MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Small eggs on backside of bok choy

Question: What are these eggs and how to eliminate? We are adding better floating covers to prevent cabbage butterflies (pieris rapae). Should I use insecticidal soap, neem, or epsom salts mixes with water.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2023, 10:55 PM EDT
response: Hello Ann,  Thank you for writing to the Master Gardeners. Having the picture you sent was super helpful. I enlarged it, and those eggs have legs! It looks to me like you may have cabbage aphids in the nymph stage. The adults will appear gray or white due to a dusty, waxy secretion that covers their bodies. Cabbage aphids are found on brassicas, and bok choy is in the brassica family. What to do about them: The folks at Penn State University provide a good summary of steps the home gardener can take. I have copied their recommendations in total, but I also provide the website to credit their work and for your future reference. The website provides a good list of all that can go wrong with plants in the Chinese cabbage family. Penn State: https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/chinese-cabbage/infos "If aphid population is limited to just a few leaves or shoots then the infestation can be pruned out to provide control; check transplants for aphids before planting; use tolerant varieties if available; reflective mulches such as silver colored plastic can deter aphids from feeding on plants; sturdy plants can be sprayed with a strong jet of water to knock aphids from leaves; insecticides are generally only required to treat aphids if the infestation is very high - plants generally tolerate low and medium level infestation; insecticidal soaps or oils such as neem or canola oil are usually the best method of control; always check the labels of the products for specific usage guidelines prior to use."  I also provide a link to the UMass Amherst Extension Veggie Page on cabbage aphids. They have pictures that show the aphids in their various life stages. Their recommendations are for commercial growers. Since I don't know the size of your site, this might apply to you.  UMass Amherst: https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/fact-sheets/aphid-cabbage A note of caution: Please read and follow the label for any product you might use. Take it from someone who didn't read the neem oil directions and burned all of the leaves on my rose plants. They recovered, and I learned my lesson. Finally, if these eggs with legs turn out not to be aphids, please write back and send more pictures, and we'll try again. Good luck! Sarah

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2023, 10:37 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much!!Sent from my iPhone On Jun 27, 2023, at 10:55 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Bugs

Question: What is on the hibiscus plants on standards (topiaries)? Thank you for your support!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 23, 2023, 2:04 PM EDT
response: These are aphids.  Here is a factsheet of common pests on hibiscus http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/treepestguide/hibiscus.html  This has been a heavy year for aphids on all manner of plants due to the dry weather. Here is a great blog article from the Buckeye yard and garden line https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2169  In general aphids are a great food source for beneficial bugs. However, when populations get out of hand, sometimes you can give them some help.    If you choose to treat, keep in mine that many beneficial insects will be drawn to the hibiscus to eat the aphids and any blooms when their time comes. hand removal of bulk areas of aphids and pruning may be a great start, and then letting things like lady beetles and lacewings finish the job would be a small first step.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 2:15 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much! On Fri, Jun 23, 2023 at 2:04 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Merry T If you would like to learn more, please check out these resources. Tell us what you think, take a short survey HERE  Replied June 27, 2023, 12:25 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately you also have whiteflies.  The solution is similar to controlling aphids
Bubblegum Phlox leaves turning yellow

Question: Concerned for our phlox as the lower/inner leaves are turning yellow and dying. I’ve use Miracle Grow twice in the past month per the instructions on the product. Plants were great last year - I watered them ever four days and they thrived. I haven’t watered as much as I was told not to over water them.  I do see a small webbing on the top of one of the plants - spider mites? Any suggestions you might have would be great! Thanks! kmf

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 24, 2023, 7:51 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Kevin,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Here is a link to the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about mites and how to manage them: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/spider-mites This information states: Twospotted spider mite infestations are particularly common during hot, dry summer weather. If you scroll down, it discusses how to manage the mites.  I also worked through the "What's wrong with my plant" on the website and here is the result: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/annualperennial/phlox/ You could review this information to see if your plant has aster yellows: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/annualperennial/phlox/ Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2023, 9:27 AM EDT
response: Thanks, Maureen! I saw webbing on healthy plants (i hope they’re not next!) and I will pursue the spider mites treatment using the oils!kmfFrom The Big Raccuna On Jun 24, 2023, at 6:51 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 25, 2023, 7:42 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Leaf Crystals?

Question: Hello!
I have a greenhouse and garden with nearly all drought plants; cactus, succulents, Agaves and Yuccas.  

In the past week I’ve noticed one of my outdoor Yuccas has some crystal formations near the meristem.  It actually looks like the plant is producing it and it’s only on the newer growth.  

The closest thing that I could find online with something similar were some Yuccas that were affected at the Ruth Bancroft Gardens.  They seemed stumped but came to the conclusion the crystals were calcium oxalate formations. Also the crystals at RBG spread to nearby Yuccas that were within a couple feet of each other.  Their team of experts had never seen anything like this and I believe weren’t sure how to treat it.  

The crystals on my plant are sticky.  So much so the newer leaves are sealed together and are unable to open up.  I also noticed the leaves have yellow discoloration where the crystals have landed.  

Could my Yucca be forming the crystals as a defense mechanism from pests?  

Also, I don’t see any ants, aphids or mealy bugs on or around the plant.  

Baffled!

responder: Signe Danler, Online Home Horticulture Instructor Replied June 23, 2023, 2:59 PM EDT
response: This is a very specialized problem. You are probably now almost an expert on it! I don't have access to any more information than you can find online. I did find an extensive discussion of the problem, also referencing the info from the Ruth Bancroft garden, here at Agaveville - https://www.agaveville.org/viewtopic.php?t=400. Your crystals look exactly like those in the first post. If you look at post #13, one user seems to have had good luck with BT, indicating that it might be caused by some kind of insect. Another thing that occurs to me is guttation, when a plant exudes little droplets of  moisture. If those droplets contain a high concentration of something that can form crystals, this could happen as the droplets evaporate. I couldn't find anything relating this to Yuccas, though - excess water has other, rather obvious effects on Yuccas, which I'm sure you're familiar with. Also, crystals always bring to mind something that has been sprayed or settled on the plant. This doesn't sound like your situation, but it's worth considering.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 10:20 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the quick response!  I too saw the Agave forum previously and that’s how I discovered that Ruth Bancroft had a similar problem.  Guttation I’m not familiar with but I can rule that out as the Yucca stays dry through the summer.  And nothing has been sprayed on it either.  Such a mystery what could be causing it!  Again, thanks for taking the time to look intothe crystal formations.  If there’s anyone in the dept. who wants to look at it in person to get to the root of the problem, I’d be happy to take some cuttings.  Candi  On Jun 23, 2023, at 11:59 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Signe Danler, Online Home Horticulture Instructor Replied June 26, 2023, 11:06 AM EDT
response: I don't know of anyone researching this, but if I should hear of anyone I'll send them your way.
Purple cone flowers

Question: Is this purple cone flower infected with asters yellow?

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied June 23, 2023, 9:24 AM EDT
response: Sorry but this does look like aster yellows. Coneflowers are particularly susceptible to it. There is no remedy so you will have to pull the plant,, including the roots. Do not put it in your own compost. It will not get hot enough to kill the pathogen.  Here is some more information so you can better understand how how it is spread. There is nothing you could have done to prevent it.  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/aster-yellows#:~:text=Aster%20yellows%20is%20a%20plant,growth%2C%20and%20small%20malformed%20flowers.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 9:34 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your help with this. I appreciate it.On Fri, Jun 23, 2023 at 8:24 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 5:45 PM EDT
response: Is it ok to plant other flowers where the coneflowers were removed from?On Fri, Jun 23, 2023 at 8:34 AM Karen Chaussee <<personal data hidden>> wrote:Thank you for your help with this. I appreciate it.On Fri, Jun 23, 2023 at 8:24 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied June 23, 2023, 9:40 PM EDT
response: Yes. You can plant other flowers there. If you are looking for a prairie plant goldenrod or liatris might be nice.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 10:41 PM EDT
response: Thank you for answering my questions.On Fri, Jun 23, 2023 at 8:40 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Cortland tree disease

Question: Hello, I’ve had a Cortland apple tree for 5 years and it’s always had scab or fungus of some sort. I’ve tried spraying neem oil during budding stage with no luck. I’m considering trying another apple variety if I can’t save this one. Please help!

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 23, 2023, 11:30 AM EDT
response: What you are seeing is insect damage, not a disease.  Probably apple maggot.  Please read through this article for information.  It is too late to bag the damaged apples this year as the damage is done.  If you have some apples still okay, bag them.  Clean up and destroy all apples that drop or are affected.  Open the drop down boxes in this link:https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/apple-maggot

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 12:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the reply. Is there another apple tree Species that is less susceptible to this maggot? Or is this something that I’ll have to focus on regardless if I want to grow healthy apples?On Jun 23, 2023, at 10:30 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 23, 2023, 6:21 PM EDT
response: This insect will attack any type of apple tree, even the full size crabapples.  We just have to deal with it.  Sorry.
Spots on my pear tree leaves

Question: My previously very healthy pear tree had developed a plethora of these black and brown spots on the leaves, more noticeable on the under surfaces.  Can you tell me what it is and what I can do about it?  The first photo below is the bottom surface of the leaf.  The second one is the upper surface.

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied June 23, 2023, 6:24 PM EDT
response: Hi and thanks for your great pictures of your pear leaves. They appear to have pear scab which is a fungus that over winters on dropped leaves. I'll attach an article with more information but basically you need to dormant spray in the winter and keep the leaves and prunings picked up when they drop.   There are no sprays recommended for home use, but you could try calling an arborist if the infection is severe this year. You can also cut out the twigs and leaves affected and dispose of them in the trash (not compost) if it is not too far advanced yet.   https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/pear-pyrus-spp-scab  Hope it's a light case,

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2023, 12:44 PM EDT
response: I’m pretty surprised that after all these years with no problem that it’s popped up this year when we’ve had such a warm dry spring.  Does that make sense?On Jun 23, 2023, at 3:24 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied June 25, 2023, 7:22 PM EDT
response: Hi again. I see you live in Clackamas County like I do. You might not remember the rain we had January through the beginning of May, and then the really warm weather and then more rain. This is the perfect fungus weather as I can see from spots on soooo many of my plants including milkweed, which I've never had before! I read in the Oregonian that this is actually the perfect year for all kinds of fungus on all kinds of plants with our alternating warm and wet weather. I predict we will get to see even more unusual fungal problems if this alternation continues.  So I guess, short answer... yes, it makes sense!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 9:54 AM EDT
response: If I were to spray something on my trees now what should I use?  Something from a hose end sprayer is the easiest for me.Thanks, Greg ROn Jun 25, 2023, at 4:22 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied June 27, 2023, 11:00 AM EDT
response: Hi Greg- Looking at the article on pear scab I sent you, there is only one thing you can spray as the rest are for professional use only.    Bonide Fruit Tree and Plant Guard RTS is registered but also contains an insecticide in addition to a group 7 + 11 fungicide (see Pristine). Do not use within 21 days of harvest.  This product should be used only once or twice this summer, and not less than three weeks before you harvest your pears. You can probably find this at any plant store or even the plant section of your local shopping place. Best of luck with your pear tree,
Leaf disease on dahlia leaves

Question: This is a dahlia leaf. The background is black but there are holes in it. Tiny holes. Nothing's moving.

responder: Thank you for your question! and have a great gardening season.  Replied June 23, 2023, 8:40 PM EDT
response: I suspect your dahlias are infected by spider mites. Spider mites are very tiny, almost microscopic arachnids that feed on plant leaves. You may notice webbing on the underside of the plant leaves.  Insecticidal soap or agricultural oil will help to control spider mites. Any plant that is severely infected should be removed and disposed of. Do not compost any plant that is severely infected with spider mites.   The following article will give you more information: Coping With Spider Mites – The American Dahlia Society  Thank you for your question and have a great gardening summer.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 10:20 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!!! On Fri, Jun 23, 2023 at 8:41 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Barrel cactus has a protrusion

Question: I have had this cactus for 3 years.  I bring it inside during the winter/spring and outside summer/fall.   Can you tell me if this is a fungus?

responder: Kim C.   Replied June 28, 2023, 9:39 AM EDT
response: Hi Debra Thank you for your gardening question. That looks like a bloom stalk to me - so I would have to say congratulations! Please share a picture when it opens. I am enclosing some information on cacti. I'm also wondering if it is a saguaro cactus instead of barrel. They look similar but bloom is different. I'm also curious if bloom stalk is stretched due to lighting not being direct. Im also including a video how to tell the difference.  https://fb.watch/lrYeB09etc/?mibextid=v7YzmG https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?id=013095FA-155D-451F-670673FD5393F8D7 https://www.nps.gov/sagu/getinvolved/saguaro-flower-power-project.htm https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/indoor-cacti/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2023, 1:54 PM EDT
response: Hello and thank you for responding. I also sent my photo to Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.  They think it is an Easter Lily cactus.The bloom only lasted for 24-36 hours and the stem became pithy.  DebraCincinnati, OHOn Wed, Jun 28, 2023 at 9:39 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Kim C.   Replied June 28, 2023, 5:13 PM EDT
response: Debra, Oh what a pretty flower- too bad it didn't last longer. But I'm glad you were able to catch it. Great job! May your cactus continue to bloom for you every year.
Boxwoods

Question: We have six mature boxwoods. We lost one this spring. Went brown and died.  Leaves turning white. We treat early spring with soup drench each year. Can you help.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2023, 6:24 PM EDT
response: If you go to the website: gardening knowhow.com and go to the top of the page where the magnifying glass is and type why are the leaves turning yellow or brown on boxwood shrubs, it will give you a good explanation of the problem. You could also contact a grower and get their thoughts on the problem. Thanks for your question.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2023, 7:56 PM EDT
response: Not helpful did what you said and it brought up items to purchase.  What kind of help is this.  Please assist On Sun, Jun 25, 2023, 6:24 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2023, 10:10 AM EDT
response: I still say if you bring up website: gardeningknowhow.com and go to the top and click on the magnifying glass that is the search box and type in that box, why are there yellow or brown leaves on boxwood shrubs. On my computer there is a picture of a boxwood that has a lot of dead in it, click on that picture and it gives you a lot of information. Also type in the same box, treating cold injury in boxwood and then click on the picture, on my computer it gives a lot of information. As I stated before it is hard to figure out a problem from pictures that is why you should call a grower or someone from your extension to come out and look at your situation.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 11:10 AM EDT
response: Finally you gave me the complete website gardening knowhow instead of knowhow. Did it got to website.  Since we do soil drench in spring every year and the natorp guy said it's probably not blight or the other horrible one volutella it's probably winter damage and cut out dead stuff and let it breathe.   Thanks.On Tue, Jun 27, 2023, 10:10 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Plant insect

Question: Our garden flowers are infected with small bkacj insects shown in the attached picture. I sprayed a mite killer named Premo Guard (picture attached) but no effect. Could you tell me what kind of spray is needed to get rid of this insect?

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 June 22, 2023, 2:04 PM EDT
response: Hi,  These are actually aphids. That product's ingredients are not going to be very effective as it's just "soap" (sodium lauryl sulfate, a surfactant), table salt, and citric acid.  It would be better to squish them, blast them off with water from a hose, or use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil instead (not a home remedy). So many beneficial insects eat aphids that you don't want to use a pesticide that's too strong or long-lasting, and using one might not be needed at all. Typically predator insects will find aphid populations and take care of them on their own. You can keep watch for lady beetles and praying mantids amongst others. You can reference our webpage for information about aphids. They have been extremally abundant this year.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 7:58 PM EDT
response: Thanks for prompt advice.Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Thursday, June 22, 2023, 2:04 PM, 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 June 23, 2023, 8:36 AM EDT
response: you're welcome!
Yellow leaves on beech tree

Question: Hello,
My beech tree has developed yellow patches on some of its leaves. I've attached two photos of the problem. Is this in fact a problem? Do you know what causes this? Could it be the dry weather we've had? Should I treat this, or leave it be?
Thank you,
Kim

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 June 22, 2023, 2:25 PM EDT
response: Hello Kim,  This appears to be (minor) damage from an insect like Woolly Beech Aphid (slightly different from the Beech Blight Aphids that appear later in the season). If you look on the undersides of the leaves with pale patches you may find the insects, though they could also be already gone by now due to the work of a variety of predatory insects that feed on aphids. Their damage to the tree is inconsequential and they do not need management. The drought this year seems to have played a role (or at least coincided with) a boom in aphid numbers, and it certainly could be stressing trees of all ages, so monitoring for watering needs could help. The brown leaf spots appear to be Anthracnose and this too is minor, commonplace, and fortunately not a concern.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 2:36 PM EDT
response: Thank you Miri. I noticed my tulip poplars had a huge problem with aphids this year as well. Now I know beeches can also have a problem. Thank you for the explanation and reassurance. Kim On Thu, Jun 22, 2023 at 2:25 PM 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 June 22, 2023, 4:25 PM EDT
response: You're welcome. Indeed, aphids can feed on a very wide variety of plants (including other trees like oaks, maples, birch, etc.) but fortunately rarely cause any serious problems so can be ignored.  Miri