MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
raised bumps on tomatillo seedlings

Question: I had tomatillo seedlings growing under grow lights in my garage along with a variety of other seedlings. the tomatillos are developing raised bumps on the leaves.  Other plants show nothing like this.  There are no insects in sight.  Googling, the only thing I see people discussing is edema, though the images shared don't exactly look like this.  Is that what it is, and if it is, what do I do, and will these plants recover/ is this a serious issue at this stage? Everything has been happily growing until this recent issue on just these plants. thanks so much.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 12, 2023, 3:18 PM EDT
response: Hi Sabra,  Yes, it looks like edema (sometimes spelled oedema) which is usually due to cool temps, cloudy weather and over watering. Some plants are more susceptible. It causes ruptured plant cells, manifesting in corky blemishes on the leaves.  It is a  physiological responses to specific stimuli. It is not caused by a pathogen and is not transmissible from one plant to another. Mildly affected plants often recover from edema, putting out symptomless new growth in late spring and early summer.  Thanks for contacting us. Joyce Tomaselli , CCEDC

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 3:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much.   It's me overwatering because they have not been outside.I will have fingers crossed that they bounce back and will know better next time. On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 3:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
English Laurel distressed

Question: The first attached photo shows a hedge section of 4 distressed laurels — thinned leafing and some yellow leaves.  Also ajuba ground cover is sparse. The second photo shows another section of the same hedge with luxurious leafing and thick ajuba.  How can I improve the health and growth of the distressed laurel, please?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 12, 2023, 12:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Linda.  The reasons for contiguous plants experiencing different appearances are multiple.  Different light, watering, drainage, exposure to chemicals, and heat are just a few.  Are the laurels in the first photo getting more reflected sun and heat from the nearby building?  Do they all get the same amount of water, applied early in the morning?  I'm afraid that you'll need to do some sleuthing to see what in their environment or care differ.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 2:29 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your suggestions.Linda TwichellSent from my iPhone On May 12, 2023, at 9:17 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 12, 2023, 3:12 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
Peach tree fruit drop/browning

Question: What is disease causing peaches to turn brown and shrivel. These is a sappy substance at stem fruit connections and peaches fall off tree if mildly shaken.

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 May 12, 2023, 1:42 PM EDT
response: Hi,  Are you doing any preventative spraying for your peach or pruning maintenance? You can refer to the Virginia Tech's Home Fruit Guide to look up the spray schedule to treat the various pests and disease that peaches can get. (stone fruits start on page 15). We believe that the sap showing is cause from Oriental Fruit Moth and then injury in turn is welcoming Brown Rot. The Fruit guide will list chemical treatment for these to prevent in the future and the later links will explain the causes. You can also refer to our webpage on Caring for Peach Trees for general tips. After reviewing the information, please feel free to reach out with further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 2:33 PM EDT
response: Thanks I do spray with Captan(sp) and prune the upper branches each your.

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 May 18, 2023, 10:29 AM EDT
response: you're welcome, let us know if we can be of more help.
Problem with my Spruce Trees

Question: Hi - I'm not sure what kind of trees these are - I thin maybe spruce.  Anyway, there are 6 of them in the behind our cottage up in the Thumb.  Over the past couple of years, they look rather sickly and I'm not sure what to do.
There had been a lot of accumulated leaves in this "woodsy" area and last year I wondered if it was blocking the trees from getting enough water, so we raked out and moved the leaves from the ground.  Over the past 8 months there would have been a fair bit of rain and snow - they still look sickly to me, not as dense as in the past.

Can you give me a suggestion of what to do to help them?

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 May 13, 2023, 1:07 PM EDT
response: This appears to be some type of Chamaecyparis (thread leaf?).  I suspect some of the bottom branches have been fed on by deer but the thinning crown primarily suggests not enough sun. These are full sun plants.  Might want to replace with a plant that enjoys a bit of shade.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2023, 10:02 AM EDT
response: What would you suggest that will grow tall, provide privacy and will not be eaten by the deer? Thank you very much!

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 May 14, 2023, 7:32 PM EDT
response: It seems that there is no perfect solution for your question.  One of my go-to plants for shade is hemlock.  Now, with a host of its’ own problems, Hemlock is a plant that is somewhat difficult to find and could also succumb to H. wooly Adelgid.  My first thought is white pine.  These plants are often found in shady settings and while they will be thin, when planted in a mass, they will form a filtered evergreen privacy screen.  Deer will feed on both of these plants if they are hungry enough.  Protection or repellants are recommended in winter.  One more plant I am using is partial shade is Thuja plicata or the Western Arborivitae.  ‘Spring Grove’ has shown good resistance to deer browse although, your best bet is to protect young plants with burlap or netting during winter.  My own experience has shown that deer will browse these specimens but they quickly grow taller than the deer can reach.
How to help a mostly dead clematis plant

Question: Hello! We purchased a house in the fall and have inherited a clematis plant that had previously grown up a lattice. The plant looks 90% dead, but there are a few new green leaves coming out. Would it be wise to cut away the dead areas? Or leave it be completely? Thanks for your help!

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied May 12, 2023, 6:48 AM EDT
response: It is just starting to leaf out. It can be pruned back to a couple of feet.  New shoots should also start coming up soon.  Clematis need damp well drained soil so a good soak once a week. They do not thrive in soggy soil.  https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/growing-clematis.htm Yours is probably a jackmanii  https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clematis-jackmanii Hardy Clematis here in zone 4 are type lll https://www.waysidegardens.com/tips-for-pruning-clematis-vines/a/308/ https://gardenerspath.com/plants/flowers/grow-clematis/

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 11:31 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much Evelyn!Elizabeth On May 12, 2023, at 5:48 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied May 13, 2023, 8:14 AM EDT
response: You are welcome happy spring.
Salvaging Butterfly Magnolia Tree

Question: What is the best way to salvage this magnolia tree and encourage new branching? this is after a fertilizer application that I have any leaves at all. Will pruning the apparent dead branches encourage new branching? It’s in full sun and I plan on being home to do a much better job of watering it this summer.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 12, 2023, 11:44 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Mary.  Most problems with newly planted tees is that they weren't planted correctly in the first place.  This guide describes how, about halfway down:  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/ec1438.pdf If the roots were not spread out or pruned before planting, they may not be absorbing enough water and nutrients.  I can't provide an answer without knowing more information.  Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 12:02 PM EDT
response: Thank you! Unfortunately I wasn’t involved in planting this tree so I have no idea if it was planted correctly. Is there anything I can do now to help the roots absorb water and nutrients? Sent from my iPhone On May 12, 2023, at 8:44 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 12, 2023, 12:06 PM EDT
response: Not really.  In advance of 90 degree heat, excavating it will be a kiss of death.  Just keep watering it, and wait until fall to see if it's still alive.  Then you might want to dig it up and try again.
Long horned beetle??

Question: Can you identify this insect for me. Do I need to be concerned about any of my trees? Do I need to be rid of this insect?

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied May 12, 2023, 9:19 AM EDT
response: This is a painted hickory borer (https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1223). They will lay eggs in a variety of trees that are already in decline. No action is needed if you see this insect.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 11:57 AM EDT
response: Thanks so much, David. On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 8:19 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
barren strawberry cleanup

Question: Hi...wondering how to clean up the barren strawberry plant in spring?  Do I just try to cut out dried out leaves?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 15, 2023, 3:14 PM EDT
response: Hi  Mary, Strawberry beds produce more when they are renovated every three years. By the third year the plants loose energy and the berries  will get smaller and smaller. Ideally you should have the mother plants marked so you can rip them out after three years. I'm guessing you don't know which  plants were the original ones. I recommend you rip out two thirds of your plants and  mark the remaining plants. Rip out the plants so that the individual remaining plants have space around them to spread. Add compost to the top of the soil and then spread straw or hay around each plant so the soil is covered. Make sure you rio out any diseased plants. Be pretty brutal about ripping plants out. https://extension.umn.edu/strawberry-farming/strawberry-end-season-renovation I hope this helps, Sally Granath, MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2023, 11:47 AM EDT
response: Well, they are barren strawberry plants...so no producing of actual fruit! On Mon, May 15, 2023 at 2:14 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 16, 2023, 10:24 PM EDT
response: Mary,I forgot to add;  -mark with a stake (or something) each remaining plant so that you can rip them out after the new baby runners get established.-then mark the new first year baby plants so you know when to rip them out- keep the new plants thinned to one plant per row so they can get lots of sunLook up images of strawberry farms so you get an idea of how much is taken out.On Tue, May 16, 2023 at 10:47 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Posible worm parasite

Question: Hi, I have been feeling like I have worm parasites for some time now.  It started back in Florida a in  early 2022.  I felt movement in my  nose and pulled this out.  Pictures are with an attached magnifying lens on my phone and the length is a little under one centimeter.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 11, 2023, 4:14 PM EDT
response: Hello,  This does not appear to be any sort of parasite that I am familiar with. I know of no parasites that infest the upper respiratory tract. It would be best to consult your family physician if you are concerned about possible parasitic infection. University extension personnel are neither trained nor qualified to offer medical advice. Thanks, David Owens

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2023, 4:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the reply.  I was able to get my doctor to do some blood work that did not show signs of infestation.  However I do still feel that I have an infestation.  I was referred to your agency by a site on parasites for iding specimens.      I know you do not give medical advice and as you do not recognize this as a parasite I will assume it is not one.  I do want to note though that tapeworms have been extracted from noses and mouths.  Here is a case of one reported on CNN.   https://www.cnn.com/2017/01/27/health/6-foot-tapeworm-india-study/index.html    Doctors remove 6-foot tapeworm through man's mouth | CNN Doctors in India were stunned to remove a tapeworm measuring more than 6 feet through a patient's mouth, according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine. www.cnn.com                 From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2023 8:14 PM To: angelaflynn80 <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Posible worm parasite (#0099423)
Forest insect question: beetles on Sierra Gooseberry

Question: These little metallic blue beetles were rampant on a flowering Sierra Gooseberry a week or two ago along FR 1910 at about 2500'. I tried to ID them on iNaturalist and BugGuide, but didn't find a beetle that matched the description AND host plant for adults or larvae. They seem to be eating leaves and flowers. I have additional photos that demonstrate this,  but they aren't downloaded yet to the phone I'm using to post this.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied May 11, 2023, 12:55 PM EDT
response: Hi, I can't get you to species, but those appear to be a particular type of leaf beetle (Family: Chrysomelidae) called a flea beetle (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini). To figure out more, you would need the help of an entomologist who specializes in leaf beetles.  Dr. Shawn Clark at Brigham Young University is a leaf beetle expert. Here is his webpage if you would like to try to contact him. https://biology.byu.edu/directory/shawn-clark He may be able to ID those beetles from your photos and the host plant information, but may need to examine actual specimens to be certain. Pretty beetles! Enjoy! Yours,

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2024, 2:25 PM EDT
response: Hey Bill,Just to update you on case you couldn't sleep at night for wondering what happened about my leaf beetle ID:   I followed your advice back then and reached out to Dr. Shawn Clark at BYU, and he responded promptly. We have been in touch regularly since then, and he ID'd the beetles,  which were a first official find in Oregon (originally found in Napa, CA), and first official observation of host plant.  He is working on a brief paper to put in a journal. Thanks once again for putting me in touch with him!Merlla McLaughlin Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer  On Thu, May 11, 2023 at 9:55 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied May 09, 2024, 2:42 PM EDT
response: That is terrific, Merlla!! Nice that you and Shawn were able to work together on this and are documenting something nobody else ever noticed before.  Good work!! Thanks for letting me know about your progress.
Possible camellia disease

Question: Hello,
Attached are two pictures of disfigured leaves I found on my winter-blooming camellia. The leaves are quite thick and waxy, yellowish on top and white on the underside. There are a few small clusters on the shrub. It is located in in full shade with moist soil. this some sort of disease? How do I treat it? This camellia is next to a Yuletide camellia. Will this, whatever it is, spread to that one? If so how can I prevent it?
Thank you for your help,
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 May 11, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT
response: It is difficult to see it clearly in the photo, however it looks similar to Exobasidium Gall which is common on rhododendrons and azaleas.  There isn't a recommended chemical control for this since it stems from a fungus and is difficult to control the spores from spreading. You can hand pick off the leaves before they get the spores formulating on the galls Next year it may happen again but should help reduce the number.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 3:00 PM EDT
response: Hello Emily. On doing some further research I found this article: Camellia Leaf Gall | Home & Garden Information Center (clemson.edu) . You were absolutely right. It is an exobasidium gall, just one particular to camellias. Thank you for your help!Regards, KimOn Thu, May 11, 2023 at 4:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 19, 2023, 10:44 AM EDT
response: You're welcome. Have a good weekend.
Dead White Pine trees

Question: I live in South Lyon, Mi. Over the last couple of years the White Pines in my neighborhood have started dying. The needles start turning yellow and after a few weeks they turn brown.  It usually starts about this time of year, and by Summer the tree is dead. I have included pictures of a White Pine tree that currently shows the symptoms.  I'd be happy to bring any samples to MSU if it would help.

I have several large, well established (40+ years old & as tall a telephone poles) that I want to preserve and protect, if possible.  Thanks for your help.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 11, 2023, 1:48 PM EDT
response: Hello, Based on the information if is difficult to know what is happening to these trees.  Something could be attacking the roots/root collar of the tree causing the decline and death.  Yes, sending a sample to the MSU diagnostic lab would be helpful  (https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/).  For the diagnostic testing, try and send in as much of the root and some of the surrounding soil as what is reasonable.  In addition you could also submit a portion of a branch/needles.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 2:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your reply.

I am assuming you need a sample of an affected, but still living tree, 
is that correct?

The tree in question is about 4 inches in diameter near the ground.  If 
I leave a 1 foot high stump will that give you enough to work with?  How 
much of the root system do you want included when I dig out the stump?


On 5/11/2023 1:48 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
> lick the link below, or simply reply to this email.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 12, 2023, 4:05 PM EDT
response: Yes, a portion of a branch with needles that are in decline but still alive would be a good start.  Yes,  that amount of stump should be fine.  As much of the root (and some soil) as what you can manage would be fine.  Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 4:22 PM EDT
response: OK, should I make an appointment for next week to drop off the samples?  Day & Time?  On 5/12/2023 4:05 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 15, 2023, 9:07 AM EDT
response: Here is a link to the plant and pest diagnostic lab contact information (https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/contact).  They have a self-check in station at MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics, Center for Integrated Plant Systems (CIPS), 578 Wilson Rd., Rm. 109E, East Lansing, MI 48824-6469..   You will need to fill out a submittal form and drop off with the sample https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/General_Sample_Submission_Form_May2022.pdf.  You do not need to reserve an appointment time.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2023, 10:34 AM EDT
response: OK, Thank you!  On 5/15/2023 9:07 AM, Ask Extension wrote:
Eastern redbud leaves are curly/wavy

Question: My young eastern redbud's leaves are wavy/curly. It's otherwise very happy and producing a ton of new leaves, and there is no yellowing or browning. Is it distressed/diseased, or is this normal? Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 13, 2023, 3:31 PM EDT
response: Hi Dara,  I see mild curly wavy features on your leaves and agree that there is no yellowing or browning. Because there is no dieback or leaf browning, I do not think your tree is diseased or has insects. The curly leaves may be a sign of mild stress, such as drought (which we had this spring), but this can also occur with overwatering. Herbicide drift can cause leaf curling, but it is usually more pronounced and severe. Although not now in spring, heat stress during hot summer months can cause leaf curling.  General recommendations to help stressed trees (and healthy ones) include   Watering during drought. Determine whether the soil is dry by digging down a few inches. Infrequent but deep soaking is better than frequent superficial watering. Redbuds generally do best in morning sun and afternoon shade. If yours is in full sun, it may need closer monitoring as the weather gets warmer and sunnier.  Add compost and mulch. Pull back the turf beneath the tree’s canopy to keep it from competing with the tree’s roots. Add compost//mulch, away from the base of the trunk and no more than 2-3 inches deep. Old leaves chopped under a lawn mower and raked up make nutritious mulch for trees.  Regularly monitor your tree. Once a tree shows stress, it becomes more susceptible to insects, fungus and bacterial disease. Also watch for signs of mechanical damage from mowers and weed whackers. Ensure that the support stake and tether are not damaging the trunk.  Thanks for contacting the help desk!  Katie

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 13, 2023, 3:36 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much!