MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Watering Mature Cottonwood Tree with Root Damage

Question: I have a mature cottonwood tree on my property.  Adjacent to the tree, the previous owners of my property had a large fire pit feature installed with a boulder retaining wall, likely severing some roots in the process.  This was done in approximately 2016 or 2017. The tree is surviving, but appears to have a relatively thin canopy, with some branches that have few or no leaves.  When inquiring about removing another tree with advanced Emerald Ash Borer last year, an arborist pointed the Cottonwood out to me, and suggested to start saving for its eventual removal. I watered the tree last summer with soaker hoses at the base, and am completing some irrigation work elsewhere in the yard.  I am considering putting in some "Deep Drip" watering stakes, connected to a drip system, near the Cottonwood to try and prolong its life.  Is this a reasonable plan?  Would you suggest 24 or 36 inch watering stakes, and how much water per day / week should I try to give the tree?   Alternatively, is this completely unnecessary, or is the tree destined to eventually die from damage? Any advice you have is greatly appreciated.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 8:47 PM EDT
response: Additional photo better showing some of the thinning of the canopy

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 7:16 PM EDT
response: Hello, Should I have asked my question to a different extension office? Thanks!

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied August 07, 2024, 9:14 PM EDT
response: Trees have had plenty of water this summer.  Stakes are unlikely to make a difference.  The arborist who saw the tree on site must have noticed signs of decline. Not only did the fire pit cut some of the roots, it likely compacted others.  Weakened trees are vulnerable to disease.  The following website gives likely disease causes.  Compare what you are seeing with your tree.  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/poplar/branchesdead.html
Young sour cherry - 50% of fruit is nasty-looking

Question: Hi - I've got a couple of young sour cherry trees planted on the edge of a small, old apple orchard. 
The oldest (five-ish years, believed to be an Evans Bali) started bearing fruit last year and has quite a bit this year. 

About 1/2 of the fruit is deformed this year. The other 1/2 of the fruit is just fine. And it's all mixed up together. Ugly fruit hanging right next the beautiful red cherries. I can't tell if this is fungal or insect-caused??? It seems that only the fruit is affected. Leaves look fine.

I don't use any sort of pesticide. Have never fertilized. I do prune each spring. The tree has good air flow and air drainage. Soils are moderately well drained. We've had a lot of rain in June & July. Much wetter than usual for us (central U.P.).

I've attached a pic. Any thoughts on what it might be? Suggestions on how to handle? I'd appreciate suggestions for cultural or organic treatment. 

THANK YOU!

Lauri

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 10:12 AM EDT
response: Hello!  Looks like there was some insect damage caused by plum curculio (the deformed fruit and crescent-shaped scars on fruit) and also some bacterial canker infection (the shriveled, sunken, brown lesions).  Here are basic overviews on this pest and disease:  https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/plum_curculio https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/bacterial_canker_blossom_blast?language_id=#gallery Plum curculio is a common pest in Michigan and bacterial canker is a sporadic problem, dependent on weather conditions. We've seen a lot of fruit infections from bacterial canker on sweets and tarts this year due to the wet season and right temperatures for the pathogen at different fruit growth stages.   Increasing air flow is great, as you've mentioned you've done.  Unfortunately, we don't have effective controls for bacterial canker at this time, conventionally or organically. Copper products can be used but are generally not considered very effective and can cause phytotoxicity under different conditions.  And not much can be done culturally besides pruning.  There are really no effective organic products for controlling Plum curculio either. Kaolin clay is sometimes used on apples but is not recommended for cherry. There is a product called PyGanic, but I don't think it is worth the cost. This article includes some cultural practices and a little about some biological control agents you could look into: https://fff.hort.purdue.edu/article/tips-for-managing-plum-curculio-in-tree-fruit/#:~:text=Plum%20curculio%20is%20native%20to,mating%20sites%20for%20adult%20beetles. Hope this is helpful!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 4:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the quick response. I'll check out the articles.   I just love this service - have used it a number of times, always with a high degree of satisfaction!!  Lauri   On Tue, Jul 30, 2024 at 10:12 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What skeletonized my angelica plant?

Question: I just noticed many leaves are skeletonized on my angelica plant.  I have never seen such damage before, on any plant. I saw one tiny brown bug and tried to squish it but it escaped.  I also saw a tiny green aphid with wings. 
I will keep watch and squish.  Have you an idea what did this?

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied July 30, 2024, 4:07 PM EDT
response: Hi and thanks for your question and pictures of your skeletonized angelica plant. Unfortunately, there are many larvae that will skeletonize plants and I can't find something that specifically mentions angelica. If you can capture a critter, that will be helpful, but if there is nothing left of your plant, you may have to chalk it up to feeding some kind of insect and get a new plant! Keep your eyes open and send in some pictures if you find something.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 4:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  At least the critter is  plant specific.  I would go insane if the bay sucker liked other plants.  Are you hearing about more insects than usual this year?  Just curious.  Thanks for being there.  On Tue, Jul 30, 2024, 1:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied July 31, 2024, 2:22 PM EDT
response: Hi and I have to answer your "more bugs than usual" question with a sad no. We actually have less of some pests like Spotted Wing Drosophila who don't like heat and many other invertebrates are declining in population.   If you are interested in bug populations, the Xerces Society is a great place to get information on what is happening, to our pollinators, moths and butterflies and other insects. Some of the skeletonizers are even good guys, like the Cinnabar moth caterpillar which helps control invasive tansy! http://www.xerces.org/taxonomy/term/92  Thanks again for your questions,

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 2:50 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the info!.  I noticed there weren't any worms in my blackberries.   That is a good thing to me!  On Wed, Jul 31, 2024, 11:22 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Pale green oak tree

Question: For the first time in its 15 year life, my oak tree has pale green leaves - not the deeper, richer green it normally has.  Additionally, there are some browning leaves on internal branches, and every time the wind blows MANY small branches with several leaves fall to the ground.  I have this tree professionally fertilized every Spring.  Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jan

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 5:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Jan, From what I can see in the photo, your tree looks like it does have symptoms of iron chlorosis.  Do you have a record of what type of fertilizer was applied and by what method?   The twigs blowing out are a different situation; two common causes of this are scale insects and squirrels.  Look for scale insects on the ends of the branches that have fallen; they are roundish bumps that superficially look like buds, but they are in the wrong places!  Squirrel activity you will likely have noticed already, but keep an eye out especially in the early morning. Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 6:15 PM EDT
response: John, thank you so much for this information! Sounds like I need to reach out to my tree company (Fielding) as well. I will ask better questions of them with your input. With appreciation, Jan Sent from my iPhone On Jul 30, 2024, at 3:57 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Burkwood Viburnum problem leaf curl/puckering

Question: Can you tell me what is affecting my burkwood viburnum? There is some leaf curling and distortion on some of them. They were planted last July and have been drip irrigated. They seem to have enough air circulation where they are planted. I haven't spotted bugs or evidence of bugs, except the one photo that seems to show some chewed-on leaves.  Photos attached. Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 7:32 PM EDT
response: Hi, thanks for the question. There can be different reasons for curled, puckered, and distorted leaves.  Probably the most common is aphids.  Check the back of the leaves, not just the curled leaves.  If you see ants climbing on the viburnums it can also indicate the presence of aphids.  Thrips can cause similar damage as can downy mildew.  The aphids can be sprayed off with a hard spray of water.  Insecticidal soap is a good follow-up. Check out the following links: Aphids in home yards and gardens | UMN Extension https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/viburnum-diseases-insect-pests/#:~:text=the%20one%20removed.-,Aphids,-Snowball%20aphids%20 I hope this is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 8:49 PM EDT
response: Thank you. Is there a best type of insecticidal soap to use that is least hostile to beneficial insects?  On Monday, July 29, 2024 at 07:32:22 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 7:12 AM EDT
response: Hi, Any OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) approved insecticidal soap will be good. Stay away from "homemade" formulas.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 1:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  What natural predators go after aphids?   On Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 07:12:39 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 7:16 PM EDT
response: Hi again, There are several natural enemies of aphids.  This includes lacewing larvae, lady beetles and larvae, syrphid fly (aka hoverfly),larvae, damsel bugs, big eyed bugs parasitic wasps and more. Check out the following links: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids#natural-enemies Aphids and Their Natural Enemies (illinois.edu) ENY-822/IN120: Natural Enemies and Biological Control (ufl.edu)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 8:17 PM EDT
response: Thanks!!   On Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 07:16:21 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Garden insect ID please

Question: Hello, I found this guy in my Brassica bed. The bed is netted, but I suppose it could’ve gotten in there. Otherwise it might be some thing that’s been living in here for a while. It was on top of A broccoli plant. It has a shiny colorful shell which you may have to enlarge the photo to see. Something has been eating my cabbage, which is the adjacent plant. I will enclose photos of both. Thank you so much!

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied July 30, 2024, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Hi Frances and thanks for your question and beautiful picture of a jewel beetle. Appropriate name, don't you think! There are more than 150 species of this beetle in the northwest and they don't usually harm vegetables. The cabbage problems are most likely slugs (look for slime trails) or the larvae of Cabbage White butterflies (look for little green "worms").   While straw is an excellent mulch for plants, it is also a great hiding place for slugs. A beer trough for them to fall in or some slug bait would help here. As they are only taking the bottom leaves, you can also just ignore them and harvest the heads.  If it is the little green larvae problem, you will either need to hand pick them off or find a Bt spray meant for crucifers (cabbage, broccoli, kale and cauliflower). Go out after dark with a flashlight and see what you can find as most pests work better in the dark.  The beetle looks like it might just be getting a drink off the broccoli stem. Lucky you to get such a great picture!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 4:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you! That’s the first time I’ve seen a jewel bug. OK, I will put out some beer traps. I really haven’t had a problem with slugs this year since it’s been so dry. Cabbage mods used to be my Achilles heel but now I have all my Brassica growing under netting and I have no issues! They hardly even come around anymore. They must be at somebody else’s house.My only real problem is Symphylan, learning to live with it. Thanks again!FranSent from my iPhone On Jul 30, 2024, at 12:43 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Lilac bush issues

Question: Do I need to treat my lilac bushes? Leaves are spotted, browning, and appear to be dead.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 30, 2024, 3:46 PM EDT
response: We are getting a lot of lilac questions this summer. Most of them are about brown and dying leaves. I am seeing a lot of this in my own neighborhood, especially on common lilacs. The wet spring followed by warm temperature have created the ideal environment this year.And everything has been stressed by the preceding 3 years of drought. Many are suffering from lilac blight. There are a couple of diseases that cause this. This will not kill your lilac but it is unisightly.  Clean up is essential. Clean up all fallen leaves and dispose of them in your municipal leaf pick up. Do not compost the leaves at home.  http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/lilacbacterialblight.pdf https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/how-recognize-treat-avoid-lilac-bacterial-blight#main-content https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bacterial-blight/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 5:21 PM EDT
response: Thanks very much!  On Tue, Jul 30, 2024, 2:46 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
name of sunflower

Question: Hello.  Could you please tell me the name of this sunflower?  I didn't plant it--it just sprung up in my garden by itself!!!  It has multiple buds on it and it's about 3 ft high.   Thank you, Margaret

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied August 01, 2024, 12:43 PM EDT
response: Hi Margaret,  I am sorry, but we can not identify the exact name of this common sunflower. But what a treat you get to enjoy this volunteer in your garden.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 1:16 PM EDT
response: Ok, thank you.  Yes, it is a treat to have in my garden!  On 08/01/2024 10:43 AM MDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Eastern redbud tree leaf spotting

Question: Hello,

I've noticed some white spots on my eastern redbud tree leaves and I'm curious if it's a disease or needs treatment.

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 29, 2024, 2:32 PM EDT
response: Can you look at the leaves with a magnifying glass or the magnifier on your phone?  A 10X would be good 15X even better and look for insects. Let me know what you see if you can.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 2:41 PM EDT
response: Also I just noticed  leaves that look like they're being eaten    On Jul 29, 2024, at 1:32 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 2:41 PM EDT
response: On Jul 29, 2024, at 1:32 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 29, 2024, 2:50 PM EDT
response: Those notches look very much like feeding damage from a larger creature like a sawfly or caterpillar or grasshopper. Take a look at the white things. Are they insects? Is there frass/ scat or webbing on the leaves? Great photos !

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 3:03 PM EDT
response: Okay I think the white things are for sure insects. They I also see these bugs on both the tops and undersides of the leaves. :-(    On Jul 29, 2024, at 1:50 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 29, 2024, 5:34 PM EDT
response: I think they are insects too but the resolution isn’t great enough to identify them. It is also very difficult to identify an insect from a photo, regardless.  They aren’t doing enough damage to harm the tree.
Need to ID this insect

Question: We have a ground nest in a garden bed of a possible wasp but we are not sure. They do not bother us at this point but the nest is next to our steps and there are many active individuals. Thank you so much for the ID and also should we leave them alone or spray with a wasp spray???

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 29, 2024, 1:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. That appears to be a yellow jacket wasp.  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/wasps-and-bees#how-to-get-rid-of-yellowjacket-and-paper-wasp-nests-1465460 These do sting mostly when the nest is bothered. If you do decide to eradicate the nest, only do this at dust when the insects have settled down and are mostly in the nest.  Persons who are allergic to bee stings should not approach this nest. Other persons will be uncomfortable if stung but not suffer any prolonged effects. All wasp insecticides kill other insects.  To minimize killing pollinators, if you use them, spray them after sunset. It may be possible to destroy a nest after dark by inserting a hose nozzle (jet setting, water off into the nest) retreating to a safe location, and turning the water on for 10 minutes.  Repeat the next day or two if wasps are approaching the nest site.  When the wasp is dead, open with a shovel.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 3:20 PM EDT
response: WOW, thank you so much for the speedy report. I just took a look at the hole an it is silver dollar size with hwy 36 E traffic in the afternoon!!! Best,  Jim  On Jul 29, 2024, at 12:33 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Swarming insects in Compost pile

Question: Backyard compose bin swarming with bugs.  Seems very unnatural.  I'm concerned.  See bottom of attached photo.

responder: Thank you for your question! Jean P.   Replied July 31, 2024, 9:55 AM EDT
response: Hi Myron, I had spoken with you initially on the MSUE Lawn and Garden Hotline on Monday morning. I sent the below info via email, but am including it here as well in the event that it went to your spam folder.  I am unable to identify what may be in your compost with the attached images. Occasionally, you may also find a bumble bee nest in compost that isn't turned often. It can be very difficult to get a clear photo of quickly moving insects, but if you are able to get a clearer photo, you can resubmit that.  Below are resources for composting and insects you may see in your pile. Soldier fly is also a possibility.  https://www.butlerswcd.org/single-post/compost-critters-and-what-they-can-tell-you  https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/composting_a_smart_gardening_practice_to_recycle_garden_and_yard_waste

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 12:37 PM EDT
response: Jean,   I sent a clearer photo yesterday.  I think it may be a Roly Poly/Pill bug.  If so are they okay to have in there.   Please see photo. #0149139     Pease advise.  Myron   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2024 1:55 PM To: myronstein <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Swarming insects in Compost pile (#0149139)

responder: Beth Clawson MSU Extension Educator Natural Resources/Water Quality clawsonb@msu.edu Replied August 07, 2024, 2:31 PM EDT
response: Hello,  Thank you for using Michigan State University Extension with your composting question. I see from your second photo that you have a lot of sow or pill bugs. These tiny crustaceans are not really bugs and are decomposers. They only eat dead and decaying organic matter.  They are normal and expected to be seen in a healthy compost pile.  common insects in compost bins https://thatbackyard.com/the-5-most-common-bugs-youll-find-in-your-compost/ https://www.bioguia.com/sustainablewarriors/home-garden/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-bugs-in-my-compost/  Check out this free online compost training to learn more about what to expect to see happening in your compost bin.   Master Composter Online Course - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu) https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/master-composter-online-course

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 4:51 PM EDT
response: Thank you for this.  Myron   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 6:31 PM To: myronstein <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Swarming insects in Compost pile (#0149139)
What kind of spider is this?

Question: Hi,

My son found this spider living in an empty garden pot under his porch. We have searched the entire internet and cannot find out what she is! The body is the size of a fifty cent piece. Can you identify it from the picture? 

Thank you SO much!

Stephanie Thompson

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 30, 2024, 7:20 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Stephanie,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  I believe the spider is the Dark Fishing Spider, (dolomedes tenebrosus). Here is a link from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolomedes_tenebrosus

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 9:20 AM EDT
response: You are the BEST! Thank you!  Stephanie Thompson  On Jul 30, 2024, at 6:20 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  ﻿

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 30, 2024, 11:40 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!