MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Evergreen magnolia tree

Question: Branches-are loosing leaves, dying and falling off the tree.

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 05, 2023, 12:57 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This appears to be normal seasonal leaf drop in the photos. Magnolias tend to shed their leaves through the spring but unlike other evergreens sometimes they do so much later into the growing season. Since their leaves are large and broad this is sometimes a lot more noticeable. You could add some supplemental watering with the drought conditions we are experiencing right now. Water at a slow rate to soak deeply into the root zone and reach the entire root mass, maybe about once a week or so if it hasn't rained. This will help the new growth emerge and get those older leaves to fall off. Should you find other symptoms that may be of concern, please feel free to reach out again.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 10:18 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily,   Thank you for responding.  It’s not the yellow leaves I’m concerned about.  I have been dealing with this high maintenance tree for years, it’s the denuding of the branches and then the branches fall off. It is difficult to see in a photo.  This seems to be happening on one part of the tree.  Also there looks like a lichen type growth on the trunk and branches in that area.   Thank you  Barbara

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 07, 2023, 11:09 AM EDT
response: Hi Barbara,  If you think the tree is stressed for some reason, beyond what we can see in the photos, you could choose to get the soil tested to see if it is lacking nutrients that could be amended. Any bare branches could be pruned off to help 'clean up' the tree and rejuvenate growth. Maybe those branches aren't getting enough sun? You may also want to consult with an arborist to see if they notice anything that is of concern. They could prune off any bare branches if you are unable to reach them or may notice pests or a disease that we are unable to see in the photos.  Lichen does not harm trees so no need to worry about that.  Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 11:35 AM EDT
response: Thank you   -----Original Message----- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> To: Barbara beyna <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wed, Jun 7, 2023 11:09 am Subject: Re: Evergreen magnolia tree (#0103283)

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 07, 2023, 1:51 PM EDT
response: You're welcome
Harry Lauder

Question: My Harry Lauder Bush seems to be dying from the base up. Some branches have no leaves. Some branches are bare until the end and then have leaves. Some of the leaves are starting to curl up and die. I think it’s too late to save it just wondering if there’s anything I should know about?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 02, 2023, 11:24 AM EDT
response: Filbert trees are susceptible to a disease called eastern filbert blight. It's possible that this is what is causing dieback on your plant but I am unable to see any cankers on your plant from the images provided. I've attached two articles about the disease that will help you identify it if this is the cause. You will also want to look for any potential damage to the base of the plant or roots. Woody plants can sometimes show symptoms years after they are damaged. So if you have recently done any digging or construction around the plant, this could be a contributing factor.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/eastern_filbert_blight_on_turkish_filbert  https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/eastern-filbert-blight/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 12:24 PM EDT
response: Thanks for  the quick response!!! If there are no cankers, and I have not done any digging around it to hurt the base….   Do you have any other suggestion? Or just time to remove it? Thank  you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 02, 2023, 12:31 PM EDT
response: It may unfortunately be time to replace it with a different species. I would avoid placing anything closely related in the same location. Much of the state is experiencing drought right now so you may be able to prune out the dead and dying sections and irrigate if it is in a particularly dry spot. Sometimes it is a wait and see situation with trees and shrubs. However, if drought is a factor, it is likely secondary to other issues causing decline.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 2:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!!On Fri, Jun 2, 2023 at 12:31 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Replace blue spruce

Question: Our beautiful blue spruce by our house died recently.  What do you recommend to replace it?  The diameter of the raised bed it 160".  The distance from the center to the wall of our house is 122".  I've considered the Black Hills Spruce and the Canaan Fir, but am open to other evergreen suggestions.  I'd like a tree with roots that don't invade on the walls of the house, slow growing and 20 feet tall.  Do you have suggestions for an evergreen?

responder: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension!  Replied June 02, 2023, 2:55 PM EDT
response: Sure thing! Take a look at this article, just refreshed, and let me know if you have any follow-up questions: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/alternative-conifers-for-michigan-landscapes

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 8:41 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much! On Fri, Jun 2, 2023 at 2:55 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Yellowing on tomato foliage

Question: I have a healthy crop of several tomato varieties growing in deep raised beds. Recently I noted yellowing of some leaves, only on Sunsugar and Old German varieties. Any idea of cause and solution? I also noted an edge of browning on a few of the affected leaves, but wasn’t sure if that might be frost damage.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 05, 2023, 9:45 AM EDT
response: Hi Elaine, thanks for the question. This could be viral...it has that look.  What part of the plant is showing this condition? Is it the problem spreading?  Have you noticed any thrips or other insects. Could you possibly send a clear closeup of the infected leaves? Remove infected leaves being careful to not spread from plant to plant. I look forward to your response.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 11:40 AM EDT
response: I've attached the additional photos that you requested. This is seen almost exclusively on newer leaves, but not immediately when they appear. It's often a mid-leaf band of yellowing, as seen in some of the pics. I see no evidence of insect infestation. The problem is still only on the original plants, all Sunsugar and one Old German. The old guy actually seems to be recovering. It doesn't seem to be spreading, or at least very slowly and only on the Sunsugars if it is. Some leaves eventually edge with brown and curl a bit, but not all. Thanks for your help.ElaineOn Jun 5, 2023, at 9:45 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 05, 2023, 9:04 PM EDT
response: Hi Elaine, What is puzzling is the yellowing veins (viral look) and the banding across the leaflet. some of the leaflets look distorted.  Viruses and Herbicide drift can cause these symptoms.  It doesn't appear to be a frost problem although damage can occur at 35F degrees.    Over watering or over fertilizing could cause the leaf tip browning.  If the plant was recently transplanted it could be transplant shock. Nutrient problems could be an issue possibly an iron deficiency. High pH could cause this.  If you haven't had a soil test (Home | MSU Soil Test) recently it would be helpful.  If you continue to see the problem in new growth or see deformed leaves or other abnormalities, we can revisit this.
Insect identification

Question: Can you please help me identify this insect?  Several were hanging around my brassicas.  Thanks!

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 02, 2023, 9:19 PM EDT
response: Hi- we lost our entomologist position due to budget cuts at the beginning of the pandemic so we cannot positively identify the insect. We think this is some type of fly- not a vegetable pest. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 10:12 PM EDT
response: Thanks Jon!I am so sorry to hear about the budget cuts. Hopefully the position is restored in the future.Janice  On Friday, June 2, 2023 at 09:19:10 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Crepe Myrtle infestation?

Question: Something is on our Crepe Myrtle plant. Can you tell what it is and how to remedy the problem?

responder: PA Virginia Replied June 02, 2023, 11:41 AM EDT
response: Betty: Thanks for your question. The white material you are seeing on the tips of your crepe myrtle leaves is not a pest or disease, but a natural process known as “guttation,” It’s a way that plants can rid themselves of excess moisture. Crape Myrtles can experience guttation, which looks like small, white, crusty deposits on leaf tips, not the dripping and weeping seen in some plants. These tiny white deposits mean your leaves have been expressing water, potassium, and sugar, leaving a little mound of dried crystals behind. You might want to cut back on watering and fertilizing.   In addition to the guttation, your plant also seems to be infested with aphids. I see what appear to be small white insects and leaf yellowing. Aphids have plenty of natural predators, which is the best way to rid your landscape of these pests. Encourage the presence of lady beetles (ladybugs), parasitic wasps, and green lacewings to help control the population. You can also manually remove the aphids using a stream of water to knock them off the leaves. Water from the jet setting of a hose nozzle gently applied is effective; don’t use a pressure washer. For more severe infestations, you may choose to use a commercial insecticidal soap (homemade is not recommended) to treat the leaves and kill off the aphids. However, insecticides should be a last resort and only used if absolutely necessary. Many insecticides do more harm than good as they can kill or deter the presence of beneficial insects, which may cause your aphid problem to get worse over time. And remember when using any pesticide to follow label directions carefully and wear the recommended personal protective equipment.  Also, if you have not done one in the last 3 years, you might want to consider getting a soil test done to check on soil fertility.  Penn State offers one for $10.  You can download the form and instructions at https://agsci.psu.edu/aasl/soil-testing/fertility/soil-fertility-submission-forms.  Make sure to follow the recommended sampling procedure carefully.  Please let me know if you have any questions and do get back to us if you want to go over your test results.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 12:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your helpful reply!Sent from my iPhone On Jun 2, 2023, at 11:41 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
The dreaded poison ivy?

Question: These two plants are growing in my yard in Maryland and are being identified on Google Images as poison ivy, but I’d appreciate confirmation. The first photo looks a lot like poison ivy in that each stem has 3 leaves. The second photo is of a plant that has the 3 leaves poison ivy pattern at the tip of the branch but then has pairs of leaves that follow. Thanks very much.

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 02, 2023, 1:12 PM EDT
response: You have a good eye. We think that the first photo looks like poison ivy. Your second photo looks like a different leaf arrangement called a compound leaf, in which multiple leaflets line up along the stem, and the whole stem is considered one leaf. Multiple plant share this, and we think that this may be the sprout of an Ash tree.  Here is our Poison Ivy page with more photos to help with future i.d.:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-identify-poison-ivy   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2023, 5:57 AM EDT
response: Christine, Thank you very much for the explanation and link to the poison ivy page.Regards,Patricia Sent from my iPad On Jun 2, 2023, at 1:12 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
what is this plant?

Question: I can't id this plant. It is growing only on disturbed soil, has square stems (mint?) but doesn't smell minty, leaves are thin and not fuzzy.

responder: Pat M MN master gardener and TCA Replied June 01, 2023, 8:29 PM EDT
response: It may be Strawberry Spinach (Blitum capitatum). It should develop red flowers. See:  https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/strawberry-blite  https://www.projectpurityseeds.com/store/p456/Strawberry-Spinach-Vegetable-Seeds.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 7:47 AM EDT
response: Thank you for response. I wonder if Maple Leaf Goosefoot is a possibility as well?Chenopodium simplex (Maple-leaf Goosefoot): Minnesota WildflowersChenopodium simplex (Maple-leaf Goosefoot): Minnesota WildflowersPhotos and information about Minnesota flora - Maple-leaf Goosefoot: panicles of numerous tight rounded clusters...Mary Jane Keith   On Thursday, June 1, 2023, 07:29:24 PM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Pat M MN master gardener and TCA Replied June 02, 2023, 10:11 AM EDT
response: You may have the correct ID.  Please compare the plants to the following sites. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/ml_goosefoot.htm https://courses.missouristate.edu/pbtrewatha/mapleleaf_goosefoot.htm
Brown Recluse Spider?

Question: This spider was located in our pool skimmer basket (salt pool) on 06.01.23

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 6:42 PM EDT
response: Kevin

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 8:46 PM EDT
response: Kevin

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied June 02, 2023, 8:07 PM EDT
response: Hi Kevin, That is definitely not a recluse spider.  It looks more a broad-face sac spider. Best regards, Howard

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2023, 9:15 AM EDT
response: Thank You!Sent from my iPhone On Jun 2, 2023, at 8:07 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
White sticky filaments falling from tree.

Question: The tree providing shade to my deck is now dropping white sticky globs. Husband pressure washed yesterday and today it is full of this stuff. On blob did appear to be walking so I presume some type of bug. Help, what should we do?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 06, 2023, 10:38 AM EDT
response: Hi, In the photo there seems to be splashing of a liquid of some sort which I am not quite sure of. How large of an area is the white liquid falling on? Did a branch from the tree break or was damaged recently? The white thing this is crawling could be cottony cushion scale. Or a while scale. I would say try to find the source if you can.  -Brandon

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 2:17 PM EDT
response: The white stuff is covering our deck, table and chairs appears to be heavier by the tree, which I guess is the source. The surface is sticky, now appears on a tree in the front.On Tue, Jun 6, 2023, 10:38 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 11:57 AM EDT
response: Leaf that fell. What can I do?On Tue, Jun 6, 2023, 2:05 PM Joy Fotsch <<personal data hidden>> wrote:The white stuff is covering our deck, table and chairs appears to be heavier by the tree, which I guess is the source. The surface is sticky, now appears on a tree in the front.On Tue, Jun 6, 2023, 10:38 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 07, 2023, 1:24 PM EDT
response: Could be some type of cushiony scale. Sorry I don't have more information. If it is I wouls try spraying off the scale and white stuff on the plants  if you can reach them
Pillar birch dying ?

Question: What's wrong with my Pillar Birch - can it be saved and how? Thank you for your help. Cindy Rath

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2023, 8:34 PM EDT
response: Hi Cindy, thank you for reaching out! Could you please snap a photo of the underside of one of the affected leaves? Feel free to send it to me directly via email at <personal data hidden> if that's easier.  Sarah Schweig, Broomfield County Horticulture Specialist

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 5:32 PM EDT
response: I sent a photo of the underside of leaf let me know if there is anything else i need to do or if you didn't receive it. Thank youOn Thu, Jun 1, 2023 at 6:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 06, 2023, 7:04 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Cindy. Photos received and response sent!
Puff balls on oak tree

Question: Our large Oak tree has developed pink/white balls on the tree. There are also some that have turned black. In cutting some branches we also found a cluster of striped worms.
What is this and what can we do to help our tree? Will this kill our tree?
Thanks for any help you can provide.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2023, 2:43 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your question. These interesting structures are oak wasp galls. They are harmless and pose absolutely no danger to your oak. Just leave them be and untouched. I would be willing to bet that these were on either a white oak or a burr oak. Here’s the deal. There is a very small (less than a 1/4 inch long) wasp known as an Oak Gall Wasp. See: https://bugguide.net/node/view/2097491 In Minnesota these wasps lay their eggs on the leaves of white and burr oaks. From these eggs emerge very small larvae. These larvae trigger a response by the oak. This is a growth response through which the oak tree completely surrounds the larvae with plant tissue. This is what you are seeing on the twigs and stems. When you opened up the gall you observed the very small larvae. The tree itself is not harmed by this. The pink-white galls that you observed were recently formed. With time, the gall turns black. From these galls adult wasps eventually emerge to begin the process all over again. See the following for more information:  https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/oak-galls/ https://www.brandywine.org/conservancy/blog/how-wasps-make-beautiful-and-complex-oak-apples - :~:text=“Oak apple galls” are leaves,t harmful to people either. https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/diseases/factsheets/galls-oak-penn.pdfhttps://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef408 http://minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/oak_rough_bulletgall_wasp.html Thanks for using our forum.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 12:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you. That is reassuring.What do you think about the cluster of striped worms near the galls? They do seem to be eating leaves. Thanks again for your help. On Thu, Jun 1, 2023, 1:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 02, 2023, 7:10 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your response. Unfortunately, in your pictures I could not discern the striped worms so cannot really comment upon them.
Vegetable garden issue

Question: I started a couple raised bed vegetable beds in Marquette last year, bought local dirt and a few bags from Costco and maybe a small amount from a compost pile. Began putting plants in the ground today and the soil in all beds is in workable due to thick clumps of viney material.  Most are clumps but there are larger vines too.   I am hoping to ID the vines (no above ground plant associated with the vines/clumps) then remove or kill the vines without harming the soil.  Removing is near impossible and vines would probably grow back. Any assistance would be appreciated… Thank you, Tom

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 05, 2023, 11:26 AM EDT
response: These look like tree roots.  What trees are nearby?  It looks like I see poplar or aspen tree leaves on the ground.  You don't want to treat or kill them or you will harm the tree they are attached to.  You can just cut the ones in the way when you digging a hole and continue on.  This might not be the best spot to put in a garden or build a frame above the area and fill with soil you can plant into above the roots.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 9:11 PM EDT
response: Thank you for taking a look at my issue….after more digging, I believe the weed is a crown vetch….My plan forward is to remove all dirt from containers….put down a woven ground cover to prevent the vines from taking over the beds.  Then place cardboard and put in new dirt…Thanks again for your help.Tom Scott On Jun 5, 2023, at 11:26 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 06, 2023, 10:16 AM EDT
response: You are welcome, good luck.  Glad you figured it out.