MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Black dying raspberries

Question: I have a small patch of raspberries that is yellowing and the tips of the fruiting vines are turning black and so the fruits barely form and turn black as well. I've treated the soil with iron which has helped with the yellowing a little. But it's not producing viable fruit at all.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 13, 2024, 10:19 AM EDT
response: Hello Christy, Could you share why you added iron? Did you take a leaf or soil sample that indicated low iron? Are these fall bearing raspberries or summer bearing raspberries? At first glance this appears to be spur blight, a fungal disease. Spur blight starts in the leaves and then can move into the canes. This can be mitigated culturally by increasing airflow by training canes apart or pruning out dense growth and using ground or drip irrigation as opposed to sprinkler irrigation. Remove any dead or infected canes from your planting. I like to recommend the University of Minnesota's extension guide on raspberry cane diseases as a resource.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 17, 2024, 8:00 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response.  I added iron because of the yellowing leaves but didn't have any results from a leaf or soil sample. My soil has a lot of clay content.  When I did this last year it seemed to help a lot. They don't get as much sunlight as they used to due to growth of trees in our yard, so might benefit from increased airflow.  I'll check out the resource on spur blight.thank you!ChristyOn Tue, Aug 13, 2024 at 10:19 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 17, 2024, 8:19 AM EDT
response: Also, I just found my notes from purchasing the raspberries - they are "Heritage everbearing."  I bought them in 2019 from Van Atta's. thanks again,ChristyOn Tue, Aug 13, 2024 at 10:19 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Black spots on pear tree leaves

Question: My Patten pear tree has black spots on the leaves.  This is the 3rd summer since planting.  It has not produced fruit yet.  What is causing this condition and how can I treat it.  Thank you for any info and guidance.

responder: Andrea Landsberg, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer   Replied August 12, 2024, 7:50 AM EDT
response: Hi Gail, Deb said you are an EMG - Hi!   I had to reach out to her for help on this one and her suspicion was confirmed by Ann Hazelrigg.   Your pear tree has pear leaf blister mites.  The mild winter and cool spring contributed to it occurring this year.  The good news is that it should not cause significant harm to your tree - but as it is a young tree you'll want to support its general health with appropriate watering and fertilizing (a good excuse to do a soil test, perhaps?). The female mites will overwinter in the leaf blisters so in case we have another mild winter it would probably be a good idea to rake up the leaves and remove them from the area/destroy them.  According to Washington State University "It is not known exactly how blister mite infestations spread from tree to tree or orchard to orchard. However, there is indication they can be carried by wind or by birds and insects."   We all  agree that it is not surprising that your tree has not yet produced fruit by year 3 - it may take another year or two (and good conditions).  And per Ann, you should also make sure you have another pear cultivar to pollinate the tree as they are not self fruitful.  Best of luck with your fruit growing and Happy Gardening!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 10:19 AM EDT
response: Thank you Andrea, Ann and Deb for your quick response.  This is great info, advice and good news!  I’ll definitely do the cleanup and soil test suggested. Cheers and appreciation,  Gail  On Monday, August 12, 2024 at 07:50:03 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Small clear balls on top of garden dirt

Question: These appeared on top of soil in a raised bed, which contains both commercial and native topsoil.
They appeared overnight after a heavy rain on Tues Aug. 6, 2024.  If you crush one it has sort of a clear liquid inside. We are wondering whether they are slug or worm eggs, and whether they should be removed.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied August 09, 2024, 10:44 AM EDT
response: Hello Brenda These appear to be the fertilizer capsules added to a variety of garden soil products, like potting soil. There is no need to remove them. You could lightly work them back under the soil so they release fertilizer over time, as they are designed to do.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 10:51 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much! That was the other answer yielded by the internet.  I really appreciate your reply.   Have a great weekend.     On Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 10:44 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied August 09, 2024, 11:00 AM EDT
response: You are very welcome. Dependable information can be searched on the internet by specifying “site:edu” at the end of your search string. For example “Fertilizer in potting soil site:edu”  will find several bulletins with pictures from research-based university sites. Regards, Laura

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 12:01 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information.   On Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Plant identification

Question: I would like to know if this plant is a noxious weed.  It just appeared in my yard.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 12, 2024, 7:30 PM EDT
response: My first impression is that this does look like a noxious weed, tansy ragwort.  Here is an article from King County, WA that has some photos very similar to yours:  https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/services/environment/animals-and-plants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/tansy-ragwort  I would definitely pull the weed completely, getting all of the root system, put it in a garbage bag and tie off completely, then put into your trash container (not yard waste, not composting).    Better safe than sorry!  There are a number of somewhat similar looking broadleaf weeds with yellow flowers, but in a flowerbed, I would pull them and discard anyway.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 7:54 PM EDT
response: Thanks for identifying the weed and asking for it to be dispose of in a garbage bag.   Kind Regards, Marybeth Hamilton1004 NW Foxwood PlaceBend, OR541.350.5493 cell            From: Ask ExtensionSent: Monday, August 12, 2024 4:30 PMTo: Marybeth HamiltonSubject: Re: Plant identification (#0150686)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 13, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT
response: You're welcome, happy gardening!  PS Your lawn grass looks amazing, green and lush, good job!  Cindy Brown
Verticillium?

Question: I have two maple trees that have branches dying on them. After researching this on the web, I am thinking it could possibly be verticillium whet. I don’t know what to do about it and I’m hoping you can give me some ideas about how to stop it and save the trees.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 8:53 AM EDT
response: What do you think is causing the branches to die on my maple trees?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 8:54 AM EDT
response: What do you think is causing the branches to die on my maple trees?

responder: Lori N. Replied August 09, 2024, 1:07 PM EDT
response: I cannot diagnose diseases of a tree, but you can find a certified arborist (for a fee) in your area by going to the TreesAreGood website. That person should help you decide how to proceed if verticillium wilt is indeed the problem.   You can find out more about verticillium wilt from these websites: https://www.extension.iasatate.edu>news>jun-Verticillium Wilt or https://ccenassau.org>resources>-verticillium-wilt.
RRD in Erie?

Question: I cut this from a knockout rose located in a park in Erie. I realize the distorted leaves could be caused by herbicide damage, but have never known herbicide to cause the numerous thorns.

responder: Weld County Colorado Master Gardeners Replied August 13, 2024, 7:16 PM EDT
response: Sue,  Thank you for your email.  I am not sure what your question is? Are you wondering if you can root these cuttings with the damage?  Thank you for more information.  Ruth, Weld County Colorado Master Gardener

responder: Weld County Colorado Master Gardeners Replied August 13, 2024, 7:36 PM EDT
response: Hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 13, 2024, 9:16 PM EDT
response: I believe this rose has Rose Rosette Disease. I have shown these pix to about 30 rosarians and all but one feels strongly it’s RRD. Colorado is one of a handful of states that hasn’t reported RRD. If this rose is infected, it’s something that I and fellow rosarians in Colorado would need to know. I found this knockout rose in a park in Erie, it’s not my property so I can’t remove it. And as long as that rose is alive and standing, it’s spewing out the eriophyid mites that cause this incurable disease. So yeah, I feel a sense of urgency.The odd witches broom effect could be caused by herbicide damage, but that doesn’t explain the excessive prickly thorniness, which a hallmark of RRD. There are about a dozen knockout roses in that bed; the others all look ok.I’ve sent this info to roserosette.org but it was suggested I also send to you guys. So…here ya go. Sent from my iPad On Aug 13, 2024, at 5:36 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Weld County Colorado Master Gardeners Replied August 14, 2024, 12:27 PM EDT
response: Thanks!  Appreciate your need to get this into the hands of those who need to know. The Master Gardener program does not do diagnosis and final insect confirmation.   So, I will forward this to the CSU Jeffco Plant Clinic who does do this function.   They may or may not get back in touch with you. If you want to connect with them, here is the site: https://agsci.colostate.edu/agbio/plantclinic/  Thanks again. Let us know if you have any other questions.  Ruth, Weld County Colorado Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2024, 1:14 PM EDT
response: Thanks Ruth, appreciate your help.Sent from my iPad On Aug 14, 2024, at 10:27 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Lilac blight

Question: My bushes are turning brown. They did not flower this year either. I’m told it’s likely lilac blight. We just bought this home so I don’t know the history of them. What can or should I do?

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied August 09, 2024, 10:27 AM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. There is sooo much lilac blight right now.  It is a result of the intense rains we have been having. You can treat for lilac blight with a copper based fungicide, but it has to be done in the spring before temps get too high. If you go online to a reputable site (not Reddit or someth8ng like that), there will be suggestions to what products will work.  Be sure to read the label instructions.  you can also choose to have them sprayed by an arborist.  Be sure to check references. For now all you can do is to cut back your lilacs and totally remove all debris from your yard.  By doing this, your lilacs will not bloom next year, but they will grow back if the blight is controlled.  I fought this for two years on one of my bushes and ended up taking it out.  By doing that, I did save my other lilacs. You don’t have to trim them, and let Mother Nature run it’s course, but I can’t guarantee either way that your lilacs will make it.  It’s a pretty rough disease. I’m so sorry.  This is devastating lilacs across the state.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 15, 2024, 12:34 PM EDT
response: How do I know where to cut them? Do you have instructions?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 15, 2024, 1:12 PM EDT
response: How do I know where to cut them? Do you have instructions?

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied August 15, 2024, 7:26 PM EDT
response: I have had a couple of professional people comment on the lilac disease.  They are suggesting to leave them be this year.  Just be sure to really clean up all the debris this fall. For the size of your bushes I think I’d let them go and see what happens next year.
Wilted Sugar Maple branch

Question: Trying to figure out if this is verticillium wilt or something else. Sugar Maple. Approx 10” dbh had a single branch die suddenly. Removed the branch saw no discoloration until the Final Cut was made. Doesn’t look like classic vert.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2024, 9:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Pam, thanks for the question. If you are referring to the radial streaks, they do seem odd if this is verticillium.  It would be helpful if you could give a little history and other symptoms.  If you have any other pictures that would be helpful. How fast was the decline?  Was there any significant yellowing?  Was the branch totally dead?  Was there leaf loss?  I will see if I can get some feedback from the MSU plant and pest diagnostics lab on your picture. I look forward to your reply.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 10, 2024, 9:47 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the response. Here’s a little more detail. The tree is at my brother’s house and I drive past it every time I visit, which is every few days. I first noticed it this past Monday and the leaves on the entire branch were completely wilted and crispy. No real yellowing. It was no more than a matter of days or I would have noticed it (MSU ‘84 Landscape Hort B.S., ISA Certified arborist, MS in Pest Management from UC Davis). Tree is in the lawn. Has some large girdling roots and lousy structure (codominant stems). The affected branch was the lowest branch on the tree.   The attached pictures are from a branch that we saved. It’s been on the workbench since Monday, but it looked like this when it was attached to the tree.   Please let me know if you need additional information.    On Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 9:57 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 11, 2024, 8:05 PM EDT
response: Hi Pam, I'm sure you probably know more about this than I do.   I did find some info that suggests verticillium can get into the medullary rays, but it was rather vague.   I am going to send the pictures out tonight to the lab with your additional information. It can take a few days.  Unfortunately, if they are busy, they may not respond.  I will let you know what I find out.
What's wrong with my cone flowers?

Question: My native cone flowers have a distinctive problem and already I have lost a few of them.  I pulled out 2 plants that were struggling since spring with something that wilted them and destroyed them slowly.  Now what ever it is, is spreading to the others.  I have attached pictures. Please, can you help me save them?

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied August 13, 2024, 9:19 PM EDT
response: The plants are infected with aster yellows.  There is no way to cure it and all affected  plants must be removed before it spreads to other plants.  Read more about this at the following website.  Sorry that this is such bad news. https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/aster-yellows

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2024, 11:28 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the "awful, terrible" news.  I will work on destroying these plants asap.   Thank you for helping me.Take care,Diane (she/her)Living on traditional lands of the Dakota Nation"No one does big things by themselves...  We're going to have to do it together. So be alive to one another's struggles. Stand up for one another's rights. Leave behind all the old ways of thinking that divide us."                                               -  President Barack Obama                                      On Thu, Aug 8, 2024 at 12:24 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Dear Diane, 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 #0150625: What's wrong with my cone flowers? My native cone flowers have a distinctive problem and already I have lost a few of them. I pulled out 2 plants that were struggling since spring with something that wilted them and destroyed them slowly. Now what ever it is, is spreading to the others. I have attached pictures. Please, can you help me save them? 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.
Redpoint Maple did not fully leaf out

Question: A redpoint maple we planted two years ago did not fully leaf out this year.  This is a street tree in a north Lakewood neighborhood.  Early in the season I thought the late freeze may have simply frozen some of the buds and it would just take time to re-leaf.  However, it is now August.  Although tiny leaf buds with some leafing have appeared throughout the tree, the only real leaf growth is a clump at the base of the branching.  Do you think this tree has a possibility of regaining a full canopy next spring if we baby it until then?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2024, 2:46 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon! Thank you for sending those photos - it looks like there is something affecting the tree that is causing it to grow like that. Are all those leaves on the branches smaller than they should be? Are there any other trees on the street that look like that? There are a couple things that could be causing that - a mite or a bacteria. We have a diagnostic lab at our office at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds (15200 W 6th Ave Suite C, Golden, CO 80401) and are open Tuesday to Friday from 8-4pm. It is a 20$ diagnostic fee but if you would like to bring in a sample we can take a look and see if it is mites or a bacterial infection. You may be able to treat it pending what is causing the damage.  Rachel

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 4:01 PM EDT
response: Yes, the leaves on the branches are smaller. I can bring in sample for diagnosis. I’m assuming you mean leaf samples. Would a branch sample be better? On Aug 9, 2024, at 12:46 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 13, 2024, 2:37 PM EDT
response: If you would bring in a branch that would be best! It doesn't have to be huge but big enough that the leaves are on the branch as well.  Thank you!Rachel
What bee is thid

Question: Wondering if this all black bee is a carpenter bee?

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied August 08, 2024, 11:45 AM EDT
response: Yes.  For future use. hhttps://www.insectidentification.org/bugfinder-start.phpttps://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 12:52 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  On Thu, Aug 8, 2024 at 10:45 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Issue with sedum

Question: Hi, 
My autumn joy sedum is being attached by an insect or disease. I have many plants surrounding my pool landscaping. They are all at least 8 years old and were once very healthy and spreading like crazy. Now they all look like this.  Can you please help me identify the problem and advise what to do about it?
Thank you.

responder: MJ Replied August 10, 2024, 4:08 PM EDT
response: Hi Teri, I would suspect slugs or perhaps a flea beetle that seemed especially attracted to sedum and was found in Ohio a few years ago. Slugs don't usually attack sedum but it's been such a wet year that they're thriving. Here's a page on what to do: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/slugs With your extensive damage I wonder if this could be the problem: https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2061 You should closely examine the plants to see if you can spot any bugs. Slugs are more likely to be out at night, or first thing in the morning. Insecticides that kill flea beetles also kill beneficial insects, so you should be careful about using them. If you go this route, it's best to spray at dusk when pollinators aren't active and the plants can dry overnight and won't get burned by the sun. Here's a page on flea beetles: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/flea-beetles-5-592/ Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 10, 2024, 6:08 PM EDT
response: I appreciate the advice. Thank you!Teri On Aug 10, 2024, at 3:08 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: MJ Replied August 11, 2024, 8:57 AM EDT
response: You’re welcome!
What kind of bug is this?

Question: The attached photo shows a little, tiny bug (no longer than 2 mm in length) that we are finding inside our house near sinks. They have 6 legs and they "jump" when trying to get away. We have never had these bugs before. We have had small little ants in the past, but we aren't seeing any of those this year. We wonder why this year and what can we do to stop them? What is the name of this bug and what kind of problem are they?
If you zoom in on the bug in the photo, you will see it has 6 legs and a fairly "long" antenna. They are black, but the "smaller" (I'm guessing younger) tend to be a carmel-brown color. This photo was taken in my kitchen sink, and the bug is on the sink pad. Thank you for your help! :)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2024, 5:32 PM EDT
response: Hello, This looks like a springtail. These are insects that thrive in moist, humid areas, like your bathroom/kitchen sinks. Trying to keep these areas dry and removing mildew can help. Fortunately, they are not harmful.  Here is more information about them: https://extension.psu.edu/springtails  Thank you for using Ask Extension!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 10, 2024, 9:25 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response!  I do believe we have these Springtails.  We have a pest management company coming next week to treat the house foundation.  I appreciate your help and availability!  Have a great Summer!  Blessings to the OSU Extension folks!    On 08/09/2024 2:32 PM PDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: