MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Something s happening to my Aspen trunks

Question: Hi gang, my aspens are still leafy and green, but a few of them have something going on with their trunks.  I have had the trees 4-years.  Any idea?

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied July 24, 2024, 2:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Jeff,   Is there any type of ooze, liquid (clear or orange) coming out the cankers on the trunk? I cannot tell from the photos?   Thanks,  Amy Jo

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 2:34 PM EDT
response: No ooze at all!    Get Outlook for iOS   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2024 11:23:47 AM To: Jeff Mak <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Something s happening to my Aspen trunks (#0147643)

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied July 29, 2024, 7:53 PM EDT
response: Can you please send a closeup of the where the trunk is dark in color and sunken in?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 8:43 PM EDT
response: Here you go!  Only 2 of my 8 have these marks. And insight is appreciated!    Get Outlook for iOS    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, July 29, 2024 4:53:03 PM To: Jeff Mak <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Something s happening to my Aspen trunks (#0147643)

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied August 13, 2024, 7:26 PM EDT
response: Hi Jeff,  these are cankers,  the most common cause of cankers here in Central Oregon is Cytospora, but generally there is some liquid ooze at some point in the season.  Here is some more information on what can cause cankers in Aspen:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5341328.pdf
Help with Identification of Plant

Question: I've found this plant growing and spreading in front yard flower bed. I've been told it wasn't poison ivy but I'd like to know what it is because it's taking over the bed and sprawling out. It also has thorns. I will attach photos.  Thank you for your help.

responder: *Please Note: If there is mention of trade names in this response, it is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement of one product over another, nor is discrimination intended against any product.  Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Please contact us again with any gardening questions you may have, or call the MSUE State Hotline at 1-888-678-3464  Replied July 22, 2024, 5:27 PM EDT
response: Hello Pamela, The plant in the pictures is not poison ivy. I believe it's a species of Brambles, probably Common blackberry, Rubus allegheniensis, also known as Allegheny blackberry, and American blackberry. It is native to Michigan and most states in the East and Midwest. It can grow as a shrub or a vine. Its berries are a favorite of birds, so that could be how the plants are spread. It has white flowers that bloom in the 2nd year, so you probably won't see flowers this year. It usually grows on the forest edge, roadsides, and empty land.  At times it's difficult to identify a plant by a photo. The following links give great information about common blackberry. Check them out. You will be able to determine if you believe this is the correct identification.  https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rubus-allegheniensis/ https://climbers.lsa.umich.edu/rubus-allegheniensis/ https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/node/2149  I hope this information is helpful, but don't hesitate to contact us again if you have questions or need further information.  Have a great week!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 8:29 PM EDT
response: (empty)
What’s happening to our Northern Pin Oak ?

Question: Please tell me what to do with the dead, curling leaves and spots on leaves?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 17, 2024, 5:38 PM EDT
response: Based upon what we can see in the photos, two things appear to be affecting the leaves:  oak leaf blister, a fungal disease, and oak leaf galls caused by a kind of midge.   Learn more here:  https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/oak-leaf-blister  http://blog.minnesotaseasons.com/?p=720  Neither of these usually affect the health of trees and no control is needed.  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/insect-and-mite-galls

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2024, 6:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the fast, informative reply.  Judy Jung Sent from my iPhone  On Jul 17, 2024, at 4:38 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 17, 2024, 8:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the excellent photos.  We often don't get photos with the detail needed to ID plants or animals or to diagnose problems.
Pests

Question: Is this a harmful fly on my blueberry bush

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied July 18, 2024, 4:13 PM EDT
response: This is a dolichopodid, or long-legged fly. They are a beneficial predator and pose no threat to the plant.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 5:33 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much Sent from my iPhone On Jul 18, 2024, at 4:13 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Mugo Pine pests?

Question: Our mugo Pine has a lot of needle die back more from the ground up. Needles turning brown and dropping off. Not sure if it is disease or insect/mites damage or something else. The base of the needles has white on them but not on any other part of the needle. Not sure if this is normal. 
If you need additional pictures please let me know.

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 18, 2024, 9:53 AM EDT
response: Hi Jim, This looks like dothistroma blight, a fungal infection of the needles. Likely due to the wet and humid weather we have been experiencing this summer. You can prevent this infection next year by spraying the needles on the tree with a copper based fungicide next spring twice; once when the needles are elongating and again in June when the needles have grown to full length. You may have to spray the tree annually to prevent annual infection. The older needles that have fallen off will not grow back, but keeping the new growth healthy will give the tree a full appearance after a year or two of treatment.  Below is a link to a comprehensive article on dothistroma blight.  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/dothistroma-needle-blight  Feel free to reach out with any questions. Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 10:33 AM EDT
response: Hello Julie, Thank you for your help. Should I remove the infected needles from the ground below the pine or doesn't it matter. We used to leaving them for mulch but we can use something else. Thanks again for your help. Jim  On Thu, Jul 18, 2024 at 9:53 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 10:38 AM EDT
response: Hi Julie, Also wanted to know if spraying it now would be beneficial for it's recovery. Thanks again, Jim  On Thu, Jul 18, 2024 at 10:29 AM James Kramer <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Hello Julie, Thank you for your help. Should I remove the infected needles from the ground below the pine or doesn't it matter. We used to leaving them for mulch but we can use something else. Thanks again for your help. Jim  On Thu, Jul 18, 2024 at 9:53 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 18, 2024, 3:55 PM EDT
response: Hi Jim, You may spray now, but since the infection is in progress it may or may not help. If you do choose to spray, please do let me know if it stops the infection from spreading.  Cleaning the needles is a good practice when the fungal infection is present. Some say it makes little difference because the fungal spores are likely present in the environment. But sanitation is always best. Mulch may be a better choice at this point.  Again, if any other questions arise, please do feel free to reach out! Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 4:39 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the advice. Jim  On Thu, Jul 18, 2024 at 3:56 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What is this?

Question: I found this on my container of chard and beets. It's on the container rim and one chard plant. What is it?

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied July 17, 2024, 3:41 PM EDT
response: Without more information, from here it looks like mold.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2024, 4:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you. In many years of gardening in the area I've never seen anything at all like this! Very strange...  On Wed, Jul 17, 2024, 2:41 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Aster Yellows

Question: Hi there, I'm wondering if this is Aster Yellows. These giant coneflowers put out normal flowers early in the year then, after wind blew off some petals, put out multiple heads. The leaves are also light yellow with green veins, indicative of aster yellows. I also noticed some gray headed coneflower and joe pyeweed, planted at the same time nearby, not being productive or as productive as plants planted later in the year with yellow leaves.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 17, 2024, 2:58 PM EDT
response: This is not what I would expect from aster yellows. Often the heads of infected coneflowers will produce abnormal leaf growth. The petals will frequently be almost a lite lime green color. The one leaf that you are holding in the image has old skins of aphids (white "ghost" aphids) and sooty mold that grew on honeydew produced by the aphids. The other image of foliage may be the result of a disease but one that I can diagnose from the image. The plant, roots and all, need to be taken to a plant clinic for analysis. Contact your local extension office for assistance in getting samples to the LSU plant diagnostic clinic. Your local extension office there is Jefferson Parish is located at the following address and telephone number:  101 Efferson Hall Baton Rouge, LA 70803<personal data hidden>  Here is a link to an article on aster yellows: https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1634

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 10:21 PM EDT
response: This is extremely helpful. Thank you so much! I was super worried.   On Wed, Jul 17, 2024 at 1:58 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 23, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT
response: You are welcome.
New plant that is taking over our garden

Question: Hi. We recently noticed this new plant and it is proliferating in our garden. Can you advise what it is and the best treatment option? I am currently removing by hand.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 18, 2024, 2:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question. This is probably rampion bellflower or creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides). Have you seen any flowers or flower buds yet?  The flowers are pretty “bluebells” and some mistakenly assumes this is a nice perennial. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes an aggressive and invasive plant (there are lots of testimonies to back that up).  The plant is not easy to control as it has underground rhizomes and tubers. Some say to dig it up, but apparently that is not easily done. In the factsheet from the Alaska Exotic Plants Information Clearinghouse (AKEPIC, https://accs.uaa.alaska.edu/invasive-species/non-native-plants/), it is stated that it is just about impossible to control mechanically. Most don’t want to use pesticides, but roundup (glyphosate) for instance, can be effective.  You can find the factsheet here  https://accs.axds.co/data/akepic/document?documentType=species_bio&usdaCode=CARA Wish I had some better news and information for you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 9:09 PM EDT
response: Wow. Thank you for the quick and helpful response. I did see a flower in that area last year and can’t believe how much it exploded this year. I’ll keep digging and try and stay on top of it.   Thanks!  On Jul 18, 2024, at 10:08 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
pest egg ID

Question: I am a previous MD Master Gardener and am visiting in western MA. I found this on my friend's willow tree and was wondering the source of these eggs.  Is this a chewing or sucking insect?

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 July 17, 2024, 1:46 PM EDT
response: We unfortunately can't see the eggs clearly as they are not in focus, though they might belong to a species of true bug (order Hemiptera, sucking insects). You could try inquiring at a local MA Extension office or state-wide service to see if they recognize them.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2024, 6:20 PM EDT
response: Can you tell what made the leaf damage?And could these be assassin bug eggs (until I obtain a better photo)? Thank you.  Sent from my iPhone On Jul 17, 2024, at 1:46 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 July 18, 2024, 11:22 AM EDT
response: We can't determine what made the leaf damage, and are not familiar with what willow pests are prevalent in Massachusetts, which is why we recommend you contact the Extension service in MA. Some might also occur in Maryland, but we don't know how many. Willows are vulnerable to multiple pests and diseases, including Willow Leaf Beetle, which might be one of the leaf-chewing culprits. (The eggs pictured are not from that beetle.) Other chewing insects active now include many other types of beetle, field and tree crickets, grasshoppers (they are not limited to grass), katydids, earwigs, and caterpillars.  Miri
Caterpillars and webs in oak tree

Question: There are caterpillars and webs on the top of my oak tree. I can see the caterpillars moving around. I have attached some pictures. If there is anyway, you can give me advice on how to address this I would appreciate it.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2024, 1:18 PM EDT
response: Hello,  The caterpillars and webs you’re observing on your oak tree in Michigan are likely caused by the Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), a moth known for its caterpillar stage that creates extensive webbing at the ends of branches. These webs can be up to 2 to 3 feet in length and may contain a colony of hundreds of caterpillars. They are commonly seen on walnut, birch, black cherry, elms, and maples but can also affect oak trees. More information at this link:  What are those large webs in my trees? - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)  Here’s what you can do to treat the issue:  Do not burn the webbed branches while they are in the tree, as this can damage the plant more than the caterpillars would.  Trimming out the web is an option if it’s reachable. However, it’s often high up in the canopy. You can consult with a local certified arborist to do this. To find a certified arborist in your Zip Code, go to this link:  Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)  High-pressure water spray can tear into the nest and kill many caterpillars. Even a garden hose set to high pressure might be effective.  Pesticides can be used if the webs are still small, but the webbing protects the caterpillars, making it difficult for pesticides to reach them. If you decide to use pesticides, tearing the nests with a high-pressure spray first can help the pesticide penetrate.  It’s important to note that by late summer, the damage caused by these caterpillars is usually minimal, as the trees have had time to produce energy reserves for the following season. Most caterpillars will leave the nest to form cocoons in the soil or bark crevices, and the webs will deteriorate over the winter. The caterpillars will not return to the same webs next spring. More information at this link:  What are those large webs in my trees? - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)  I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2024, 9:17 PM EDT
response: Very helpful, thank you!Tara Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone  On Friday, July 12, 2024, 1:18 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Mutant echinacea

Question: Why are my echinacea stems growing all curved and the flowers looking deformed?

responder: Dan D. (Greene Co)  Replied July 15, 2024, 1:29 PM EDT
response: Joan,    I checked a lot of different sources regarding the problem you are experiencing with your coneflowers. From that research I would say your coneflowers are suffering from Aster Yellows. Two of its leading symptoms are deformity of the stems and flower buds and chloris of the leaves. Chloris is seen in the sharp contrast between the leaf veins and the leaf surface.    Aster Yellows is becoming more and more common these days and is caused by a pathogen carried from plant to plant by leaf hoppers. Here is a link to a fact sheet from the University of Illinois Extension discussing Aster Yellows on coneflowers: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/garden-scoop/2021-06-26-aster-yellows-coneflower.     The sad part of this diagnosis is there is no viable treatment or cure for Aster Yellows. Plants must be removed and destroyed or the pathogen will continue to spread through any healthy coneflowers and other plants in the Aster Family close by.    The only true confirmation of the disease is through a lab test. If you wish to take that step, here is the address and phone number of your county extension office:   90 S Broad St Canfield, Ohio 44406 PH:<personal data hidden>    They will be happy to assist you with taking, preparing and sending a sample to the OSU Lab for analysis.     Thank you for your question and I just wish I had better answers for you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 15, 2024, 4:56 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your quick and informative response!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 15, 2024, at 1:29 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Dan D. (Greene Co)  Replied July 16, 2024, 10:54 AM EDT
response: Joan,   One thing to remember is quite often what we see is caused by multiple factors. That's why the lab testing is so valuable.   Have a great summer.
Purple coneflowers

Question: I have some purple coneflowers that either have mites or yellow asters.  There’s a lot of information online and it just confuses me.  I will include a few pics in case there’s anyone that can help.  I realized I didn’t take pictures of the plant itself, but they appear to be pretty healthy.  Thank you

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 12, 2024, 10:43 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Jennifer,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Please click on the following link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website:  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/aster-yellows The third photo you sent, with the two unusual blooms probably has aster yellows. The top two photos, I cannot diagnose aster yellows for sure. With the cool and wet weather we've been having, the blooms have been beaten by the rain and wind.  The information on the U of M Extension website is "research based" and accurate information. You can rely on it for accurate answers.  Please review the above link in detail. It explains how the plants get infected.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2024, 11:05 AM EDT
response: Is the green growth in the center abnormal for coneflowers?  I’ve done a lot of reading and sometimes it says mites and sometimes it says asters yellow.    Thank you, Jenn On Jul 12, 2024, at 9:43 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 13, 2024, 7:45 AM EDT
response: Jennifer,  Here is a link about mites: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/spider-mites I would keep an eye on the green growth in the center. It could be the bloom developing or it could be aster yellows. Are they both on the same plant?  If they are, and the blooms start to show true signs of aster yellows, I would remove the plant.  Good Luck!
Squirrel damage

Question: We have 52 arborvitae, near 40 years old. 1 is being stripped of the greenery, not so much the bark. Cant really tell cause they’re so tall but an arborist told me it’s a squirrel nest? I thot they made holes in trees, can you give me ANY info?

responder: Barb  Replied July 13, 2024, 9:42 AM EDT
response: Hi, I found several sources to corroborate what your arborist said.  Squirrels are known to strip vegetation off trees for their nests.   Here are a few links; the last one shows a squirrel's nest: https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=481676 https://web.extension.illinois.edu/askextension/thisQuestion.cfm?ThreadID=17440&catID=251&AskSiteID=98 https://extension.umd.edu/resource/squirrel-damage-trees-and-shrubs/ Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2024, 1:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for responding! I will check the links :)   On Jul 13, 2024, at 9:42 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Barb  Replied July 13, 2024, 2:40 PM EDT
response: Good luck.  (I have a whole pile of twigs beneath my baldcypress tree). Barb
Celery leaf curl—okay to eat the stalks?

Question: One of my celery plants' leaves started curling downwards and lightening in color, which I recognize as the first stages of a disease that the plant won't recover from, so I pulled it. Researching it now, the only cause of these symptoms that I can find is celery anthracnose. I see plenty of mention of affected plants being "unmarketable" due to lesions on the stalks, but nothing about it being unsafe or tasting wrong, and I caught it early enough that I don't see any such lesions. Is there any reason not to eat any part of the stalk that looks okay? Is there any other disease that can cause these sorts of symptoms which would make them inedible? Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of the plant in the ground before I pulled it, and it's been in the refrigerator since, but I've attached a picture of what it looks like now. It's probably hard to tell from the picture that the leaves even are curling—like I say, I pulled it just a day or two after I noticed—but it was very obvious compared to the healthy plants next to it.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 16, 2024, 9:05 AM EDT
response: Hi Daniel, thanks for the question. Looking at the pictures, most of the stalks look pretty good; however, if it is anthracnose, it would be in it's early stages. Celery with visible lesions should not be consumed according to some sources.  There is some visible evidence at the base of the plant. Not seeing the plant before being pulled it is difficult to determine the cause.  Pests and abiotic disorders can also cause similar symptoms.  Check out the following link: Celery Anthracnose (Leaf Curl Disease) | Cornell Vegetables I hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2024, 7:29 PM EDT
response: From your link: "If an infection is mild and the heart tissue is unaffected, some plants with celery anthracnose can be marketed after trimming." So it sounds like any part of the plant without visible lesions should be fine to eat—the point about the heart tissue being relevant to marketability because celery is generally sold as a full head, but I'm willing to pick through and take only the healthy stalks, even though in fact the heart tissue on my plant was beginning to rot. Thanks!