MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
What's killing our yellow roses?

Question: This yellow rose has thrived for years, growing up and over our trellis.  But just 2 weeks ago the flowers vanished, leaves started dropping off and it's pretty bare now.  What to do?

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 July 13, 2023, 9:13 AM EDT
response: Roses can be pretty difficult to grow well in our climate without a lot of close management. We think you likely have multiple issues affecting them. Roseslug sawfly larvae has been a major pest in the last few years that can make hole or eventually denude the plant of leaves.  Here is our page on Roses, where you can investigate further the issues we see, and what might be done:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rose-identify-and-manage-problems  The leaves that we can see look to have a leaf spot disease called Cercospora. We wouldn't rule out Black Spot disease which is also common. In general, for plant diseases, keeping the leaves as dry as possible by watering in the morning and doing what you can to increase good airflow and sunlight around plants is helpful.  It has been a very hot and dry year too. Until recently most of central Maryland was under severe drought conditions, and even now most of Baltimore County is abnormally dry. This is stressful for many landscape plants, particularly those that are not native. If we don't get at least an inch of rain a week off the rose a slow, deep drink.  Likewise, roses are heavy feeders that need fertilizing.   The plant looks like it has some dry, dead wood that can be pruned out as well. The link given above has tabs that detail this management.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 9:27 AM EDT
response: Christine, Thank you very much!PeterOn Thu, Jul 13, 2023 at 6:13 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

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 July 13, 2023, 12:53 PM EDT
response: You're welcome. We are happy to help.
What kind of bug is this?

Question: This is the fourth bug of this kind I've found in my home.  One in my foyer, one in my bathroom, one in the guest bathroom and one in my office.    All dead or close to it.

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 July 12, 2023, 10:36 AM EDT
response: This is a Click Beetle, a very common insect in our region, and there are actually over a hundred species in this beetle family that occur in Maryland. They are named for their ability to bend their head forward and then popping it back (which makes a clicking sound) like a spring-loaded mechanism to fling themselves up into the air a few inches in case they find themselves stuck on their back or caught by a predator. One candidate ID for this specimen is Conoderus lividus (it has no common name) since it occurs state-wide and is encountered often, but other species in this family can look nearly identical, so we can't be certain that's the exact type you found.  Fortunately they are not indoor pests like grain beetles or clothes moths and are only accidentally getting inside while being attracted to night lighting outdoors. You can check window screens for gaps or tears and door or window weather-stripping for worn sections as a means for the beetles (and other insects and spiders) getting inside, in case they need repair or replacement. Turning off porch lights or any lights near doors and windows can help avoid attracting these and other night-flying insects which then might wander inside as they roam around.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 1:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much!!   On Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 10:36:32 AM EDT, 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 July 12, 2023, 1:26 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
White oak leaf disease?

Question: white oak leaves are curled and discolored.  Some have fuzzy deposits on underside.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 9:17 AM EDT
response: please see editional  photo

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 9:18 AM EDT
response: additional photo

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 9:18 AM EDT
response: additional photo

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied July 17, 2023, 10:31 AM EDT
response: Hello John Thank you for the additional photos and your patience at this busy time of year. I had one of our Foresters look at this. This could be one or more conditions. Submitting samples to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab can confirm what it is, since it needs a microscopic look to confirm. There is a fee for analyzing a sample, often around $25. Here is the lab website where you can print off a sample submission form and find directions, fees and mailing information- https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/ Possibilities are iron chlorosis, mite galls, or spider mites, or oak leaf blister. Some references- Oak leaf blister https://bygl.osu.edu/node/805 chlorosis caused by too high soil pH-https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-27-W.pdf Oaks prefer  soil pH between 5.5 to 6.5. If your soil pH hasn’t been tested, you can get a soil test here which shows pH, nutrient levels and organic matter. It will give you recommendations according to the results: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension Be sure to keep your tree watered if rains subside for more than 2 weeks. Here is  watering info for you to keep on hand: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-established-trees-and-shrubs#when-to-water-trees-and-shrubs-1261760

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied July 17, 2023, 5:41 PM EDT
response: Regards, Laura S.
Unidentified Weed/Plant in new grass

Question: Hi, 
I recently planted some new grass in my back yard in a space that didn't have anything growing in it for many years. We purchased this house and it had a large section of it that was dried out and nothing really growing in it. I tilled it, leveled it and seeded it with some good grass seed. Once I went through the process of watering and the grass growing, this other plant started to grow along with the grass. It's nearly half the lawn and I'm looking to identify it as well as figuring out how to get rid of it while not sacrificing the new grass. Any help you can provide would be amazing. Thank you in advance.

responder: Leo Sherry  Replied July 21, 2023, 1:23 AM EDT
response: Hello! I apologize for the delay in my response. Do you remember the type of grass seed you used by any chance? It might be a type of clover, but I'm not sure yet. Do you know if it has ever had any flowers and what they looked like? Thank you, Leo Sherry OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2023, 8:05 PM EDT
response: Hi Leo,  The grass seed I used was JB Ryegrass/Fescue Blend and I think pretty good stuff. The plant never flowered and I ended up spraying the area of Weed b Gone and that took care of most of it but it appears like I might need another application to really get it all out. It's very interesting stuff and fairly resilient even though I don't want it to be. Thank you in advance for your continued help! ChadOn Thu, Jul 20, 2023 at 10:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Please help us demonstrate the OSU Herbarium's value to the university administration and our stakeholders by providing feedback on this 1-minute survey, so that we can continue to offer these services. Herbarium user survey: https://beav.es/T7E | Donate to the OSU Herbarium.    Replied August 15, 2023, 3:26 PM EDT
response: Dear Chad:  Your plant is Kickxia elatine: sharp-leaved fluellin. It's non-native and spreading throughout Western Oregon. It seeds abundantly, though its small flowers are often not obvious, and while it was often killed over winter historically, increasingly it is surviving over winters here, giving it a head start.   It grows pretty fast and yes, it is pretty resilient. I don't have any advice on herbicides, other than pulling it before it goes to seed may be effective.   It is possible that it came in on the grass seed, but also quite likely that it arrived through other means or has been there for a while.   Cheers - James Mickley

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 16, 2023, 11:29 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response and your time! It is much appreciated! ChadOn Tue, Aug 15, 2023 at 12:26 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Worms eating apple tree leaves

Question: Hi - we are in Baraga county and our Apple orchard  leaves have been covered with these worms and have now moved to oaks and other surrounding trees.  They have eaten most of the leaves on the apple trees. They started small and are getting very large and starting to congregate on trees trunks.  

Can you tell me what they are and what they will become?  Our orchards look so horrible - they did a number on them.


The picture attached are of smaller ones.  They are getting really big.

Thanks!

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied July 12, 2023, 10:24 AM EDT
response: This insect is called Spongy Moth.  We are seeing a resurgence of this pest in several "hotspots" around Michigan.  Although their primary food source is oak, they will readily feed on other types of plant material, even some pines and spruce.  Here is a link to resources that will explain more about the life cycle and what you can do about it. https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/Invasive_species/gypsy-moth/index

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 11:44 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for the information.  It is appreciated!   On Wed, 12 Jul, 2023 at 7:25 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: To: lori mitchell

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 11:44 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for the information.  It is appreciated!   On Wed, 12 Jul, 2023 at 7:25 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: To: lori mitchell
Flea beetle

Question: Flea beetles on my tomato plants. 

What is the safest way to get rid of them??

Thank you

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 13, 2023, 3:56 PM EDT
response: Pamela: Flea beetles are most damaging to seedlings though, if the numbers are high enough, can slow the growth and development of your larger tomato plants. They do have cycles with in a year and from year to year. See this for more information: https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/common-vegetable/vegetable-crop-flea-beetle   They can be carefully vacuumed off plants but then they have to be killed and, probably, you wouldn't get nearly all of them. Even insecticides are not perfect in controlling them. One you might try is one with spinosad, a naturally derived insecticide. Two common brand names are Monterey Garden Insect  spray or Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew.  Both are considered organic. Read and follow all label instructions. They have a 1 day interval between spraying and consumption of the tomato. Hope this helps. Chip Bubl OSU Extension/Columbia County  <personal data hidden> <personal data hidden>

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2023, 6:34 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!!!!PamSent from my iPhone On Jul 13, 2023, at 12:56 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
What bee ?

Question: Not sure what kind of bee this is.  I've been in and out of the shed and they don't seem to be aggressive.  Wasp?  Hornet?  Looked on the web for the bee and hive and am not finding what it is.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2023, 2:43 PM EDT
response: Is the space that they are nesting in enclosed most of the time? Some species of wasp will nest in cavities, whereas others will nest out in the open. It would help me to know more about where the nest is located.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2023, 12:07 PM EDT
response: In a closed shed that they can get in thru an opening in the door. On Wed, Jul 12, 2023, 2:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 14, 2023, 2:35 PM EDT
response: These look like a type of Yellowjacket wasp (Vespula spp.) The only way to know for sure would be to send specimens to our Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory in East Lansing. You can learn about how to send them by visiting the website here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/. Most of our Yellowjackets in Michigan nest under the ground in abandoned rodent burrows. However, they are known to nest in wall cavities, sheds, and attics. I am glad that they do not seem to be aggressive. I would encourage you to be cautious regardless, when approaching the nest or doing anything near the building. They can be particularly sensitive to vibrations from things like lawnmowers or other power equipment. They also can tend to be more aggressive later in the season and/or when environmental conditions are not favorable (e.g. hot and dry). You can read more about Yellowjacket wasps in this article from MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/yellowjackets?language_id=

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 8:26 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the help! On Fri, Jul 14, 2023, 2:36 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Help! Tetrapanax Starts Everywhere

Question: I have a tetrapanax papyrifera rex that I put in the yard about 5 years ago. It took a few years for it to gain height and establish itself, but it eventually got up to about 7 feet tall, with one tree trunk. However, last winter the extended snow left from the holiday snow/ice storm seemed to kill it. I had no new growth this past spring and when I scraped the bark, I couldn't see any green or signs of life. So, by early June, I chopped it down (see stump in pic attached). Here we are a month later, and I have tetrapanax starts springing up everywhere! I have an entire grove of tetrapanax in the making. HELP! Is this going to be like chasing bamboo runs? How do I stop this? Initially, I was digging them up where the roots connect to what seems to be an underground tap root. And then I was seeing if I could root them and have some new plants to give away. But now, it's seems to be really out of control. Advice? Thanks, Liz

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 11, 2023, 6:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Liz.  Yes; you have "discovered" one of the most invasive non-native trees in North America.  https://extension.msstate.edu/southern-gardening/video/2013/rice-paper-plant You'll need to get all of these shoots (from underground runners, aka rhizomes) pulled as you find them and, with enough persistence, you will eventually eliminate them.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 8:00 PM EDT
response: “...with enough persistence, you will eventually eliminate them.”OK. I like to hear that this is doable and not a battle I will have to fight forever. I will let one or two continue grow though, because I really love the tropical look of this plant : )Thank you,LizOn Jul 11, 2023, at 3:17 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 11, 2023, 9:18 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
Oak trees loosing leaves

Question: We have large oak trees on our property. 
The leaves are not as large this year and the majority of the leaves are small and curling under. 
Wind blows and loss of leaves not curled under. 

Attached are photos.  

Is there something I can do to help the trees. 
We have equipment to treat or spray.  
Please help with any suggestions.  
Thank you

responder: Joe Lansing  Replied July 11, 2023, 5:22 PM EDT
response: Anthony,  After looking at the pictures of the leaves that you sent in it looks like your issue may be Tubakia (Actinopelte) leaf spot. Do you have any pictures of the leaf in a green state This will help in the final diagnosis.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 7:32 AM EDT
response: Photos of green leaf that has fallen from a tree. thank you for your help.

responder: Joe Lansing  Replied July 12, 2023, 7:59 AM EDT
response: Anthony, After looking at the second set of pictures, I believe your Oak tree has Tubakia (Actinopelte) leaf spot. Since this fungal disease is not a life-threatening disease to the tree. I would clean up all the infected and destroy them or place them in your trash to be disposed of. Don't you them as mulch on your property as the spores of the infected leaves can spread to other trees on your property during the following year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 10:28 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for taking the time. this has been a great experience. I will vacuum and remove.
Black Walnut branches dying

Question: I Purchased a house last December that has a black walnut tree that has a number of dead branches and currently has another branch that the leaves are turning yellow on. To my eye the dead branches seem to be randomly scattered within the tree.

The house was built in 1951 and I would guess that the tree is of a similar age. 

How concerned should I be? What if anything can I or should I do?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 14, 2023, 9:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Duane, I think you may have verticillium wilt in your tree which is bad. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/verticillium-wilt-of-trees-and-shrubs/ https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/CAES/DOCUMENTS/Publications/Fact_Sheets/Plant_Pathology_and_Ecology/VERTICILLIUMWILTOFTREESANDSHRUBSpdf.pdf It sure sounds like a text book case. Sorry, Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 15, 2023, 8:59 AM EDT
response: Thank you. From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Friday, July 14, 2023 8:51 PMTo: Duane Robeck <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Black Walnut branches dying (#0110080)
Yellowing leaves and branches

Question: Hello there, I have newly planted  shrubs and redbud tree that are yellowing on the tips of branches and leaves. I’ve been watering daily in the am. I’m confused if I’m overwatering or underwatering or? Any advice or help would be so appreciated. Thank you, Lesha

responder: Best Regards,   Replied July 11, 2023, 10:46 PM EDT
response: Dear Lesha,   Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about the yellowing on your plants. There are a number of reasons for yellowing leaves including nutritional deficiencies and watering practices. By far, the most common reason is too much or too little water, or soil pH that is not appropriate for your plants.   Too much water causes roots to die, so the plant cannot absorb nutrients, causing yellowing. With outdoor plants, too little water will often result in wilting leaves in addition to root dieback and yellowing leaves.   Different plants require different amounts of soil moisture. Plants with like needs should be grouped together in the garden.  A good way to tell if the soil needs water is with this screwdriver test:  I am attaching a white paper on watering practices. This article may also be helpful:  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12281/wateringtips.pdf  Please write again if you have any other questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 10:23 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your help Lynne! Sent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Tuesday, July 11, 2023, 7:46 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Horsetail??

Question: Can you please help me identify this grass like plant?  it has black on it and is growing in my yard at Black Bass Bay in sand/gravel.  It looks like this then looks like it burns out (turns golden and dies) like urine would burn grass.  There is a lot of green in it in the spring and then dies. It is kind of in circles when it does this.  How would i stop it from doing this?
Thank you

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2023, 9:21 AM EDT
response: I believe what you have is Dwarf Scouring Rush, Equisetum scirpoides. This typically grows in moist shaded areas.   https://lsa-miflora-p.lsait.lsa.umich.edu/family/Equisetaceae  Can you tell me more about when it turns yellow? Are you mowing this as part of your lawn? Does this section of your yard dry out around the time it yellows?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 6:23 AM EDT
response: Thank you. I think you are correct. What would be a safe and effective way to get rid of it?On Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 9:21 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 13, 2023, 1:34 PM EDT
response: Most equisetum species are resistant to herbicides. You will likely have to use something like a broadfork to loosen the soil so that you can pull the plants and their rhizomes out. It will likely take 2-3 years to fully control it. These plants like moist conditions and spread via spores and rhizome. If there is any way you can reduce the moisture by improving draining in this section of yard, it should help. Areas that are suitable for equisetum often aren't suitable for turf lawns, simply because of the amount of moisture on the site.
Honeysuckle leaves

Question: Can you please tell me what is doing this to my honeysuckle plant and how do i rectify it?
Thank you!

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied July 12, 2023, 8:43 AM EDT
response: The upper leaves show leafminer damage. Several fly species lay their eggs between the upper and lower surface of leaves, hatch into larvae and feed their before emerging as adults. No treatment is needed.  The bottom leaves shoe evidence of a piercing-sucking insect feeding. The browning could be related to that or environmental stress. It does not resemble honeysuckle blight, a more serious disease.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 6:23 AM EDT
response: Thank you. Much appreciated. On Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 8:43 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: