MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Rust Color on Trees

Question: This same rust or blight appeared on leaves at the top of this tree late last summer, and returned again this year. This is not to be confused with Japanese beetle damage to other trees.

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied September 05, 2024, 2:29 PM EDT
response: Hi Karyn,  This looks like an ornamental pear - sometimes called a callery pear. The leaves look to be a little lighter in color and are showing leaf burn injury from the sun. When leaves are yellowed or chlorotic (or not fully green), they lose their "sunscreen" from the chlorophyll and can get burned/brown.  The bigger question is why the tree has discolored leaves, since this is a species that does well in Colorado soils. Can you send me some additional photos of the tree, including the base. Is the tree on irrigation - from either drip or lawn sprinklers?

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 11:38 AM EDT
response: Attached are additional photos. Tree is on the North east corner of property.    Karyn Jennings, Member Services Manager Village Cooperatives of Loveland and Fort Collins C: <personal data hidden> FC: <personal data hidden> LV: <personal data hidden> <personal data hidden> <personal data hidden>      From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Thursday, September 5, 2024 12:29:24 PM To: FtCollins VC  Subject: Re: Rust Color on Trees (#0154060)    --Email is from outside the Paramark organization--

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 11:44 AM EDT
response: Attached are additional photos. Tree is on the Northeast side of the building.    Karyn Jennings, Member Services Manager Village Cooperatives of Loveland and Fort Collins C: <personal data hidden> FC: <personal data hidden> LV: <personal data hidden> <personal data hidden> <personal data hidden>      From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Thursday, September 5, 2024 12:29:24 PM To: FtCollins VC  Subject: Re: Rust Color on Trees (#0154060)    --Email is from outside the Paramark organization--
Anthurium houseplant with brown areas on leaves and uneven texture on leaves

Question: I have an anthurium houseplant that is about 3 years old. I repotted it last fall. It has developed brown areas on the ends of a few leaves but also has “bumpy” areas on all of the leaves and “tracks” on the leaves. I don’t see any signs of live insects but I am wondering if this could be a mite infestation. Thanks! Geri Becker

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 05, 2024, 5:06 PM EDT
response: Hi Geri, You have a beautiful Anthurium, and we're sorry your plant isn't looking its very best. It does not look to be in any grave danger, but left untreated it can potentially get worse. We're here to help. From the pictures you provided, this looks like something called Anthurium Gall. It is a series of small tumor caused by a virus that is injected into the leaf from of a midge bite. A midge is a very small fly commonly called "noseeums." Unfortunately, the damage to the existing leaves cannot be reversed, but with proper treatment, you can get rid of the problem and new leaves will be unaffected. There are two ways to effectively treat Anthurium Gall: 1. Mix a dilution of Neem Oil and water in a clean spray bottle, and lightly mist both sides of each leaf and flower. Neem oil is non-toxic, naturally occurring pesticide and is widely available in nurseries, plant stores and online. It is approved for indoor use and is pet-friendly. If you do purchase Neem Oil to treat your Anthurium, please follow the directions on the bottle for how to dilute and the frequency of application. 2. Midge are attracted to soil and it's not uncommon for these pests to lay eggs there if the conditions are favorable. If it is ready to repot, now may be a great time to do so. When repotting, gently remove as much soil as you can from the roots and discard the old soil in the trash. Use a gentle stream of luke warm water to carefully wash the roots and remove as much remaining soil as possible. Then replant in a clean, well-draining pot using sterile potting mix. These two methods combined may provide you with the best results and your Anthurium should be just fine. Please let us know if you have any questions, and if these helped or not. We look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day, Rick L. Master Gardener Apprentice

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 5:35 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the information. I am wondering, I have a Fertilome ready to use Neem spray. Would that be good to use or do you think the concentrate is better and mixing it myself? I will definitely repot with your instructions.  Thanks.     Geri Becker   From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Thursday, September 5, 2024 3:06:43 PM To: Geri Becker  Subject: Re: Anthurium houseplant with brown areas on leaves and uneven texture on leaves (#0154056)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 09, 2024, 3:27 PM EDT
response: Geri, The ready to use Neem oil should be suitable. You may want to spray outdoors, just in case of any overspray. Best of luck! Rick L. Master Gardener Apprentice
Help with Low Grow Sumac die off

Question: We have a number of large drifts of Low Grow Sumac at our property in Detroit. They have been in place for 8 years now and are relatively health.  There exist in numerous locations around the property, both in sunny and shaded conditions and under a diversity of tree types from Maples to White Pine, Hawthorn ect. They all receive natural rain and have required very little attention after their first year of being established. Our only problem is that each year we experience random die of of individual branches and sometimes whole plants.  The leaves don't show any signs of stress but a branch will quickly (1-2weeks) go from bright and viberant to being completely browned and dried.  I've been trying to figure out the cause of this died off and it doesn't seem to be related to water or light because it randomly occurs across the property.  Yesterday I finally notice one common denominator and have attached a picture for reference.  At the base of each dying branch or plant I've noticed an active "bleeding" wound.  I'm assuming this is sap but I haven't discovered any insects.  As I looked around I found this bleeding area on every dead or dying branch but didn't see it on adjacent health plants.  
Can someone help identify what may be causing this and a possible treatment?  It seems to specifically be related to our low Grow sumac and one fragrant sumac bush but not on any other plants in our landscape.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 08, 2024, 3:17 AM EDT
response: Hi Jason -  Hmm.  This is an interesting problem.  It doesn't seem as if your low-grow sumac is a shrub that has a lot of problems other than a few referenced here:  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/sumac/deadbranches.html Canker would be my guess.  I read in my research that these shrubs are afflicted with them fairly often.  If you want a definitive answer, you could send a sample in to the MSU plant pathology lab:  https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/ I hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 10, 2024, 4:57 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the reply. It had gone to my spam folder and I didn't see it until now.  I don't see any of the typical cracking associated with canker but I'll submit a sample to the plant pathology lab. We have hundreds of these plants and I'd like to  feel confident in replacing the dead ones.   Thank you again
white creamy coating forming on trees

Question: We have an ornamental weeping cherry as well as a maple in our woods that has a white covering forming on them. Up close it looks like very tiny grains of rice. We can rub it off with our finger, and it leaves a brown stain behind. It looks a bit like someone began spray painting the bark with white paint. Can you tell me what it is and how I can get rid of it before it kills our trees? I've attached an image of what our weeping cherry looks like. We are in Lee NH. Thanks!

responder: Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension  Replied September 05, 2024, 11:21 AM EDT
response: Hello Mike,  Thanks for reaching out to the UNH Extension Infoline. Your ornamental cherry seems to have is actually a very small insect called white prunicola scale, and it is relatively common for ornamental cherry trees.  Here is a general resource on the insect from UMD Extension- https://extension.umd.edu/resource/white-prunicola-scale/ Here is another resource from UNH Extension on scale and this lists IPM (integrated pest management) strategies that will be useful no matter what type of scale it is- https://extension.unh.edu/resource/scale-insects-fact-sheet  I hope this is helpful and please get in touch with any other questions!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 12:33 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the fast response Sean! We also have this on a maple tree in our woods and it looks the same, so I assume it is. Is there a pesticide/chemical that I can use on this so I don't have to replace my cherry?  Thanks again,Mike. On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 11:21 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension  Replied September 05, 2024, 3:28 PM EDT
response: Hi Mike,  There are many products available for scale and we aren't able to endorse any specific brands but look for horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps that list scale on the label as one of the insects that the product will help control. These products can be found at garden stores or big box stores alike.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 3:50 PM EDT
response: Thanks Sean, I actually think I have some horticulture oil I can use for this. Thanks again! On Thu, Sep 5, 2024, 3:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Dying branches in the center of the tree

Question: I believe my maple is a Norway maple fairly young. I have branches in the center of the tree that has lost all of the sleeves, but the branch is still green according to my scratch test not sure what to do.

responder: Louise RomanowEntomologistMaster Gardener VolunteerExtension MG Program, Wake County Replied September 07, 2024, 7:39 AM EDT
response: Dieback of the center of a tree, along w/ the leader is a sign of stress. Perhaps the tree (when was it planted?) is planted too deep or has girdling roots from not being properly prepared when planted. Or the tree was under or over-watered. It may never have good form after loss of the central area. Read more at https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/causes-branch-dieback-trees. You can leave it be and see how it leafs out next year, but be prepared for only partial recovery and a poorly shaped tree.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 03, 2024, 6:57 PM EDT
response: Thank you for answering I will leave it and see what happens next spring Sent from my iPhone On Sep 7, 2024, at 7:39 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Louise RomanowEntomologistMaster Gardener VolunteerExtension MG Program, Wake County Replied October 04, 2024, 8:48 AM EDT
response: Good luck.
What kinds of apples do I have?

Question: Hello,
I moved into a home in Traverse City this spring and I have two apple trees in my backyard. Can you help me identify them? Thanks.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 05, 2024, 10:07 AM EDT
response: Hello, If you can't find any records or tags related to the trees it can be very difficult to positively identify the fruit varieties. Factors related to weather, disease, soil, and tree maintenance can contribute to variation even in fruit appearance even among apples of the same cultivar. You can pay for a service like MyFruitTree, a lab in Washington that will genetically identify apples: https://myfruittree.org/welcome You could also record bloom dates and harvest dates with publicly available reports, such as those on MSUE News. The first one appears to be a Gala, but it could be a Delicious or another related variety. The second one is hard to even guess at, but it could be a Golden Delicious, GoldRush, or Golden Russet. Those are guesses based on context clues and not positive identifications.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 1:06 PM EDT
response: Thanks. Is the genetic testing through the Washington Lab pretty definitive usually?   The apples just appear so unhealthy. I thought if I could positively ID them I could then take the right steps to prune/fertilize/etc to get the apples happier. Any other general suggestions I can take the rest of the year to improve their health for next spring?-Eric   Please pardon any typos as this email was sent from my phone.     On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 10:07 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 05, 2024, 2:49 PM EDT
response: Hello Eric, Yes genetic testing will give you a definitive response.  A positive ID isn't necessary to get the apples into decent shape. You should get a soil test done to see what nutrients are available in your yard. Instructions on getting a soil test through MSU Extension can be found here: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-started The soil test results will give you some insight on what nutrients may be lacking and advise on soil amendments. Our consumer horticulture team has an online self-paced course on taking care of backyard fruit here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/backyard-fruit-101 Although the apples look like they've dealt with some pest issues, disease doesn't look to prevalent. Diseased (especially scab) fruit and leaves should be removed from the orchard (usually burned). The most important step to take after the soil test will be to do winter pruning. We have an article about it here, https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/late-winter-pruning-of-fruit Your local conservation district may have pruning workshops open to the public.
Mysterious destruction of Rainbow Chard

Question: Something has been chomping on my Swiss Chard. The damage is evident but the chomper is not. No single leaf has escaped. Many have been skeletonized. When I have cut the plant back hoping that the new growth will go unharmed, inevitably it is attacked. What is going on here?

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 September 05, 2024, 4:46 PM EDT
response: Although this link if from the Extension in Oregon (different climate), my initial response would have been slugs or snails. You may wish to go out at night and see if there are any insects eating the leaves. What's eating my Swiss chard? - Ask Extension  However, another "expert" who is more experienced than I am responded: "May sound odd, but the most likely culprits are goldfinches. They are frequently observed tearing into Swiss chard leaves in home and community gardens. It's thought they are attracted to the high calcium leaves to support the fall molt." The way to see if birds are the culprit would be to cover the chard with bird netting (raised above the leaves and held down with rocks/bricks) and see if the problem continues. (P.S. The netting will also prevent rabbit and deer damage.)  Let us know if the slugs/snails are there or if the netting solves the problem by preventing bird damage.  Len  For generic info:    Growing Swiss Chard in a Home Garden | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 9:35 PM EDT
response: HI Len,Thank you for this! I have seen slugs elsewhere in the garden, and one or two snail shells. And goldfinches! Unfortunately, my garden is a single plot in a community garden which is a few miles from my home, and not accessible at night,  but I can certainly try beer traps for slugs and bird netting and see what happens. Will let you know! JanOn Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 4:46 PM Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 9:35 PM EDT
response: Also found this: https://plantersplace.com/just-veggies/bird-damage-on-chard-leaves/Aluminum foil:  May be worth trying, too.On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 4:46 PM Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Weird Growth on Corn stalk tassel

Question: I'm growing a variety of red popcorn for the first time and am wondering why I see strange growths on some of the plants.  Did I give fertilizer too late in the season?  Is it some odd disease?  I pulled off the misshapen silver cob and threw it away. Not sure it I should cut off these growths on the tassel.  Some cobs have no leaves--just silks.  sooooo odd!  Also there appears to be rust on the stalks.  What do I need to do differently?

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied September 04, 2024, 7:27 PM EDT
response: The top ear has a fungal growth that is highly prized. It is in English “Corn Smut ” . It is very popular in Mexico.  it is called the Mexican truffle and can cost $40.00/lb.  For it to develop corn kernels need to be damaged when young, often by hail, and then infected.  https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/resources/archive/NewsViews/Pages/2006_06.aspx  https://www.mikuniwildharvest.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=14005

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 7:39 PM EDT
response: Very interesting. Thank you! From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, September 4, 2024 6:28 PMTo: 4mm2 <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Weird Growth on Corn stalk tassel (#0154004)

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied September 04, 2024, 8:24 PM EDT
response: Yes for me too

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 8:31 PM EDT
response: What about the odd growth on the tassel?  What should I do differently to get better outcomes? From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, September 4, 2024 6:28 PMTo: 4mm2 <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Weird Growth on Corn stalk tassel (#0154004)

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied September 05, 2024, 5:35 PM EDT
response: That is also corn smut, it can infect every part of a corn plant. https://extension.umn.edu/corn-pest-management/common-smut-corn

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 6:11 PM EDT
response: I did some research while waiting for your second reply and found that it is not corn smut, but “tassel ears”.  See link to Purdue extension. Very weird, but it happens. Thanks for your help with the rest of my questions, though. I appreciate all of you at the extension service helping out the rest of us!https://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/timeless/TasselEars.html  From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Thursday, September 5, 2024 4:35 PMTo: 4mm2 <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Weird Growth on Corn stalk tassel (#0154004)

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied September 05, 2024, 6:38 PM EDT
response: Thank you I will check it out. Always something to learn.
Plant ID

Question: Hello there!
I got the flowers you see pictured below from a farmer’s market.
There was no identification of any kind for the flowers.
I thought they might be coreopsis or blanket flowers.
But Plant.net says they are black eyed Susans (66%)
Coreopsis 1% too!

What’s your take??

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudbeckia_hirta

Many thanks,

Linda

responder: Answered by University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.  For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC program web page, https://extension.umd.edu/hgic, and blog, Maryland Grows, https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/. Replied September 05, 2024, 2:31 PM EDT
response: Hi Linda.  I agree with you that these don't look at all like Rudbeckia Hirta.  But my plant ID app, which is generally very reliable, identified them as such, just as your app did.  By coincidence, I was at a meeting of Master Gardeners this morning, and I showed your photo to some colleagues.  One of them had just obtained a flower that looked very similar to yours, and it was identified as an Echibeckia, a mix of echinacea and rudbeckia.    I had never heard of such a plant before, but an online search revealed that it is commonly available and comes in a large number of varieties.  To my eye, the variety that looks closest to yours (though perhaps not a perfect match) is Echibeckia Summerina Yellow,  See, e.g., https://boscosgardencenter.com/products/echibeckia-summerina-yellow-1  Bottom line, I wouldn't worry too much about making a precise ID.  Just treat it as you would an echnicaecea, give it full sun and good drainage, and enjoy it.  It should be perennial, so hopefully you can enjoy it for years to come.  Bob

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 2:46 PM EDT
response: Bob,Many thanks for your deep dive into my mystery plant!!I just wanted to be sure I had something that was ‘in the ballpark’ for a Maryland native!!Sounds like I’m close enough!!LindaFind creative ways to express your feelings!Amy Dickinson (you know ~ the Ask Amy Lady)     On Sep 5, 2024, at 2:31 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿