MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Cyclamen pests

Question: Can you say what might be eating or piercing the leaves in these Cyclamen?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 15, 2024, 2:50 PM EST
response: Thank you for your question, Brendan.  I am unable to tell from the photos whether the holes are the result of a disease, or an insect, but the most likely player is this virus:   https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cyclamen-impatiens-necrotic-spot   (It would have been helpful to have photos of the leaves in the early stages of the hole development, since, as you can read, the most probable disease has distinct phases.)  It is difficult to protect cyclamens from the carrier of the virus, thrips, but covering your plants in the spring may help keep the insect out.  Most gardeners treat cyclamen as an annual plant, so you can compost the ones you have, and start anew in the spring.  Be sure to stay aware of any infection next year, so you can take photos of the symptoms.   Hope this is helpful.   Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 15, 2024, 3:20 PM EST
response: Thank you! Brendan DoyleSent from my iPhone On Nov 15, 2024, at 11:50 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 15, 2024, 3:21 PM EST
response: Welcome!
Plant ID

Question: Can you please identify this plant? 

It is deciduous, multi-stemmed above what i believe is a single trunk. The trunk itself is hidden by other plants.

The plant has volunteered in two separate locations of my yard and in each instance on the east facing side of a structure.

The plant has green tear-shaped leaves and although I do not recall for certain, i believe its fall color is non-descript. 

This particular plant has been in my yard approx. five years. I have snipped it at ground level in the past, and it has returned the next year. It had been 2-3 years since i last snipped this plant. 

For the first time, this year i noticed the plant has a few white flowers on it.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 15, 2024, 12:53 PM EST
response: Hello Victor, Thanks for writing in to us. This looks like one of the invasive honeysuckle species. They do tend to behave just as you have described, and may appear in different places of your garden over time.  One way to destroy them is to cut them down quite low to the ground and then paint a 20% solution of glyphosate (Round-up) on the exposed stumps. To find out how to destroy them without chemicals, check out this site Of course, if you like the flowers, you can simply leave them alone. Good luck Lesley Shneier DC Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 15, 2024, 1:53 PM EST
response: Dear Lesley,   Thank you for the prompt response. Looks like my dog and I will be doing some excavating today. Thanks again!         Victor      Victor G Castillo      From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Friday, November 15, 2024 12:53:05 PM To: Victor Castillo  Subject: Re: Plant ID (#0159794)
What's going on with this tree?

Question: My husband asked me about this tree today.  I hadn't a clue, but I knew who might.  So - can you help me know what's going on with this tree?  I saw one in much the same condition in our neighbor's yard today.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied November 14, 2024, 4:27 PM EST
response: I cannot enlarge the  photo enough to get a close look at the areas that are debarked.  If you were to go up to it, you possibly could see galleries or shallow tunnels that were caused by insects.  If the tree is an Ash, it could be Emerald Ash Borer.  I also cannot identify the species of tree.  I can tell you the tree probably will not leaf out normally next spring and is on the way to becoming a dead hazard.  If you really want to know, you can ask a certified arborist to come out and examine the tree or you could ask your neighbor if they know what is wrong with their tree. Here is a ink to finding a certified arborist.  Click on Find An Arborist and put in your zip code when prompted: https://www.treesaregood.org/

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 14, 2024, 10:35 PM EST
response: Thank you! -   On Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 03:27:03 PM CST, Ask Extension wrote:
Elberta peach tree

Question: Hello,
I purchased two elberta peach trees last summer(2024) the trees looked good and healthy.. I'm reading about what i should be spraying the trees with as a precaution maintenance program. The trees are about 9' tall and I will plan on giving them their first pruning this spring. 
I live in south eastern Michigan, Monroe County. 
 Thank you for any help.
James

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 15, 2024, 5:55 PM EST
response: What is a good preventative spray program i should start following? Please help my figure out what to spray the trees with and what time of the year. I don't want my trees to get any type of bugs or fungus.   Thank you James

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 16, 2024, 6:58 PM EST
response: Hi James, thanks for the questions. Below is a good spray schedule that also identifies the more key sprays that are needed.  Also, there are some additional links that can help you in understanding the pests and diseases that can be a problem.   Your first picture seems to show some gummosis.  There are multiple reasons for this to occur (see the last link).  Take a good look and see if you can id the cause.  You may want to remove the branch.  Be sure to disinfect your tools between cuts when pruning so not to spread diseases. Home Fruit Tree Spray Schedule.pdf Stone Fruit IPM for Beginners - Integrated Pest Management Peach Diseases | Home & Garden Information Center Peach Insect Pests | Home & Garden Information Center Peach Gummosis - UF/IFAS Extension Lake County I hope this is helpful.
Hedges

Question: What can I do to restore these hedges. 
They appear to have burned this summer during all the hot weather.

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 November 13, 2024, 10:06 AM EST
response: The patchy dieback shown in the photo does not appear to be caused by drought stress, though we cannot rule it out. Was the shrub (it looks like a Japanese Holly) being watered periodically this past summer? Japanese Hollies can be vulnerable to a root infection called Thielaviopsis, for which there is no cure. Drought or other stresses could also predispose plants to Botryosphaeria canker, a fungal infection which is similarly untreatable. All you can do is to trim out the dead wood and wait for regrowth on the surrounding branches to fill back in, which might take a few years, depending on the size of the gap. If the shrubs were over-watered or are growing in soil that isn't acidic enough (as determined by a laboratory soil test), then Thielaviopsis may be more likely; if under-watered or pruned heavily in the past, then Botryosphaeria might be more likely, though in the latter case we'd expect to see dead leaves still clinging to the branches.  Monitor the plant for watering needs since Maryland is still in significant drought status and evergreens going into winter dehydrated are more likely to suffer dieback or to be killed. Our Watering Trees and Shrubs web page provides guidance. The stone mulch and presumed landscape fabric underneath it may make it hard to probe for feeling the soil moisture level several inches below the surface.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 14, 2024, 9:55 PM EST
response: Thank youSent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 10:06 AM, Ask Extension wrote:
Unknown plant growing in Christmas cactus plant

Question: I've had this Christmas cactus plant for several years.  About a month ago, shoots started popping up--whatever this is has taken over the cactus--it is dead.  Wondering what it is & how is grew, since I never added potting soil, etc. Thanks for the help!  Jane

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 13, 2024, 8:32 AM EST
response: Hi Jane, Thank you for your inquiry. I have to admit, this issue has me puzzled!   There’s very little Christmas Cactus left in your pot. Did you pull it all out as it began to die? Was the pot outdoors over the summer where some sort of seeds could have landed in the pot?  It looks like some gremlin scattered seed in your pot, but these spindly seedlings do not look strong enough to choke out a Christmas cactus! I guess what I would do is wait and see what those seedlings develop into…perhaps knowing that will explain matters.  Christmas cactus rarely develops seeds, but it is possible. However, the sprouts from their seeds would look more like thick succulent leaves rather than what you have growing in your pot.  I’m going to send your inquiry back to those who are more knowledgeable than I. Perhaps someone will have an answer for you. In the meantime, wait and see what develops!

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 13, 2024, 11:02 AM EST
response: Cactus was never outside.  I like your comment about a gremlin scattering seed in the pot!  Don't think what is left of cactus will survive-whatever this is has taken over the pot! Thanks for your answer! Jane

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 13, 2024, 12:33 PM EST
response: Hello,   It sounds like you've had quite the surprise with your Christmas cactus!   Given that you didn't add any new soil and the pot was kept indoors. The only possible way that seeds or spores found their way into your pot was through the air from an open door or open window.
Ash tree root girdle

Question: Hello, I have heard about issues with root girdle. With this ash tree of mine, do I need to cut out the overlapping root?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 14, 2024, 8:46 PM EST
response: Hi Mike, The answer is yes, cut that overlapping root; https://extension.psu.edu/girdling-roots-to-cut-or-not-to-cut I also suggest you remove some of the soil around your tree so that more of the main flare roots become exposed. Roots need oxogen. You may find you have more girdling roots too. Thanks for your question, Sally Granath Hennepin County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 15, 2024, 11:11 AM EST
response: Thank you Thank You,Mike SeversonOn Thu, Nov 14, 2024 at 7:46 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Dahlia and gall?

Question: Hi,  I have had very helpful information from this site before, and now I have a new question.

I am on a Facebook page for Dahlia lovers and there is a lot of talk about gall.  I have been growing dahlia's for several years without problem and now I think I am paranoid.  I lifted my dahlia tubers and found some long white growths that could be roots, but I need to be sure.  They are growing out of the bottom of the tuber cluster.  Please see the photo.  I would appreciate you letting me know if I should be concerned.  I am in Estacada.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 12, 2024, 5:22 PM EST
response: Thank you for your question.  Galls are infrequent on dahlias in the PNW.  Here is an article about them on roses:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/rose-rosa-spp-hybrids-crown-gall  I see nothing but healthy roots growing from your plants' tubers, so you can relax.  However, if you begin to see the rounded growths above ground, or observe any of the symptoms described for infected roses, you can send plant samples to the OSU Plant Clinic for examination.  https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/submit-sample/how-submit-plant-materials  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 12, 2024, 5:35 PM EST
response: Thanks so much!!On Tue, Nov 12, 2024 at 2:22 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 12, 2024, 5:37 PM EST
response: Welcome!
tree identification from pod

Question: found a pod while walking at Mingus Park in Coos Bay. Shaped like a tiny pumpkin yellowish in color .opened to show six dark seeds. sending picture attached

responder: Bill Hutmacher  Replied November 13, 2024, 12:04 PM EST
response: Thanks for your question.  This looks like a seed pod from a Camellia species, perhaps Tea Oil Camellia (Camellia oleiifera).

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 13, 2024, 1:55 PM EST
response: Thanks, we'll see if they will sprout. On Wed, Nov 13, 2024 at 9:04 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Ash trees

Question: I’ve hopefully included photos below. I have a couple ash trees that appear to be losing their bark. Like somebody is shaving it off. It’s piled at the base of the tree. I’m hoping it is not the ash borer bug. What is it?

responder: Julie Crick  Replied November 12, 2024, 2:33 PM EST
response: Hi Chris, Unfortunately, when I enlarge these images, I can see 'D' shaped exit holes in the bark? That is a sure sign of emerald ash borer, or EAB.  The bark has likely been pecked off by a woodpecker, looking to expose the larval insects under the bark.  https://www.emeraldashborer.info/documents/E-2938.pdf The website at the link below has a plethora of information about EAB.  https://www.emeraldashborer.info/ You may also choose to enlist the help of the local service forester, Josh Isaac, who can be reached through the Menominee Conservation District (he also serves Delta County). Josh is an excellent resource and should be available to come out to do a site visit to confirm the presence or absence of EAB and help you with next steps.  Josh Isaac<personal data hidden>x180 Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 12, 2024, 4:04 PM EST
response: Thank you. I will call Josh. On Tue, Nov 12, 2024 at 13:33 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Black splotches on Persimmon

Question: Hello,

I was hoping you could please help me identify the black splotches on a leaf from my American Persimmon tree 

Thank you

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 November 11, 2024, 10:16 AM EST
response: Hi,  This is natural senescence (the leaf cells losing energy and dying) that occurs at this time of year as the tree stops putting energy into growing leaves and stores energy in the roots for the winter. They will fall off soon - if they haven't already, and you can leave them to decompose or rake to any area to decompose over the winter.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 13, 2024, 5:30 PM EST
response: Thank you so much Emily!On Mon, Nov 11, 2024, 10:16 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 November 14, 2024, 9:20 AM EST
response: You're welcome!
River birch issues

Question: I purchased a 5' bare root Renaissance  river birch in April and planted it according to the nursery instructions. It seems to have established itself well, but I have noticed the leaves have spots on them (this variety is supposed to be resistant to many things that plague this type of tree), and the trunk near the bottom has an odd scar (?). The tree has been protected from rabbits and other damage by a fence since its planting. I can live with the aesthetics of these issues, but wonder if they mean the tree is compromised and if I should ask for a replacement before the nursery's guarantee period expires? Thank you for your assistance and advice!

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied November 11, 2024, 3:23 PM EST
response: I wouldn’t worry about the leaf spots. They are very common this year with our strange weather. They will drop soon anyway. The trunk of your tree, however, looks like it has been damaged pretty severely.  It looks like it has lost its bark around at least half of the trunk and there is a wound at the soil level. I see a lot of mulch. When you apply mulch, keep it away from the trunk of the tree so that you can see the root flare. Then apply the mulch 2-3 inches deep, 1-2 feet outward.  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368392.pdf Could the tree have been damaged by a weed whip or mower?  I assume your warranty is for at least a year, if not 2. You could wait until spring to see if it leafs out well on all sides. Otherwise you may have to replace it.

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 11, 2024, 3:51 PM EST
response: Thank you for your reply! I am at a loss to know where the wound came from, as the tree has been surrounded by a fence to keep the ubiquitous rabbits away and there is no grass to mow or weeds to whack in the vicinity (just wild ginger ground cover, hostas, and balloon flowers!). I had initially done as you suggested with the mulch, being sure that the base of the tree was exposed both from soil and mulch, but it must have settled and I didn't notice it over the course of the summer. Is there anything to be done for it now other than to move mulch away from the trunk? And if it leafs out fully next spring, would that be an indication that the tree is not compromised for the longer term? Thank you again for your assistance! Debbie

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied November 11, 2024, 7:33 PM EST
response: It’s impossible to say for sure what will happen. A mature tree would probably leaf out next year solely from stored energy. Since your tree was just planted this year, it doesn’t have much stored energy and will probably show any weakness next spring.  There is nothing you can do at this time. Jus the sure to replace the fence protection for this winter. https://www.fs.usda.gov/learn/trees/anatomy-of-tree
What kind of vine is this?

Question: Hi!  I appreciate your time and expertise.  Could you please help me identify this vine?  I’d like to purchase more for my rock wall.  Although it loses its leaves in the fall, we love it.  Thanks again for your help and time.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 12, 2024, 8:50 PM EST
response: Mike, thanks for contacting the Extension office. The photos of your Boston Ivy are beautiful. I can see why you'd like to keep it. It is not English Ivy which can grow twice as long and can overtake shrub, tree, and landscapes. Your Boston Ivy generally maxes out at about 50 feet, and as you are seeing, gets beautiful colors in the fall. It can be pruned back if necessary. Below are two articles about your Boston Ivy. Thanks again for contacting Ask Extension. Susan, Yamhill County Master Gardener Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy, Grape Ivy, Japanese Creeper, Japanese Ivy) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox Boston Ivy - Parthenocissus tricuspidata - PNW Plants

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 13, 2024, 8:46 AM EST
response: Thanks so much for your time and expertise—now I know what to buy in the spring! Thanks again, Mike

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 13, 2024, 10:50 AM EST
response: You’re welcome, Mike. Plants aren’t always labeled correctly. Now you’ll know exactly what to look for.  Susan, Yamhill County Master Gardener

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 13, 2024, 12:43 PM EST
response: Hi! I appreciate your time and expertise. Could you please help me identify this vine? I’d like to purchase more for my rock wall. Although it loses its leaves in the fall, we love it. Thanks again for your help and time.
White places on firewood

Question: Our pile of seasoned maple firewood has hard white places. Picture attached.  Is it safe to burn?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 15, 2024, 4:20 PM EST
response: The white that you are seeing is part of the fruiting bodies of a fungus that has since died and dried. It is a common occurrence on firewood. The fungus was likely growing on the firewood while the wood still contained ample moisture. As that wood began to dry the fungus would have dried out as well and either went dormant or died. I would not be concerned with this as I am certain the firewood pile of mine contains the same thing.

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 16, 2024, 7:57 AM EST
response: Thank you so much!We will burn it thenYahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer  On Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 4:20 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
How can I save my cherry and apricot trees?

Question: My 2 cherry trees are infected with something and I’m afraid it may spread to my apricot tree. Aphids were terrible even with spray. One cherry tree had leaves that grew very thick together on one branch and did not bear fruit, one did have several cherries this year. They are about 2 years old. What should I be doing? Thank you for your help!

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied November 12, 2024, 7:32 PM EST
response: I agree that aphids can be difficult to get after on cherries especially if you wait till you see a lot of them. We scout ahead and when we see the first ones of the season we go after them right away.  As for what is wrong with your trees we will need more information and/or images showing us what the whole tree and area looks like. A few purple leaves does not tell us much about what might be wrong.  Cherries and apricots are stone fruit and get very similar problems so one could spread to the other. A little more info and maybe we can help. In the mean time, have a look at this publication:  For home orchardists we have this resource for IPM of these pests: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/ec631.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 12, 2024, 9:25 PM EST
response: Thank you for your reply. What do you recommend to knock out the aphids? I tried several products from the Grange but none seemed to work. I have attached several pictures, including summer through now.  My original email did not allow more than three. Thank you again, ChrissyOn Tue, Nov 12, 2024 at 4:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 12, 2024, 9:30 PM EST
response: Additional pics attached.On Tue, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:20 PM Chrissy Richmond <<personal data hidden>> wrote:Thank you for your reply. What do you recommend to knock out the aphids? I tried several products from the Grange but none seemed to work. I have attached several pictures, including summer through now.  My original email did not allow more than three. Thank you again, ChrissyOn Tue, Nov 12, 2024 at 4:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied November 12, 2024, 9:44 PM EST
response: Looks like you may also have bacterial canker. That is a nasty disease for establishment of cherries throughout Oregon. Here is some more information on that disease: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cherry-prunus-spp-bacterial-canker  As for aphids I would have a look at the following publication:  For home orchardists we have this resource for IPM of these pests: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/ec631.pdf