MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea Look Stunted - is it aster yellow?

Question: Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea Look Stunted - is it aster yellow? Purchased April ‘22 from nursery; bought 5 and 3 look like this, while other 2 are just fine.

responder: Doug Gucker, MS, CCA  Replied June 26, 2024, 10:24 AM EDT
response: After looking at your two photos and particularly the top photo which shows the hydrangae plus other plants, I am seeing twisted and deformed leaves on those plants as well. I am wondering if your plants have suffered from a herbicide drifting over to them. The high temperatures and humidities we have been experiencing in Illinois are very conducive to volatilizing herbicides and we are seeing more than normal, this year.  In the spring and early summer, it is common for people or lawn care groups to apply herbicides that control broadleaf lawn weeds and many of these products can move off target in high temperatures and windy conditions. Another herbicide that is commonly used, RoundUp, can cause leave stunting and yellowing in small doses to plants. From your pictures, it does not look like aster yellows are the problem. As far as your hydrangae, pamper them this summer. Water when the soil is dry, do not overwater them. Overwatering leads to root rot and plant death. After Labor Day, fertilize them to support winter survival.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 4:07 PM EDT
response: Thanks Doug; I wasn’t at home when our lawn treatment applied, so guessing that may be the case. Will certainly keep pampering them; glad I didn’t just pull them out as we love our hydrangeas!  Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone  On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 9:24 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identification of lawn weed

Question: Please identify and recommend how to eliminate. Grows in lawn in summer and dies in winter. Appears mostly in sunny areas. Spreads on surface with course roots that also spread. Weed killer like Scott’s does not kill.

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 27, 2024, 11:14 AM EDT
response: Grassy lawn weeds can be challenging to identify, especially once mown, as that can change their growth habit and remove key characteristics needed for ID. We're not certain which species this is, though our initial impression based on traits we think we can see is Bermudagrass. We can share a couple resources that might be able to narrow-down the potential species that you can use to inspect the plants for the defining features. It sounds like a summer annual, being in active growth in summer and dead in winter (unless it's just winter-dormant), which helps because only some of the typical lawn weeds are annuals. (Crabgrass being the primary one in that group.)  Weed Identification Photos Ohio State -- Weedy Grass Identification This resource includes a photo guide to the structures involved in grass ID, and has a short key to sorting-out common species based on those traits. Although this is an Ohio publication, it still is useful for Maryland lawn weeds.  Management recommendations will depend on what species this is, but in general, summer annuals can be spot-treated or just kept mown so they don't go to seed before dying this autumn. Seed germination can be prevented next year with either a pre-emergent herbicide and/or improving the density and vigor of the lawn so it can out-compete most weeds on its own in the future.  Perennial grassy weeds will need either physical removal to dig out the roots, or spot-treatment with systemic herbicide (potentially more than once) in order to kill the entire plant, roots and all. Bermudagrass will require this treatment as it is hard to eradicate, so you might want to dig it out first, then spot-treat with herbicide what reappears. Glyphosate might be the only herbicide ingredient that will subdue Bermudagrass. The same lawn improvement efforts can then similarly keep any perennial grassy weeds from returning as a new generation of seedlings by helping the lawn to out-compete them.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2024, 1:02 PM EDT
response: MiriThanks so much for your timely response. I was afraid it might be Bermuda grass. I appreciate your help! Jim  Sent from my iPhone On Jun 27, 2024, at 11:14 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 27, 2024, 1:10 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Garlic

Question: What is my wrong with my garlic, why does it look like this in my garden? Not enough water... too much water?  Maybe it's not enough dirt. The soil is just shy of a foot tall. This is only the second year that the garlic has grown. I did not pick it last year. It's never gotten seeds at the top.

responder: Lori N. Replied July 04, 2024, 11:09 AM EDT
response: I can't answer your specific question re: growing garlic because there are so many parameters.  But there is a wonderful thorough article from OSU that should help you answer your question: Growing Garlic in the Garden.  It is found at https://ohioline.osu.edu>factsheet>hyg-1627. There is also a video from OSU called Growing Garlic/Learn how to plant your own garlic this fall.  Hopefully you will be able to get some answers from these materials.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 7:11 PM EDT
response: Thank youConnie  On Thu, Jul 4, 2024 at 11:09 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
20 diseased shrubs

Question: All of our scrubs again this year are throughly diseased.  To cut off all the diseased branches would leave the scrubs totally bare.  Can they be cured?  Yesterday there were these black ants with rings on their butts all over, even clustered on some branches and on the underside of the leaves.  I sprayed them all with a natural oil mixture so no ants today.  What should I do?

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 25, 2024, 10:25 PM EDT
response: I would guess there are aphids on the underside of the leaves and along the stems.  The ants are there because they are attracted to the honeydew (sweet sticky substance) that the aphids secret.  Check for these insects.  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/how-heatwave-affects-garden-pests

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 5:39 PM EDT
response: Hi Barbara, that explains the ants, what about the disease that has affected all of my shrubs.  Would more pictures of them helpSent from my iPhone On Jun 25, 2024, at 9:25 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 28, 2024, 4:25 PM EDT
response: Your shrubs could just be showing those symptoms due to the feeding of aphids.  If you don't feel that is the problem, then it is probably as bacterial leaf spot disease.  Go to this and follow the directions. Sanitation will be extremely important.  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs
Caterpillar ID please

Question: Can you ID this insect on my butterfly weed. Thx

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 26, 2024, 2:24 PM EDT
response: It's a moth caterpillar, and possibly one of the several species in the family called Prominents, but we can't determine from the photo which particular species it is. It is probably not consuming the Milkweed, and may have fallen there (or was dropped by a bird or wasp, or crawled) if there is a nearby oak, maple, or other shade tree, which are the host plants for many species in that family.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 3:02 PM EDT
response: Thanks. It’s gone now, and no damage to milkweed. Thx Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone  On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 2:24 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 26, 2024, 3:48 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Sickly red maple

Question: Hi. I planted this red maple in the fall and it isn't looking very good. I asked the nursery where I bought it and they referred me to you. These photos were taken a week or two ago, and now the leaves still have the brown spots but I think they are looking even more shriveled. Can you identify the problem/disease, and if so, what can I do about it? Many thanks.

responder: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension!  Replied June 25, 2024, 1:51 PM EDT
response: Given the time of year and the presenting symptoms, this is likely anthracnose. Please see the following publications for more information, and let me know whether you have follow-up questions. Because this tree was newly planted in the fall, it will benefit from good cultural care, including not allowing lawn sprinklers to wet the foliage and providing supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry periods, equivalent to 1 inch of rain per week. All fallen leaves should be destroyed. Since the tree is not yet established, consider protective fungicide sprays next spring, as per the publications, below. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_leaf_blister_and_anthracnose_two_foliar_diseases_that_can_appear_on_s https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_anthracnose https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/maple-anthracnose

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 7:57 AM EDT
response: Hi Brent. Many thanks for your help!  On Tue, Jun 25, 2024 at 1:51 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Red leaves on madrone tree

Question: I have a Pacific madrone tree I planted over 3 years ago. It has gone from a 13 inch baby to now 5 feet tall. This year it has developed numerous red leaves and I’m worried there is a problem with the tree. Is this normal for the tree?
Thanks in advance

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 8:24 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Colleen.  I can find no disease that causes red leaves, although there are several that cause leaf spots.  https://ppo.puyallup.wsu.edu/madrone/about/diseases/  Red foliage is often an indication of a nutrient deficiency, especially phosphorus.  Have you had a soil test for pH and nutrients?  It is interesting how the red leaves and spots occur on only a few branches.  Do you have any other information?  Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 11:56 AM EDT
response: Thanks so much. I have an over the counter soil test kit, is that sufficient or is there a way to send, take soil for professional testing near me? I live in Washington county near Rock Creek PCC and Hillsboro. The madrone is in a very sunny spot on a slope but it is near a very large, old Norway maple (maybe about 20 feet)  that roots and steals water over the whole area. The area has been covered in wood chips for the whole time the madrone has been there. I essentially don’t water it at all. I appreciate any advice. I don’t want to lose my madrone! Colleen Sent from my iPad On Jun 25, 2024, at 5:24 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 12:00 PM EDT
response: Research has indicated that the over-the-counter tests are not as reliable as a commercial lab.  Here is the one closest to you:  https://emswcd.org/tools/conservation-directory/2328/a-l-western-agriculture-laboratories/  If their data is inconclusive, you can have the OSU Plant Clinic examine the leaves.  https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-plant-materials
Hornet/wasp identification

Question: Good Morning,
I have black hornets/wasps that like to congregate on top of my fuschia plant, particularly the black plastic handle. They don’t act aggressively when I water the plant but they are still a little unnerving! I was wondering if you could identify them for me.
Thank you!

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 26, 2024, 11:47 AM EDT
response: That's a beautiful plant! We are glad to answer your question because there is no reason to be unnerved about those beautiful blue, beneficial wasps. It's hard to tell but they may be mud-daubers, which you may notice flying low over lawns looking to help control grubs. Either way, they are solitary bees, meaning that they don't have a communal hive to protect and so are docile and won't bother you. Sometimes the males congregate- they have the time, because it is the female that usually does all the work reproducing the young. Here is our Mud Dauber page:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mud-daubers/  and another from USDA: from https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/blue-mud-wasp.shtml#:~:text=Well%20the%20answer%20is%20no,of%20this%20bright%20blue%20wasp.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 12:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you, I did not want to spray them with wasp killer!Sent from my iPhone On Jun 26, 2024, at 11:47 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 26, 2024, 4:04 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Dog wood tree with yellowing leaves

Question: Hello, 
We bought a corpus kousa satomi and planted it in May of 2021. It was badly scorched by the major heat wave. But survived. Since then it's gone downhill every summer.  I didn't think it would come back this year but we replanted it in black gold soil from the nursery and it bloomed!!  The nursey recommended we  baby it for a few years before attempting to put it back in the ground. 

Currently I water once a week about 1 and a half gallons.  It's on the east side of my house and gets shade plenty of shade at the hottest part of the day. 

The leaves are my concern.  Googling tells me this could be any number of things.  I see no evidence of bugs. 

I'm from the midwest so don't have any idea if the yellow stuff on the branches is normal. 

Thank you for any help in getting my tree healthy.

responder: Sheryl Casteen Replied June 25, 2024, 11:07 PM EDT
response: Hi Kimberly, You have a variegated dogwood.  They are lovely and that is natural, not a disease.  The bark cracking could be just normal growth as the trunk enlarges. However, your pot is not nearly big enough for the tree to actually take off.  You can transplant it without shock by getting a larger pot wider and deeper and filling it with enough soil so that if you put the entire pot it is in now, it would sit right about level with the new pot. Gently remove the tree from that pot and place in the new pot and fill in with soil around the sides of the bigger pot.  Use some composted manure and raised be soil.  Water thoroughly and regular.   I am adding a link about growing dogwoods for your review:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-flowering-dogwood-trees/ You tree should do well.   By the way, did you know that ivy, the kind in your yard is invasive and nurseries are not allowed to sell it in Oregon.  You may have noticed the trees along the freeway that are covered in it.  It grows everywhere and has no read enemy.  The problem is it is pushing out other plants and taking the nutrients from the soil.  It is just getting started in your yard, if you dig it out now, roots and all, you may not have an invasion later on. If you have further questions, please contact us again.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 2:52 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much.     That ivy is a massive pain. I cut it back/ rip it off the house and out of the garden every other summer. Next time I'll dig it up instead of just pulling it out.         Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone Get Outlook for Android   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 8:07:02 PM To: Kimberly Seiber <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Dog wood tree with yellowing leaves (#0144476)

responder: Sheryl Casteen Replied June 27, 2024, 11:48 AM EDT
response: Dear Kimberly, I can sympathize.  I took some off a massive maple tree.  I had to dig down the side of the slope to get it all.  Just think of the money you are saving not having to pay for gym fees.  Have a great growing summer/fall.
Asian hornet in Ontario Oregon?

Question: Not sure if I am asking the right people about this, but I found this dead in my driveway on NW 4th Ave. In Ontario Oregon. I have never seen a hornet/wasp of this size and marking locally. The only comparison I can make is with the Asian hornet.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied June 25, 2024, 6:18 PM EDT
response: Hi Darrell, Thanks for being alert and on the look-out for Asian giant hornets (also called northern giant hornets and murder hornets, Vespa mandarina).  Luckily, the wasp you found is a native cicada-killer wasp (Sphecius grandis or Sphecius convallis--I can't tell which species from the photo). Female cicada-killer wasps catch and paralyze cicadas, which they bring back to their nests to provide food for their larvae.  Here is a link with more information about cicada-killers... https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/cicada-killer-wasps  Asian giant hornets are similar in size to cicada-killers, but the heads of Asian giant hornets are larger and paler in color.  Here is a link to a great webpage from the Washington Department of Agriculture that show side-by-side pics of Asian giant hornets (called northern giant hornets here) and some similar looking insects... https://agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/insects/hornets/identification/ngh-and-look-alikes  Enjoy!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 7:38 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the rapid and informative response. Something of a relief, truth be told. I wasn't looking forward to the damage to our local honey bee population.   On Tue, Jun 25, 2024, 4:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied June 26, 2024, 12:42 PM EDT
response: Glad we could help!
Basil being devoured by invisible pest (not aphids!)

Question: Three otherwise healthy basil plants are being eaten up: the bites are in the middle of the leaf AND from the outside (see photos). There are black specks like eggs or feces on the top of the leaves. No caterpillars, like you find with cabbage moth caterpillars, and the holes aren't the circles — they seem more chomped in a jagged way. I've searched for earwigs and set traps — didn't catch anything. I've checked at night and early in the morning. I haven't seen tiny aphids or flies. No pest seems to be living under the pots, or hovering at the base. I am afraid to use neem oil. The only clue are these black dots (which come off when you rub them). What is this pest and what can control it?!

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 26, 2024, 9:40 AM EDT
response: The black specks are insect frass (poop), and the holes are chewing insect damage. Several types of insects are active feeders at night. This includes slugs, flea beetles, and Asiatic Garden beetle. It is most likely Asiatic Garden beetle or another beetle species, since they would create the large feeding damage and are active in high numbers now.   Unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done to deter them. I would advise against most chemicals on the basil. Neem oil is a lower toxicity product that could be applied before evening to reduce the impact. Covering the plants underneath a mesh or fine netting would also prevent larger beetles from reaching the leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 6:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you! All three plants are indoors. Would bringing them inside at night until the beetles subside be a solution? Or do they beetles live in the soil in the pot?  I have row cover that lets in 90% light: would that stop the beetles also? If they are outside the pot I can’t see how any could penetrate.  The beetles started suddenly; are they here to stay all summer long or is there a period — three weeks or something— after which they move on?  Thank you!  Registered to vote?Seriously, two minutes: vote.org     On Wed, 26 Jun 2024 at 09:40, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 26, 2024, 9:41 PM EDT
response: The beetles are active for the next few weeks. Bringing them at night would address the issue if it's a nocturnal pest.  The row cover is an easier solution. THat will reduce the chances of Asiatic garden beetle or another large insect from entering, though there is still a chance they could find the leaves.
apple tree with dying branches

Question: Can you tell from these photos what I havve going on. Just a branch here and there are affected.
Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2024, 2:31 AM EDT
response: Hello,  Thanks for reaching out! I have a few questions based on the photos you sent:  1. Have you noticed any impact to the fruit? (is it shriveled? is it any different color? are there any rotten spots?) 2. Do you notice any symptoms on the bark? Perhaps oozing drops found along the infected branches, or is the bark cracked or peeling?  3. It is difficult to tell exactly from the photos -- do you notice any spots on the green leaves?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2024, 2:20 PM EDT
response: Thank you for getting back to me. I'm attaching a couple more photos that I'm hoping will clear things up. No oozing of the bark - it seems to start at the end of the branch and goes in.Thanks, Brian   On Thu, Jun 27, 2024 at 1:31 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 04, 2024, 12:38 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the pictures.  Your tree most likely has fire blight.  It can be difficult to treat.  It is usually not recommended to prune at this stage because it can spread the disease.  However you can mark the branches for pruning in the dormant season/winter.  It is also important to remove all leaves and fruit and fallen branches in the fall.  Compare what you are seeing with the following websites.  1. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/apple/leavesbrown.html  2. https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/fire-blight  3. https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-03-24-managing-fire-blight-apples-and-pears-home

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 1:35 PM EDT
response: Well, heck. I think it's fire blight, also.Thank you, I appreciate the help!  On Thu, Jul 4, 2024 at 11:38 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 04, 2024, 1:37 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.  Good luck.