our page about anthracnose disease on shade trees, and this page from UMass addresses Maple Anthracnose specifically.  A certified arborist would be able to take a sample and have a lab analysis done if you want confirmation. Most larger tree companies have one on staff or you can search for an arborist at  http://www.treesaregood.org.   Once symptoms of anthracnose are apparent, there is nothing that can be applied to "cure" the disease. Diseases like this ebb and flow from year to year, depending on the weather conditions. Rake up and dispose of fallen leaves (to remove fungal spores/inoculum from the area). Keeping your tree watered during periods of drought and avoiding disturbances in the root area will help to minimize further stress on your tree and help to maintain its overall health.  Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 10:21 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response! I will look into all the options.On Jun 2, 2023, at 10:09 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 02, 2023, 10:38 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Insects on Cherry Tree Leaves

Question: Some leaves on our sour cherry tree have many small black bugs that we haven't been able to identify. They seem to mostly be on new growth. There's not obvious feeding damage, but there are a lot of them. Should we be concerned, and if so, how should we treat? Thanks

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 12:32 PM EDT
response: After some more research, I think these are aphids? There are a lot of ants on the tree too. Last week we started spraying spinosad for fruit flies. It sounds like that might be bad for controlling the aphids, by keeping their predators away.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied June 01, 2023, 11:03 AM EDT
response: It looks like you have Black Cherry Aphids.  There are many aphids that will feed on cherry trees. Biological control is basically just spraying them off. Unfortunately we havent had any rain to do this for us so I recommend getting out your hose and spraying them off. Any insect ice will also kill beneficial insects that are feeding on them.  https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/cherry/cherry-black-cherry-aphid https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden
Red Aphids?

Question: Are these aphids? They are not on Solidago canandense. The Obedient plant is not affected, nor the mum that next to it. This is the first time I’ve every seen these. They are growing near an American Holly. Thanks ! Kim

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 02, 2023, 9:51 AM EDT
response: Yes, these are aphids. These are likely in the genus Uroleucon; species in this group feed on many plants in the aster family (goldenrod, sunflower, black-eyed Susan, etc.).  Aphids have many natural predators and parasitoids in the environment, which can help to keep their populations in check without the use of chemical insecticides. You could give these plants a strong spray of water from a garden hose to knock the aphids down and disrupt their feeding. They do have several generations per year, so you will have to continue monitoring your plants and repeat the water spray if needed. Here is our webpage about aphids on flowers.  Please reach out again if you have any additional questions.  Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 1:04 PM EDT
response: Perfect! Thank you! KimOn Fri, Jun 2, 2023 at 9:51 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 02, 2023, 1:14 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Cherry Blossom Tree fungus at stump area

Question: i am hoping someone can give me advice on my favorite Cherry Blossom tree that appears to have sone disease. The stump area looks as though some insect or fungus is eating away the tree. Need advice what to do?

responder: V/r,  Replied June 01, 2023, 6:10 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, Your tree has lichens.  Lichens are actually two organisms; a fungus and an algae that form a symbiotic relationship and function very much like one organism.  Lichens don't harm the tree.  The cracks at the bottom of the trunk looks like it may be another problem.  Do you see any oozing?  I can't tell if you may have bacterial canker.   For a small fee you can send in a sample for a firm diagnosis.  Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  You can also have an arborist come out and assess the tree.   TreesAreGood.org  Living with lichens - MSU Extension Ornamental Cherry Trees: Identify and Manage Problems | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu) Cherry Disease - Bacterial Canker (psu.edu)  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2023, 9:25 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your information. I would like to send in a sample and learn what I can do to save the tree from the lower trunk issue. It appears to be eatong away the inside of the tree.  I’ll send more photos.. Thx Jeff

responder: V/r,  Replied June 11, 2023, 6:49 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, I suggest having an arborist come out and assess your tree.    TreesAreGood.org  Good Luck
Tomato leaf roll

Question: I have noticed my greenhouse tomatoes have begun having significant amounts of leaves that are rolling up.  It started in one bed on lower leaves, but has now spread to three beds and on some plants is almost up to the growth tip.  

This may be a separate issue but I am also noticing some plants have deformed leaves that are Almost wavey..

responder: Warm Regards,   Replied May 31, 2023, 1:54 PM EDT
response: Greetings,  To best assist, are you a backyard gardener or a commercial farm?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 2:25 PM EDT
response: I have a small commercial farm, about 300 feet of tomatoes On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Dear Allison, here's the response to your question: Greetings,  To best assist, are you a backyard gardener or a commercial farm?   Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0102788 Warm Regards,  Teagan Moran OSU Extension Services <personal data hidden> Teagan<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.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 06, 2023, 3:55 PM EDT
response: Leaf curling in tomatoes can be caused by heat stress and water issues (either over or under-watering).    The University of Missouri has an extension publication on this topic and states that "Although physiological leaf curl can occur at any time, it often makes its initial appearance as the season transitions from the cooler weather of spring to the hot, dry conditions of summer."  The article also discusses different symptoms of virus induced leaf curl and physiological leaf curl. Have a look to see which patterns fit what you're seeing in your plants.  Here are the management strategies from the publication:    Select varieties less prone to leaf curlMaintain adequate soil moistureAvoid excessive fertilizer, especially nitrogenPrune indeterminate varieties conservativelyAvoid high temperatures by shading plants, when logistically possible https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2019/7/tomatoLeafCurl/
Arborvitae Looks Like It Is Dead

Question: My Arborvitae looks like it is dead. I purchased this small arborvitae last September and planted it in the ground right away.  My soil is quite sandy but, I did add extra good soil before putting the plant in the ground.  

As soon as the plant started showing signs of stress I began watering it each morning and have been doing that for about a week.  

I have attached a picture.  Could you tell me if there is anything I can do to Keep this plant alive  Or, does it look dead to you.

Thank you.

Kathleen Nydegger

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied May 31, 2023, 6:09 PM EDT
response: It appears that the lower portion of the plant still are green.  The top is most likely winterburn.  You can trim off the dead foliage and continue to care for it.  It probably should have been protected last winter.  Also, any evergreen planted late in the fall needs to be watered on a regular basis until the ground freezes.  Also, you mention that you added soil prior to planting.  Compost would have been best but that, or soil, needs to be mixed thoroughly with the existing soil, not just in a layer.  That causes the water being unable to drain properly.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 5:10 PM EDT
response: What can be done about it at this point?  Should I add manure?  What can help the plant get health?

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 01, 2023, 10:26 PM EDT
response: You can loosen the soil around the base of your shrub and put down some good compost as mulch.  Then water, water, water.  If you use a fertilizer it should be one for Acid Loving Plants and use it at HALF STRENGTH.  As I said you can carefully clip off the dead brown ends and let the shrub grow.  It will take a while as shrubs do not grow at the same rate as annual flowers.
Identify a fungus

Question: Looking for help identifying this growth.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 10:50 AM EDT
response: Showed up on top of new raised bed filled with bagged topsoil. Noticed bunch of dead (maybe flying ants) nearby maybe coincidence.. This orange stuff has not been see previously. But this year has reoccurred three times.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 12:35 PM EDT
response: Showed up on top of new raised bed filled with bagged topsoil. Noticed bunch of dead (maybe flying ants) nearby maybe coincidence.. This orange stuff has not been see previously. But this year has reoccurred three times.

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 02, 2023, 12:58 PM EDT
response: We are not sure what you have there or if it is even indeed a fungus. (It has some similarities to some cocoons). Either way, it is not of concern and you can ignore it.  If you want to investigate more, you could cut it open or pull it apart and see what is inside, but that will kill it if it's a cocoon of some type.   Christine
Plant ID

Question: Found this growing under a shrub in NE Salem. 
Plant photo ID said it’s Atlantic poison oak. I don’t think so. Lol. 

I don’t think oak seedlings typically have fuzzy stems, so I dug it up and no acorn. So I’m at a loss. 

Thank you!

responder: Sheryl Casteen Replied May 31, 2023, 2:48 PM EDT
response: Dear Darryl, Poison Oak is not a member of the oak family.  It is named for oak because the leaves resemble oak leaves.   Here is a link on poison oak:  https://www.almanac.com/poison-oak-identification-and-treatment#:~:text=Poison%20oak%20is%20a%20low,member%20of%20the%20oak%20family. There are several different leaf types in the Toxicodendron family.  I believe this is Atlantic poison oak, Toxicodendron pubescens.  You will want to wash anything that touched the leaves.  If you need more information or have other questions, please contact us again.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 3:38 PM EDT
response: Thank you. I know oak and poison oak  are not related other than in looks. But wow! I never would have guessed it would be poison oak, let alone Atlantic poison oak, growing in our yard in the city. We’ve been in this house 20 years and have never seen it here before. But I guess seeds can be brought in from anywhere, eh?Thank you so much for your reply. DarrylOn May 31, 2023, at 11:48 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Sheryl Casteen Replied May 31, 2023, 3:56 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.  FYI,  every year there is a new plant growing in some part of our yard.  There is a creek nearby and I think a lot of the seeds float in.  Hopefully, some more amazing plants will come your way in the future.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 4:23 PM EDT
response: ﻿Is Atlantic poison oak becoming common in our area? Another symptom of climate change, maybe? That font of all knowledge and practical wisdom, Wikipedia (lol), said it ranges as far west as Oklahoma and Texas. And the PNW108 document in the OSU Extension Catalog said it doesn’t grow in Oregon. That’s why I was sure it couldn’t be and was surprised that it is.DarrylOn May 31, 2023, at 12:56 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Sheryl Casteen Replied May 31, 2023, 5:14 PM EDT
response: That is a question that I do not have an answer to - is there more around the area.  You are the first person to show me that plant.  However, if it is in your yard you might want to ask around your neighborhood to see if others are finding it. Unfortunately, a lot of insects, diseases (Dutch Elm disease is entering our area) and plants travel. I have double checked my pictures against yours.  One of them out of Maryland University is an exact match given the timing of the leaves (just emerging).

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 5:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you Sheryl. On May 31, 2023, at 2:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Weeping Doug fir

Question: I have a Doug Fir on my property that has a lesion about 7’ up in the bark, and it is constantly weeping sap, or other sticky fluid. Is it dangerous? Is there something I can or should do about it?

responder: Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice  Replied June 01, 2023, 1:42 PM EDT
response: Hi Nick,  Thanks for your question. Are you asking if the sap flowing out of the Douglas-fir is dangerous to humans or if the tree is in danger because of the sap flow?  Best, Alex Gorman, OSU Extension Forester

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 2:10 PM EDT
response: Is it dangerous to the tree?  (I realized it was vague after I sent it )I’m just wondering if I should be doing something to protect the tree, would hate to lose it.On Jun 1, 2023, at 10:42 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice  Replied June 05, 2023, 1:03 PM EDT
response: Hi Nick, Thanks for the clarification. You can likely do nothing at this time except watch the tree to see if it stays vigors or starts to decline; many things will cause a tree to drip sap like that. Also, this time of year, trees' sap flow increases significantly as they "wake up" from winter; this could be another cause for the sap flow you're seeing.  Best, Alex Gorman, OSU Extension Forester

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 3:08 PM EDT
response: Ok, thanks!On Jun 5, 2023, at 10:03 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Sedum yellow leaves

Question: Sedum is just starting to come up and looks unhealthy and leaves yellow spots. What should I do?

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied May 30, 2023, 8:16 PM EDT
response: I need some more information.  Are those spots flat or fuzzy.  Have you checked under the leaves for any insects that could be sucking moisture out of the leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 9:37 AM EDT
response: Dear Barbara, Thank you for your question.I looked at plant and did not see any bugs.The spots are flat not fuzzy.Sent from my iPhone On May 30, 2023, at 7:16 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 01, 2023, 12:36 PM EDT
response: We believe this could be Edema, caused by overwatering: https://succulentsbox.com/blogs/blog/how-to-treat-succulent-edema
Fruit tree problem, serious

Question: Our young apple and pear trees have curled up leaves or barely emerged leaves. Plums somewhat effected. Older trees seem ok But the blooms maybe look off to me. I believe I have a potted maple in front of the house with similar curled leaves. Have had sawfly the last couple years that I treated with been oil.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 5:03 PM EDT
response: I have not used anything but neem oil and soap. No round-up close by>  only saw one tree that had any bark issues.  I will send that photo.Thank you!!  It is really distressing to have a young orchard fall apart like this.

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied May 30, 2023, 8:35 PM EDT
response: You have multiple plants of different genera with similar injuries. Your images show in some cases where buds did not break and in other cases where buds grew but the leaves were strap shaped and bunched rather than normal. These are classic symptoms of herbicide injury. One of the images shows these symptoms more toward the base of the canopy and much less toward the top.   I know you have only put oil and soap on these trees but the herbicide can come from nearby applications. For example, some will volatilize and drift with the breeze in warm weather. So it could come from applications to the ground or from a neighboring field. It can also be a problem from year to year with only one exposure. The best place to look for this information is under grape or rose as I do not have one for pome fruit yet: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/grape-vitis-spp-chemical-injury  and https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/rose-rosa-spp-hybrids-chemical-injury  There was a canker or two you mentioned and that were in the images. Those can simple be pruned out since it was so limited.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 1:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  My friend who graduated from OSU told me to get ahold of you but she has a degree in Hort and that is what she thought it was.  It is hard to believe because the application of roundup to the fence lines were not that close and it was with a wand down by the ground but then we had that extremely rare hot day so perhaps it volatized .  Is there anything I can do to try and save the trees?  Fertilize, water? Really appreciate it! Diana      From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 12:35 AM To: Diana Swenson <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Fruit tree problem, serious (#0102712)

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied May 31, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Give it some time. It might take a few years to clear itself of the chemical. Good care is all that is needed now - a little water in the summer, etc....
Blotchy tomatoes

Question: This question is for my mother that does live in Northern Minnesota but has no clue how to use a computer. 

Please see the attached photo. She has been having issues with her tomato plants the past few years with the leaves getting wilted and funky. This photo is the first time the fruit has been affected. 

Do you guys have any suggestions as to what this might be and how to fix/treat it?

Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 9:43 PM EDT
response: Hi, Wow, that is bizarre, I've never seen anything like that. Here are some links to check out; https://www.recordnet.com/story/lifestyle/home-garden/2021/08/26/seeing-spots-your-tomatoes-tips-deal-common-garden-pests/<personal data hidden>/ https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1136 I think stink bugs are her problem; https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/brown-marmorated-stink-bug Clear out all weeds around the garden in the fall to try and minimize breeding grounds. Try looking for their eggs and dropping them in soapy water. She might even want to experiment with covering the plants with a tight netting. I hope this helps. Sally Granath, MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 2:58 PM EDT
response: HI Sally, Thank you so much! We are going to try your suggestions as well as a few other things we found on the web. I talked to mom last night to pass along your information and she asked if there is something than she can or should do to the actual soil in the garden?Thank you, Peggy  On Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 06:43:15 PM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2023, 9:57 PM EDT
response: Hi,  I don't think the soil has any thing to do with it. Clearing out ALL weeds around the garden should help. Here's another article that provides some helpful info . ; https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74169.html#:~:text=For%20large%20populations%2C%20a%20variety,prevent%20feeding%20by%20stink%20bugs.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 11:24 PM EDT
response: Very good. Thank you again!Sent from my iPhone On Jun 1, 2023, at 6:57 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Maple disease

Question: I am noticing a number of diseased leaves falling from a mature Maple in our yard. I am hoping someone can identify the issue, and what, if anything, should be done about 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 June 01, 2023, 6:23 PM EDT
response: This appears to be classic symptoms of anthracnose, a common fungal ailment that can affect a variety of trees in our region. Weather conditions must have been just right at the right time for certain trees and anthracnose fungi since we've seen widespread infection on maples and sycamores so far this season. (The header image of symptoms on a maple leaf on that linked page are mild; we've seen several question submissions recently of leaves with much heavier fungal damage, such as the one in your photo.) Fortunately, unless other unrelated issues are also stressing the tree too greatly, those afflicted with anthracnose may temporarily be an eyesore but they will recover and should replace much of the shed foliage by summer. No treatment with fungicide would be effective at this point, nor would it be recommended in general in this situation due to expense, impracticality, and a lack of guaranteed effectiveness even if applied correctly. You can rake-up and dispose of the fallen leaves for now, though the shedding should abate as the tree recovers.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 7:54 PM EDT
response: Thank you Miri. I do appreciate your help.  David

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 02, 2023, 9:13 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.