MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
green leafy plant

Question: Can you please help identify this plant?

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied June 30, 2023, 10:40 AM EDT
response: Hi Wendy, Could you provide a little bit more information for me? Is this some thing you clipped from a tree? Is this the entire plant that's pictured? What kind of roots does it have? Is this a little seedling that was going in your yard, in the woods? Context is very helpful for determining what plant we are seeing. Maybe you could snap another photo of one where it's growing in the landscape? Or simply describe where you found it and if it's a weed or one or your landscape plants?

responder: Ask Extension Question Wrangler Pronouns: she/her/hers  Find your local Extension office here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/county  Find an expert in a specific topic here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/experts/experts-by-topic-area   Find home gardening information here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/  Order a soil test kit here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension   Mold questions? We don’t have an expert in mold, but we do have a few resources below or contact the  Michigan health department. Molds in the Home  Indoor Air Quality May be Hazardous to Your Health    Mushroom questions? We can’t identify, but we do have these three resources to help you: Identifying  Morel  Poisonous  MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg, Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The University resides on the land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.     Replied July 12, 2023, 1:25 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon -- Without additional information and photos, we're unable to identify.  Will you be able to provide the info need?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 2:46 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  The client will try and get pics next year.     Wendy Martin Office Manager, MSU Extension Presque Isle County 106 E Huron Ave, Suite C Rogers City, MI  49779 <personal data hidden> Office <personal data hidden> she/her/hers     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 1:26 PM To: Martin, Wendy <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: green leafy plant (#0108191)
tick ID

Question: Hi there. I pulled a tick out of my skin this morning. Most likely I got it at work in the woods by Jasper, OR. All photos except the first we're taken after I toasted it with a lighter (not directly in flame). It is 2mm long.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied June 29, 2023, 5:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Aaron, That is a black-legged tick (an Ixodes species). It is probably the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus), but Ixodes angustus is also a possibility.  Black-legged ticks are ticks that could potentially transmit Lyme disease. Both western black-legged ticks and Ixodes angustus can transmit Lyme disease, although transmission by I. angustus is less well studied. The most recent data indicates that only 3% to 8% of western black-legged tick specimens in Oregon actually carry the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. While there is no similar data for I. angustus in Oregon, I would also expect that the percentage of individuals in that species actually carrying the Lyme bacterium would also be low.  We cannot test ticks to see if they are carrying the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, however, several labs do provide this service for a fee. Here is a link with information about some tick testing labs in case you are interested... https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/testing/   Hope that helps! Yours,

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 6:33 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for the information! AaronOn Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 2:51 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Prune Tree Infestation

Question: We believe we are being attacked by spider, mites, ants and aphids and maybe something else? The tree has a good amount of prunes. Is there anything that you might suggest can do now i.e. spraying with some thing or just removing the damaged leaves? Amy thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks sue

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 29, 2023, 2:26 PM EDT
response: Hello, I didn't see mite damage or anything harmful on your trees other than aphids. Overall the leaves look healthy and it sounds like you will have a good crop ahead. Are the aphids widespread and increasing? You may consider some management of them if this is the case. Below is some information about aphids on plums: https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/plum-prune/plum-prune-aphid  If you decide that a spray for aphids is warranted, keep in mind that a broad spectrum spray will also negatively affect beneficial insects and disrupt any biocontrol from other insects. Insecticidal soap is an option that is less disruptive.  Thank you for using Ask Extension!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 10:38 PM EDT
response: Some of the top branches are pretty stripped ( not deer) way too high up.. also what are the white cotton looking areas? Spiders?Definitely have aphids..Sent from my iPhone On Jun 29, 2023, at 11:26 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 05, 2023, 2:33 PM EDT
response: Hello, Yes, it does look like the white areas could be from spiders. The aphids could be causing some of the curling and distortion in the newest photos. The tree does look healthy. However if you continue to be concerned you could bring a sample to the Clackamas County Extension office for a Master Gardener to look at. I cannot see anything else in the photos that are problematic other than aphids.  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/clackamas  Thank you for using Ask Extension!
Insect ID Help!

Question: I am a new master gardener apprentice in Creede.  I have a lady here with insects decimating her plants, and I cannot ID them!  Could you please help??  Thank you so much!! Leslie

responder: Marvin Reynolds  Replied June 29, 2023, 12:20 PM EDT
response: It looks like a Black Blister Beetle. Tell me if this matches what your are seeing, please. https://wiki.bugwood.org/HPIPM:Black_Blister_Beetle https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/blister-beetles-in-forage-crops-5-524/ https://beetleidentifications.com/black-blister-beetle/ Blister beetles are common in alfalfa fields in parts of Colorado. They are also found north and west of Monte Vista. If there is no alfalfa available, they will feed on other plants. Blister beetles are found across Colorado. Best,Marvin

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 4:01 PM EDT
response: That looks like it!  Thank you so much for your prompt response,
Marvin!  Hope you have a great weekend!
Leslie

On Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 10:20 AM Ask Extension <ask> wrote:
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White Pine sap flow

Question: I have about 20 or more young white pines scattered through a wooded area (not trees that planted) that are showing small sap flows on the trunk.
Some of the trees with the sap also have small areas of brown needles.
Other trees in the area are not affected in this way.

Some years ago I was told to apply Bayer Tree and Shrub to a tree with these symptoms.  If the trees do have a borer of some kind, should I use the same pesticide?

I'm very grateful for professional advice!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 29, 2023, 11:44 AM EDT
response: It would be good to have some more information.  Can you send some additional photos of the entire tree that are affected.  it is good practice to first identify what is the cause of the problem, if it is caused by an insect, what stage it is in prior to applying an insecticide.  That way we are not applying a product that may be unnecessary or applied at an incorrect timing.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 9:22 AM EDT
response: The white pine sap in the photo is tall (30 feet??) and has significant sap flow, but only one area of browning near the top. One photo shows the brown needles and the third shows the sap flow. I have more photos if you need them.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 30, 2023, 3:49 PM EDT
response: It is difficult to determine the cause from the pictures and information provided.  Generally borer insects do not cause the tree to die, but can attack trees that are already under stress from some other event.  The sap you see flowing from trees may not be of great concern.  I wouldn't necessarily think you need to applying an insecticide unless you can find more active insects/damage on trees. You may consider contacting an arborist (https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch) and have them come to your site and do a more detailed examination.
Unhappy hostas

Question: A friend of mine was showing me around her yard the other day and asked me if I could tell her what was wrong with her hostas. Supposedly, they do not use any sort of pesticides/herbicides and none of the other surrounding plant species showed any sign of distress. Any suggestions as to the problem -- and a solution? (I am not a hosta fan.)
We moved to Marion, OH back in 2008. I'm a "retired" Penn State Master Gardener, but my recall of the chapter on plant pathology from 30 years ago has faded... :-)
Thanks!

responder: Loisr1  Replied June 29, 2023, 8:20 AM EDT
response: https://extension.psu.edu/hosta-diseases Glad to help a former MG. This link is one of many which might help. Find many more by adding “edu” or “extension” to your word search. I hope this helps. The virus has been especially vexing for years. Ripping out diseased plants is recommended. If you need more ideas please get back to us.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 9:03 AM EDT
response: Wow – that was a quick response! Thanks a bunch; I’ll pass the information on to my friend.  While I have you, what do you think about the foliage on one of the vervain plants in the Bookworm Garden at our county library that I maintain? None of the other plants in this pollinator garden (not all native plants) show such symptoms. We use no pesticides (obviously – it’s a pollinator garden!)…  Watering depends strictly on what falls from the sky (a nice bit lately!).          Sent from Mail for Windows From: Ask ExtensionSent: Thursday, June 29, 2023 8:20 AMTo: botanygal47Subject: Re: Unhappy hostas (#0108119)

responder: Loisr1  Replied June 29, 2023, 10:24 AM EDT
response: https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/publications/lantana-and-verbena-how-to-combat-insects-and-mite-pests/ Here is a link which suggests possible insect damage on vervain. I think careful investigative research on the leaves top and bottom possibly at night also might find the culprit or culprits. Hope this helps. Try “extension” on your word search. Also subscribe to the Buckeye Yard and Garden Line online for great archives and weekly notifications.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 2:31 PM EDT
response: I’ll examine the vervain foliage more closely next time I am at the library garden. I never have gone there after dark but I guess I had better do so! I have been a subscriber to BYGL for many years. I often recommend it to friends and any who attend the programs and classes I give locally. Thanks for the suggestion to add add  “edu” or “extension” to my word searches. I do generally look through the list of Google “hits” when I do a search since I know those will give me the best information! Thanks again for your time!Carol Sent from Mail for Windows From: Ask ExtensionSent: Thursday, June 29, 2023 10:24 AMTo: botanygal47Subject: Re: Unhappy hostas (#0108119)

responder: Loisr1  Replied June 29, 2023, 5:04 PM EDT
response: Happy to meet you in cyber space. maybe our paths will cross. Good luck with vervain culprits.
Cherry Fruit Disease Identification

Question: Single sour cherry (Montmorency I think) tree in my back yard. About 7 years old. No spraying this year. Leaves are in good shape. Last year they had brown spots but not this year. For about 3 years now I've had these brown spots on the fruit. Starting shortly after the fruit got to about a quarter inch in diameter. About 85% of the fruit has these spots. Some brown rot (in photo) but very little.  Insect? (I don't see any) Fungus? Can you diagnose and tell me how to treat it? I would be very appreciative. I'd love to use them next year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 10:41 PM EDT
response: There seems to be more brown rot now. Still no leaves infected. Any Idea what this is?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 13, 2023, 1:07 PM EDT
response: Hi Joe,  The marks on the two cherries in the picture on the table looks like plum curculio feeding damage.  I can see at least one plum curculio oviposition scar in picture of cherries on tree.  Have you opened any fruit up to look for larva?  The look of this damage is atypical, but we've had atypical emergence of this pest because of the weather this season.  If you see any larva and can send pictures, that would help us confirm that it is plum curculio.  They are a tough pest to control but this article from Texas A&M is a nice overview which includes some management practices: https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/publications/plum-curculio/ Chemicals labelled for this pest would include Sevin and products containing malathion or pyrethrin.  Always be sure to read labels first though! Hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 8:37 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for the insight. I just went out and looked and couldn't find any of them. The fruit has been picked clean by birds. Some shriveled brown rotted fruit remains but no bugs in sight. After I wrote my original post, the brown rot became more invasive until it was about 80% of the ripened cherries.  I'll follow your guidance next spring and keep an eye out for them. Regards.
Some kind of rot at the base of young branches on walnut trees

Question: We planted some walnut trees last year.  They are currently about 4 feet tall.  We just noticed that some of the young branches are falling off and there is some kind of dark fiberous, spongy material at the base of the branches.  Please see the attached pictures.  What is is and what can we do?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 30, 2023, 9:18 AM EDT
response: Hello, This could be damage that happened earlier this spring that is now beginning to rot.  For instance, there were many trees and shrubs damaged by the freezing temps that came in after warm weather encouraged trees to send out tender new shoots. This could also be drought stress that occurred during the dry June we had. Newly planted trees do need regular watering, and we had many weeks with high temps and no rain, so plants were using the available water more quickly.   I would prune off the dead shoots (on a drier cooler day if at all possible) then just support the tree the best you can through this growing season.  Make sure you water the tree when rain is not sufficient, and do NOT fertilize the tree unless a soil test indicates a nutrient deficiency.   Soil test kits can be purchased at the following website:https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-started The best time for fertilizing is in the fall after the first hard freeze in September or October and before the soil freezes in November, or in early spring before growth begins once the soil thaws.  Again, fertilize only if your soil test indicates it is necessary, because over- fertilizing can cause stress, too. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension,  Ruth

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 3:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you Ruth!   Glen and Melony Tallarek     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Friday, June 30, 2023 9:18 AM To: glentall <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Some kind of rot at the base of young branches on walnut trees (#0108086)
weed ID

Question: Any idea what this weed is or how to control it?  It appears in June, has very deep roots, and small white flowers.
Thanks.

responder: Melody Replied July 03, 2023, 1:12 PM EDT
response: The weed is Virginia Buttonweed. It likes moist shaded areas and is very hard to get rid of. I have had a great deal of problems with it myself. But you can manage it, usually over a few years. Right now you can use a post emergent plus hand pull. I have had the best results by hand pulling especially after a rain. This allows you to get the entire root system. I do not know how much you have, but keep at it or it will get worse each year. Make sure if you see it flower, white star flower, that you pull that right away so it doesn't seed for next year. In winter and spring use a pre-emergent too. Here are more details on that; https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/virginia-buttonweed/  Good luck and thank you for contacting us!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 2:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much.  Unfortunately I have let it spread over many years of neglect but am now trying to get control of it.  Hopefully in a few years I can eradicate it. StephenOn Mon, Jul 3, 2023 at 1:12 PM Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Pepper problem

Question: Why do my Peppers get a hole bored into them and then rot on the plant

responder: Happy Gardening, Jessica, UVM Extension Master Gardener Programwww.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardenerWe do not intend to endorse any products we mention or criticize products we do not mention. When we include a link to a resource that recommends a chemical, it is for informational purposes only; the chemicals may not be registered for use in Vermont.  Replied June 29, 2023, 2:21 PM EDT
response: Hello Susanna,  Thank you for reaching out to the helpdesk!  The holes in your peppers are likely caused by blossom end rot, which can sometimes appear on the sides of peppers. Here's a helpful resource that explains the causes and ways to prevent the condition:  https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SS497 While it's a complex issue related to calcium in the soil, the two ways a grower can influence the situation are through optimum irrigation management and nitrogen fertilization.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 11:45 AM EDT
response: Hi   read the article you sent about growing massive quantities of peppers -- in Florida (I live in VT   a very different climate and soil type) While calcium uptake could be an issue in VT.  we are  in NEK. home to calcium loving cedars  and generally considered to have calcium rich. soils.  --so  we hearSo are there other common reasonsthat peppers might have tiny holes that look like bug bore holes. before the peppers rot   on the vine ?ThanksSusanna  On Jun 29, 2023, at 2:21 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 30, 2023, 12:54 PM EDT
response: Hi Susanna,  The calcium imbalance is not in the soil but is just within the plant. so amount of ca in the soil does not matter. It should clear up in the next peppers hopefully. Tiny holes in peppers are usually caused by pepper maggot or corn borers.https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/fact-sheets/pepper-maggot Pencil sized holes are usually corn borers. Let me know what you are seeing on the inside of the fruit.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 1:56 PM EDT
response: Thank youi think this info may be more helpfulIll try to find yellow sticky traps somewhere local ?and peer intently at and into my peppers Susanna On Jun 30, 2023, at 12:54 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: ﻿
Peach Tree Issues

Question: I have a peach tree that is 5 yrs old (or 6) that has produced fruit in 2 of the last 4 years.  Last year 1 third of the tree died(?) and produced no fruit (for another reason).  This year there are still no leaves on the part died but I am getting the biggest yield so far.  
My question is:  Do I cut off all the dead branches or some, and leave the tree lopsided, or just some.  The tree was purchased from Gurney's and is a zone 4 variety.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 29, 2023, 12:11 PM EDT
response: Good Morning Jeff,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Please click on this link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about growing stone fruit trees: https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden#apricots-and-peaches-682264 You did not indicate the reason that 1/3 of the tree died last year. From your photo, it appears to be in the shade. Your tree probably requires full sun.  It would be okay to prune off the dead branches or only some of them. This is your choice.  Here is another link to pruning trees and shrubs: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 5:47 PM EDT
response: Dear Maureen,Thanks for responding.  I have no idea how that part of the tree died because 2 years ago the whole tree was fine, then last year I noticed it and because of early strong winds during blossoming I had no fruit.  Having looked at the links you supplied, I believe that there are branches near the bottom that are rubbing.  I can provide another photo, or if possible, would a volunteer be able to look at the tree and tell me where to prune.Thanks.   On Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 11:11:46 AM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 30, 2023, 3:54 PM EDT
response: Good Afternoon Jeff,  We cannot make home visits for tree problems. I am hoping you viewed the tree pruning video that was on the information I previosly sent to you.  Here is another link to tree pruning from the Morton Arboretum: https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/pruning-trees/ Good Luck!
Growth on Tree

Question: Hello, This tree has a “stalagtite looking” growth coming from some of the leaves. Can you identify it and provide guidance? Thanks! Trish

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2023, 3:37 PM EDT
response: One more photoOn Wed, Jun 28, 2023 at 1:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:HI Trish Fisher, An access link request for question #0108035 has been submitted on your behalf to Ask Extension at https://ask2.extension.org.To check the status of question #0108035, please create an account using the same email address to access your question.If you did not make the request, please delete and disregard this email. Your account is still secure and no one has been given access to the question. Someone could have mistakenly entered your email address.--

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied June 29, 2023, 1:17 PM EDT
response: The unusual looking growths on the leaves are called galls. Galls are the tree's response to a wound, typically insect activity. Think of it as similar to your skin forming a scab after an injury.  The good news is galls rarely indicate permanent damage. Here is more information about galls from our Colorado Extension agency: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/insect-and-mite-galls-5-577/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 3:43 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the information!On Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 11:17 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: