MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
IS this a blight?

Question: My rabbit brush and desert sweet plants are dying off.  I'll enclose pics.  These otherwise thriving plants are turning brown and dying.  I've removed infected plants, and wonder if I should sterilize my tools (if so, with what).  

What can be done to eliminate whatever is causing this die off?

responder: Bill Hutmacher  Replied July 30, 2024, 4:22 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  These shrubs are very drought resistant once they are established.  If they are relatively new, their roots may not have been extensive enough to support the plant during the dry summer.   You may already have this,  but here is a link to a helpful Oregon State Extension publication "Water-wise Gardening in Central Oregon" - https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em-9136-water-wise-gardening-central-oregon  Leaf blight usually only occurs when the weather is warm and humid.    You have done the right thing when you removed effected plant material.   The only way to know if this damage is caused by leaf blight  would be to submit a plant sample for lab analysis.  The Oregon State University Plant Clinic performs this service (for a fee) - https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/submit-sample/services-and-fees  Sterilize your tools with a 10% bleach/water solution (1 part bleach, 9 parts water).   Dip them in and it will immediately work to kill any pathogens.  There is also the possibility that spider mites are causing the damage.   Mite populations and their negative effects can explode in hot, dusty conditions.  Plants under water stress are also highly susceptible to mite infestation.   Here is some information - https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7405.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 2:08 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your response.  Last Wednesday (7/31) I express shipped one plant, including root, dead plant parts, and live plant parts.  I asked them to rush, saying that I was happy to pay their $200 rush fee.  As of today, I have hear no response.  Should I be concerned?   It reality, I am concerned.  Plants in nearly an acre of my landscape are being affected.  I have lost several already, and stand to lose many more.    Whatever is killing my plants starts at the base with leaves turning brown.  It soon consumes the entire plant.  I had hoped that OSU Botany would solve the problem, and be able to tell me how to treat infected plants.    Thanks and please advise,  Carol Reinhard       On Jul 30, 2024, at 1:22 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Bill Hutmacher  Replied August 07, 2024, 12:37 PM EDT
response: You should call the OSU Plant Clinic directly to ascertain status of your submittal.    Phone <personal data hidden>
Recycled Rubber Tree Ring/Mat

Question: Are recycled rubbet tree "rings" or mats (48" diam.) a good idea around young trees, or are the trees better off simply with mulch?  The mats are porous.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 28, 2024, 6:36 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. Please do not use this product.  It will raise the soil temperature higher than what the superficial roots and normal soil bacteria are used to.  Surround the tree with 4-6 inches of mulch (pine bark chips are fine) but keep the mulch at least 6 inches away from the tree bark. This is an oak and I cannot see the tree entering the ground. When did was it planted?  Who planted it? Send me a picture of the bottom foot of the tree after the rubber ring is gone.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 5:39 PM EDT
response: I planted it in 2020; it looked like this:       ….and photo from today after removing rubber tree ring:        On Jul 28, 2024, at 5:36 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 29, 2024, 5:43 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. The pictures are about 200 K, too low res for me to work with.  I need a 2-3 Meg shot, with you squatting on the ground and taking a picture of the bottom two feet of the trunk as it enters the ground.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 6:47 PM EDT
response: How’s this? (6.4 meg)    On Jul 29, 2024, at 4:43 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 29, 2024, 7:09 PM EDT
response: Thank you.   For some reason you pic is embedded inline rather than coming as an attachement.  This reduces the size to 209 K. I am worried about this tree. , that scar and the black stain. Perhaps a mower injury. Perhaps an infection.. Please take a broom and clear off all the debris within six inches of the tree trunk at the ground  Then, getting down as low as possible, shoot a pic and email it to me at <personal data hidden>
Peach tree Borers

Question: HI there.
Attached is a photo showing a branch of a peach tree. The photo shows jell like substance oozing from the branch.
We've dealt with peach tree borers on other peach trees in the past. Could this be the same issue?
Please tell us what we need to do if anything?
Doug Wylie

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 9:26 AM EDT
response: Good morning! Are you seeing this oozing anywhere else on the tree or just on this one branch? Based off the photo it looks like cytospora more than peach tree borer damage.  The branch where it is oozing from looks like there is a canker there and that can be caused by cytospora. Cytospora is a type of fungus that can attack fruit trees. It usually attacks a weaker host and then can take over the tree from there. Unfortunately there is not a treatment for it except cutting out the damaged area. It spreads fast throughout the tree and removal is the only prevention from it spreading to the rest of the tree. Make sure you clean your tools before and after pruning.  We have a diagnostic volunteer team on site if you want to bring in a sample for confirmation. It is a 20$ diagnostic fee and we are located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds (15200 W 6th Ave Suite C, Golden, CO 80401). There will be someone in the office tomorrow (7/31) from 10-2pm if you would like to drop off a sample then. Otherwise I would suggest bringing in a sample Friday. Here is a great factsheet from CSU on cytospora for more information.  Thanks, Rachel

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 11:02 AM EDT
response: Hi Rachel, Are you the Rachel coming to my house on Aug. 8 to get a grass sample? If that is you, can you get sample of the tree at the same time? Thanks so much. Doug Wylie   On Tue, Jul 30, 2024, 7:26 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 11:09 AM EDT
response: Yes I am and yes I can!   See you on the 8th!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 11:14 AM EDT
response: Awesome, thank you so much!  On Tue, Jul 30, 2024, 9:09 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
This tree is sick. Can you help me figure out what's wrong with it and how to deal with it?

Question: Hello experts, this is a magnolia tree. I found white spots on the branches, some branches are black, and sometimes I can see some flying insects on the tree. Some liquid will fall from the tree to the ground. What kind of pests and diseases may have occurred? How to deal with it? What kind of medicine should be sprayed?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 2:37 AM EDT
response: Hi Tim -  You have magnolia scale on your tree.  This pest is common on magnolias.  Scale is an insect that can be controlled as long as you can understand their life cycle.  What you are seeing, those white lumps, are the female scale.  They are sucking insects, and that is what they are doing now.  Here is a link that will explain when to spray the tree and with what chemical.  This will require some action (spray and/or drench) in spring, too.  Hopefully, following these instructions will allow you to keep them under control. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/ Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 12:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much! Denise!  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, July 29, 2024 2:37 To: Tim Huang <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: This tree is sick. Can you help me figure out what's wrong with it and how to deal with it? (#0149023)
Large tree needs help

Question: Moved into our home two years ago, these trees are on a berm behind the house. There’s a large oak behind them, which continues to thrive, but I am scared that we are losing these trees. Any thoughts on how to take care of them and get them back to health, or is it past that point and they need to come down?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 03, 2024, 5:25 PM EDT
response: Are the dying trees oaks?  We can't tell because the photos lack the detail needed to be sure.  In any case, it's important to identify the trees and find out  what's causing the dieback. Only then will it be possible to predict whether what's causing the decline is likely to affect other trees in the vicinity.  If the trees are all or mostly oaks, and wilt is present, all are at risk.  Based upon what we can see in the photos, we think the trees are past saving.  However, that's a judgment best rendered by a certified arborist or other tree care professional.  The following publication discusses oak wilt and explains how to find and hire a qualified tree care professional:  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/oak-wilt-minnesota

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 6:33 PM EDT
response: I was told that they are Ash trees thank you for your response above!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 03, 2024, 8:20 PM EDT
response: Most ash trees in the Twin Cities area are infested by emerald ash borers.  Borers kill untreated ash trees a few years after infestation. Virtually all dead and dying ash trees have been or will eventually be removed.  Emerald ash borers do not harm oaks.  Learn more here:  https://extension.umn.edu/tree-and-shrub-insects/emerald-ash-borer
Mass on rose stem

Question: Hello - this has appeared on my main rose stems. The rose is approximately 25 years old.

responder: Thank you for your question! Mary Ann S. Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources.    Replied July 29, 2024, 6:18 PM EDT
response: Your rose appears to have a stem canker. There are several types of cankers which will cause rose canes to discolored and die. Stem canker enters plants through wounds caused by weather injury, pruning issues, or flower cutting. It also infects plants weakened by black spot or powdery mildew. There are several types of stem canker, but it is not necessary to identify the infecting organism since the treatment is the same for all of them. The bumps or patches enlarge until they surround the cane, and they usually spread to other canes.   Your plant has a vigorous infections. I suggest you prune it to remove the affected stems. Prune properly, cutting 3 to 4 inches below the diseased area. Cut 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud node at a 45-degree angle. Disinfect cutting tools afterwards in a 10% bleach water or 70% rubbing alcohol. There is no fungicide to treat stem canker, only vigilance.  The following reference may give you additional information. https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/pastpest/200319c.html   Here is a complete discussion of canker diseases on roses, along with notes on which species are most resistant, good cultural practices to minimize the disease. https://ipm.illinois.edu/diseases/rpds/626.pdf\  I hope your rose does well in the future.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 6:47 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much!!    Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone   -------- Original message -------- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>  Date: 7/29/24 6:21 PM (GMT-05:00)  To: Judy Kaiser <<personal data hidden>>  Subject: Re: Mass on rose stem (#0148991)

responder: Thank you for your question! Mary Ann S. Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources.    Replied August 01, 2024, 12:17 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.
Insect identification

Question: I recently took down a white pine for a client and left the tree to be processed into firewood. They discovered a yellow larva. Could you help me I.D. this and let me know if it's a danger to other species of pine?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 9:42 PM EDT
response: Hi Alexander,  Can you tell me what part of Colorado you found this in, and why it was removed? This will help me narrow things down.  From a first glance, it appears to be a type of longhorn beetle larvae (Family Cerambycidae). Most only feed on rotting wood, but there are some species that can be a problem (e.g. pine sawyer), particularly for the exotic pines (i.e. austrian, scots pines). It could also be the larvae of the western sculpted pine borer. If possible, a close-up picture of the mouthparts would help (but I assume you no longer have the larvae).

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 10:17 PM EDT
response: The white pine had been declining for the last 3 to 4 years. The location is northwest fort Collins on North Taft above Vine before the poudre trail. I'll ask if he has more pictures.   On Tue, Jul 30, 2024, 7:42 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 02, 2024, 11:02 AM EDT
response: If the pine was declining from the top down, then the beetle may be the cause of the decline. If the decline was not as localized, it's probably one of the many longhorn beetles that is just a symptom of the decline.  The top-down decline I'm alluding to is called pine wilt, a nematode vectored by the pine sawyer. These symptoms should be confirmed with the homeowner before initiating management. Here is more information about pine wilt: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/pine-wilt-disease-2-915/#:~:text=What%20is%20Pine%20Wilt%3F,sylvestris)%20and%20Austrian%20(P.
Lawn Disease?

Question: Hi! I’m perplexed! I had beautiful lawn in my backyard and then we had Spring Green apply a drought killer spray and shortly after the grass started to brown and these small dirt piles showed up. Spring green said it’s diseased and they can’t do anything. I just don’t believe it. These are pictures I took from second floor of house. And up close! Please help!

responder: Doug Gucker, MS, CCA  Replied July 29, 2024, 11:22 AM EDT
response: Giovanna:  How long ago was this backyard sprayed by Green Springs?  You also mentioned "the pictures you took from your second floor". There was only one picture attached to your request for assistance. Can you send more photos?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 8:37 AM EDT
response: Hi! Spring green was here on July 11th to spray the “Anti Drought” which is part of a package we bought. The lawn started to brown shortly after that and when they came back out, they said it had nothing to do with their treatment it was a lawn disease that was being spread by our lawn mower! Here are some more photos. In the one photo you will see a small pile of dirt in brown spot. Those piles also started to show up all of yard. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 29, 2024, at 10:22 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Doug Gucker, MS, CCA  Replied August 01, 2024, 1:42 PM EDT
response: Giovanna:  From your photos, it looks like you may have several issues. Those little cone shaped holes or dug up spots in the lawn are probably from a skunk feeding on grubs. If your lawn has a bad grub problem, then brown dead patches will form in the lawn from the grubs eating off the grass roots and killing the plants. To check for grubs, go to an area of the lawn at the edge of one of the brown patches and pull up on the grass. If the grass easily comes out of the ground, then you have grubs. Another way is to take a shovel and lightly pry up the grass along the edge of one of these brown patches and if you see white, "C" shaped larvae, then you have grubs.  Did you have a lot of June Beetles or Japanese Beetles this year? These beetles are attracted to lush green lawns the year before to lay their eggs.  Brown dead patches in the lawn can be caused by the disease, Brown Patch. From your photos, it does look as though this may what your lawn has. This is a common disease in lawns that receive an abundance of fertilizer. Another possible cause is when fertilizer is applied during hot, dry weather without adequate rainfall to dilute the salts in the fertilizer. Or fertilizer is applied to moist grass (think dewy grass) ahead of the midday sun and the fertilizer salts burn the grass leaves as the grass dries. You may have more than one thing going on here. I suggest that you ask Spring Green for the "anti-drought" application ingredients. This may help to narrow down the possible causes.  I can tell you that this was not a disease spread by your lawn mower. If your lawn mower had spread the disease you would have notice streaks of diseased grass that eventually coalesced into large brown patches.  I hope all this information is helpful to you-
Aborvitae

Question: I have an arborvitae that has fallen over.  It doesn't seem to be dead.  What is the best way to save it?

responder: V/r,  Replied July 29, 2024, 9:24 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, It is possible that the trees can be restored to their old position but it may take a while and there is no guarantee it will work. You could gently pull the trees back up to their original position and support them there with guy wires. You may have to dig a wider hole to allow for the roots to settle and you will also have to keep the roots moist. If they dry out, they probably will not recover. Ensure that the rope will not cut into the bark of the tree which is quite soft. Place thick padding around the trunk and wrap a rope across it. Pull the tree upright into the hole that you have enlarged. Pack soil around the tree’s base and water the area well. Place nylon belting around the trunk. Put 6-foot stakes on opposite sides of the tree about two feet from the base. Wrap the belting around the tree and the stakes to support them. Mulch the area; keep the soil moist; the stakes may need to remain for a year. There are several YouTube videos on the internet demonstrating how to help the trees. Read more here: https://www.arborday.org/media/stormrecovery/  A certified arborist can assess the tree. To find an arborist in your area, go to www.treesaregood.org the website of the International Society of Arboriculture.  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 11:05 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response.  I will work with others to achieve this with a 30ft tree.   Michael D. Hawes HAWES AND ASSOCIATES, LLC <personal data hidden>     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, July 29, 2024 9:24 AM To: Michael David Hawes <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Aborvitae (#0148942)

responder: V/r,  Replied July 30, 2024, 8:35 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.  Good Luck!!
Cracks in bark on distressed ornamental tree.

Question: My ornamental plum looks sick. Many of the leaves have developed a reddish tinge and some of the green leaves look  pale and mottled. I  see NO aphids or nodules on the underside of the leaves. One tree I planted gets full sun. Its bark has cracks in many places. The tree in more shade has no cracks. My two trees have been planted about 3 years.I live in the Argyle area.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 9:53 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your message. There are several ornamental plum trees, but I’ll assume you have a Mexican Plum tree as they are common in this area. When such trees are young, they have smooth bark, but over time, the bark becomes rough and craggy. Thus, I would not be concerned about cracks in your bark as this is likely the transition phase.  It’s difficult to tell what has caused the discoloration of your leaves. It could be a nutrient deficiency such as lack of nitrogen. A soil test could identify soil nutrient issues. You could also get an onsite opinion from an ISA Certified Arbortist and all can be found at https://isatexas.com/   Hope this helps,  Rick Williams

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 2:57 PM EDT
response: Rick, Thank you for your help. SherriSent from my iPhone On Jul 29, 2024, at 8:53 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 8:34 PM EDT
response: :-)