MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Linden invaders

Question: My Linden tree leaves have needle like protrusions perpendicular  to the leaf. They're about 1/4 inch long.
What's? Should I worry?

responder: Kind Regards,  Replied August 19, 2024, 10:56 AM EDT
response: Hi Pat,  These protrusions are called galls, and they are caused by insect larvae. In this case eriophyid mites. They are generally not harmful to a mature plant. Some control options are available, but usually not recommended or necessary. Unfortunately they just aren't very attractive. We've included some links explaining galls and how they form. Please let us know if you have any further questions!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 4:47 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your info.  I think I'll just leave the tree to fend for itself. Pat   From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Monday, August 19, 2024 8:56 AM To: Pat Ryan  Subject: Re: Linden invaders (#0150879)
Cucumber leaves dying

Question: For the last couple of years my cucumbers start off great but then leaves start turning brown and dying very early in the season - mid July. When I first noticed it, there seemed to be a patchwork of tissue damage on the underside of the leaves. Attached is a photo of one of the leaves shortly after becoming affected.

responder: Thank you for contacting us!  Replied August 12, 2024, 8:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. It appears from the picture that you have downy mildew. This is a fungal disease that does not happen every year, but for the past 2 years in Michigan, we have had the right temperatures and moisture for cucumbers to be the vector for this disease.  Countermeasures include: 1. to use drig irrigation and wide row spacing to dry the leaves and encourage good air movement. 2. trellis the plants to improve air circulation. 3. remove plants with symptoms of the disease. Throw all leaves and parts of the plant in the trash so as not to reinfect your garden. 4. Plant resistant varieties  5. There is no effective pesticide products available to home gardeners.  I have included several publications for your reference: https://extension.psu.edu/addressing-downy-mildew-and-powdery-mildew-in-the-home-garden https://extension.umn.edu/disease-management/downy-mildew-cucurbits https://www.vegetables.cornell.edu/pest-management/disease-factsheets/downy-mildew-of-cucurbits/current-management-guidelines-based-on-research-results/

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 8:24 PM EDT
response: Thank you! I took a close look at some of the resources you linked and agree this appears to be exactly what's affecting my plants. On Mon, Aug 12, 2024 at 8:12 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Mold in perennial garden

Question: I have something growing on the mulch bark in one spot in my perennial garden in amongst some zinnias, gaillardia and blonde ambition grass. The ground there is rather cool and shady. I only noticed it about 5 days ago and it easily scrapes up and is only on the surface. It is milky white and resembles a hardened spray foam. I’m guessing it is some kind of mold but I’ve never seen anything like it before. if you need any more info, I would be glad to provide it. What do you think? Thanks! Geri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 10, 2024, 1:54 PM EDT
response: I did forget to say I have removed it a couple of times, but it has come back pretty quickly. We’ had about an inch of rain since I discovered  it about a week ago. Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 10, 2024, 4:38 PM EDT
response: I did forget to say I have removed it a couple of times, but it has come back pretty quickly. We’ had about an inch of rain since I discovered  it about a week ago. Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 16, 2024, 9:46 PM EDT
response: Geri,  Thank you for your question and pictures.  This appears to be slime mold.  Below are a few interesting links provided by both Colorado State University and the University of Illinois. Please read them and let us know if you have any additional questions.  https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/insects-diseases/1435-slime-mold/ https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1222 Great pictures!  Kindly,  Kerry P Colorado Master Gardner, El Paso County
What is happening?

Question: I have gloriosa daisies, for three years. This year they came to a head, but sparatically bloomed. What could be the problem?

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied August 10, 2024, 12:28 PM EDT
response: This web page lists problems your plants could have, but none of the descriptions seem to fit.   https://www.gardenia.net/genus/rudbeckia-hirta-black-eyed-susan Is it possible that something or someone is pulling/eating the petals? The plants look healthy otherwise. What is left looks more like the start of a seed pod that develops afer blooming.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 10, 2024, 2:10 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the response, unfortunately..they never put out blooms for critters to eat. There are a few that have bloomed. It just stumps me.  On Sat, Aug 10, 2024, 11:28 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied August 11, 2024, 9:16 AM EDT
response: Hi Tammie, The first photo shows flowers with distorted petals. I think this is aster yellows, a disease spread by leaf hoppers. It can’t be cured. You should remove the plants and dispose of them. Here’s information on aster yellows: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/aster-yellows Sorry for the bad news. Thanks.
willow desease

Question: We have a weeping willow that has some kind of fungus and need help with treatment options.  See attached.

responder: Aaron Steil  Replied August 14, 2024, 4:00 PM EDT
response: Based on what I can see in these photos, this appears to be sooty mold.  Sooty mold can be found on or below plants infested with sap sucking insects, especially aphids and soft scale, which produce a sugary secretion called honeydew. This honeydew drips down onto leaves and branches providing a food source for the sooty mold fungi to grow.  It is not a disease and does not infect living plant tissue.  Abundant sooty mold can reduce photosynthesis but does not harm the plant in any other way.  There is no need to manage or spray for the sooty mold but it is an indication of another type of problem - insects.  It will be important to observe the leaves and branches of this tree for insects.  Once those insects are found, they can be treated. Pests that create honeydew include aphids, adelgids, leafhoppers, whiteflies, mealybugs, psyllids, and soft scale insects. Although many of these insects can fly or jump, they need to remain fairly sedentary while feeding, and therefore are likely to be found close to honeydew residue - often just above the areas with sooty mold.  Once the source of the honeydew is under control, the sooty mold will eventually wash off.    If no insects can be found, then they are no longer present and the amount of sooty mold should not be increasing.  If no insects are present, there is no need to spray any insecticide.  These references can help you potentially identify what may be producing the honeydew that the sooty mold is growing on.   https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2031-10 https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-29/E-29.html  --Aaron

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 19, 2024, 8:53 PM EDT
response: There are no insects now and I don't recall seeing any in the 4 years we have had the  tree.  Any other possibilities?

On 8/14/2024 at 3:00 PM, "Ask Extension" <ask> wrote:
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responder: Aaron Steil  Replied August 20, 2024, 8:27 AM EDT
response: The next step would be to submit a sample to the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic.  You can find more information on that here: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/pidc  --Aaron
ID of large weed (?)

Question: Showed up last summer on my wooded border and came back this summer even bigger.  Is now over 5 ft tall.  Reddish woody looking stalks, white flowers that turn to green clusters.  I want to tear it out but curious what it is first.

responder: V/r,  Replied August 11, 2024, 10:11 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, Looks like pokeweed.  A systemic herbicide, such as glyphosate or 2, 4-D, can be applied to pokeweed foliage in late summer. It will be taken down into the root. A more targeted approach would be to cut the plant near the ground and apply undiluted herbicide to the wound. The herbicide has a shorter trip into the taproot. Remember to always read the label for specific application sites, precautions and mix rates.  Common Pokeweed Identification and Management (psu.edu) Native Plant of the Week: American Pokeweed | Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum (umich.edu)  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 11, 2024, 11:30 AM EDT
response: Thanks very much, that is definitely it.  I see that there are others in the woods nearby and will be removing them today!
Is this Cucumber Mosaic Virus and could it come from seeds?

Question: I planted 5 Chelsea Prize hybrid cucumber plants all from the same seed source, 3 from transplants I started indoors and 2 direct seeded in 4 different locations (1 transplant each in separate raised beds across from one another separated by an arched trellis, 1 transplant in a raised bed along with several summer squash plants, and 2 direct sown in a 10 gallon fabric pot). I also planted Marketmore and Spacemaster cucumbers direct sown from seed in separate fabric grow bags which do not show any disease. I came home after 7 days of vacation to find all of the Chelsea Prize cucumbers  with yellowing of the leaves with curling and drooping and stunted fruit as shown in the photographs. One grow bag with cantaloupes adjacent to the cucumbers was also affected. I pulled out all of the plants and put them in the garbage. Do you think this is cucumber mosaic virus? Since there was no evidence of disease on the other cultivars of cucumbers, yet all of the of Chelsea Prize hybrid plants showed evidence of the disease, is it possible that the seeds were infected? I still have some of the seeds from this packet.

responder: Dick M.  Replied August 10, 2024, 9:16 PM EDT
response: It appears you may have Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) which has one of the largest host ranges of all plant viruses, including nearly 1,200 plant species worldwide. It is often confused with  tobacco mosaic, tomato mosaic or herbicide damage.  The disease is transmitted by aphids but seems to overwinter in perennial weeds (and maybe seeds).  Sanitation is very important in the garden and with tools. Selecting genetically-resistant crop varieties to plant is the best option to prevent the disease from occurring.  Read the articles in the attached links: https://extension.psu.edu/cucumber-mosaic-virus https://extension.sdstate.edu/understanding-and-managing-cucumber-mosaic-virus https://u.osu.edu/vegetablediseasefacts/tomato-diseases/high-tunnel-diseases/cucumber-mosaic/ - open the pdf file for info https://pddc.wisc.edu/2016/10/31/cucumber-mosaic/ https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/cucumber-pumpkin-squash-cucumber-mosaic-virus/ Positive ID would need to be made by submitting samples to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics (Plant & Pest Diagnostics-MSU)

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 11, 2024, 7:14 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your response! It was very helpful. Regards, Julie A. Kovach, MD, MSEd, FACC, FASE           Sent from my iPhone  On Aug 10, 2024, at 9:16 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Large Cockroach Bug

Question: We live in the country around Turner, Oregon. Over the last week we’ve seen three of these large cockroach like bugs. Two were on our outdoor movie screen while watching a movie and the other was dead inside our pump house. Can you help identify?

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied August 15, 2024, 8:42 AM EDT
response: Hi Bryce, Those are impressively large beetles rather than cockroaches. They are normal residents here and are no threat to humans or pets. They are some of the largest insects we have in the Pacific Northwest.  The beetle in your photos is a long-horned beetle (family Cerambycidae). This particular one is in the subfamily Prioninae, which has some of the largest species in the family. And this one is in the genus is Prionus, which is recognized by the form of the antennal segments. Adults are out and about from June until September. They are generally nocturnal, and can be attracted by lights.   Adult female Prionus beetles lay eggs in the soil at the bases of plants. After hatching, the larvae, commonly called roundheaded borers, tunnel into and feed on the plant roots and crowns. Because the larvae are plant root borers, beetles in this genus are sometimes considered pests, but they are mainly only problems in orchards when there are a lot of them around. One species that occurs around here, called the California root borer (Prionus californicus), attacks a wide range of plants including grapes, hops, fruit trees, caneberries, Douglas-firs, oaks, willows and poplars/cottonwoods. Other Prionus species are more particular about the types of plants they will feed upon.  The larvae can take several years to complete their development and can get up to about 3 inches long. Mature larvae pupate in the soil, and after a while the adults emerge. Because the larval stage is the most damaging to plants, this is the stage that people may want to try to control. However, because the larvae are protected within plant tissue that’s down in the ground, they are difficult to control, even with pesticides.  Since these beetles are native here, if you are not noticing a lot of these or damage to your plants, I would just appreciate these beetles for their beauty and impressive size.  Enjoy!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 15, 2024, 10:47 AM EDT
response: Thank you Bill! So appreciate knowing and the thorough reply - appreciate you guys :)  On Thu, Aug 15, 2024 at 5:42 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Skipper butterfly

Question: Are Skipper butterflies native to MN

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 10, 2024, 3:24 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question and amazing pictures of a Dakota Skipper. Did you take these pictures? It is considered endangered in the United States and is the focus of conservation efforts by the Minnesota Zoo. According to Xerces Society, this butterfly is not native to only Minnesota but was once found in the upper Midwest area. It is now found in Minnesota into the Dakotas. Here is more information from the Xerces Society: Dakota Skipper | Xerces Society

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 10, 2024, 4:02 PM EDT
response: Yes I took the pictures on 8/9/24 in Chokio MN   On Sat, Aug 10, 2024, 2:24 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 11, 2024, 5:36 PM EDT
response: Great pictures of a rare butterfly!
Shrub for Denver Part to Full Shade

Question: Hi. We just removed some trees in a shaded part of our back yard. We'd like to plant a shrub that would grow to 10-15 ft that would thrive in the spot that has been opened up to give us some privacy from our backyard neighbors. There's plenty of width to take up. I'm wonder if you have a suggestion of what we could put in there that would grow to that height in a relatively short period of time. Thanks!

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied August 13, 2024, 2:11 PM EDT
response: Looking at your photo, there are a few possibilities.  Two to three vertical  yews might work which could provide privacy even in the winter.  Also, red osier dogwood would fit the  space but does lose its leaves in the  winter. Most shade plants require more than average water to thrive.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2024, 4:13 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the info! I’ll pick up a couple yews per your suggestion.On Aug 13, 2024, at 12:11 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Diseased tree

Question: I realize this tree is very sick however I do not know the cause or treatment. 
I suspect it has to do with our  wet summer.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied August 11, 2024, 9:29 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Kathleen,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  From viewing your photo, it appears your tree has a leaf spot disease. I am unable to determine what type of tree it is?  You have not given me many details.  Is the entire tree damaged? Are branches dying or is it just leaves with spots?  Are the pest holes in the trunk on the same tree?  Have you identified any pests around/in the tree?  Please click on the following link about leaf spots: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs  We have had many leaf spot diseases due to our wet summer weather. Please read through the details of the information for management of the problem.  You might consider sending more photos of the entire tree, the trunk at ground level and a branch clearly showing several leaves.  Was the tree watered during the past few years of drought?  Does it receive full sun?  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 19, 2024, 9:02 AM EDT
response: Good morning.I contacted you because I don’t know much about trees and don’t know what kind of tree it is. A friend of mine said it’s a chokecherry tree…Yes I believe the entire tree is damaged & the branches do seem to be dying. Yes the pest holes are from the same tree and no I haven’t identified any pests near the tree. Attached are more photos of the tree. I have to send another email because it says too many files. Thank you Kathy Trach Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Sunday, August 11, 2024, 8:29 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied August 21, 2024, 7:56 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Kathleen,  Again, I believe the tree has a leaf spot disease.  I did not receive any additional photos.  Here is another link about borers from the Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/borers It appears that some type of borer has invaded the tree trunk. This time of year, late August, the leaves will start to drop soon.   Good Luck!
Shriveling gourds

Question: What could be causing my gourds to turn brown before maturing? They are grown in a raised bed with other squash and the other plants are all thriving.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 5:05 PM EDT

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 August 12, 2024, 9:46 AM EDT
response: Squash and gourds, (and even pumpkins) are all related as members of the Cucurbitaceae family.  There are multiple problems that this plant family can have but given the recent very warm and wet weather, this is likely choelenifera rot, which you can learn more about here:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/key-common-problems-squash/           Christine
HOW MUCH FLARE ROOT TO EXPOSE

Question: I’ve recently learned that we should pull soil away from the flare roots of trees, especially mature trees like this ancient oak.  How much of the flare root am I supposed to uncover, and how far out, and what kind of tool to use?

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied August 13, 2024, 7:58 AM EDT
response: This looks about right—about 8 to 12+ inches is minimum.  More is better to give the tree more area for moisture to absorb without the competition from the grass.  Added mulch of about 4 inches will give an even better result by holding moisture close to the tree roots. Small hand tools like you are using are good for excavating the root flare.  Use a scraping motion versus digging.  A wisk broom can also be helpful once the soil is loosened up.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 13, 2024, 9:55 AM EDT
response: Thanks Mary.On Aug 13, 2024, at 6:58 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied August 13, 2024, 1:14 PM EDT
response: You are welcome. Glad to help!
Help me save my Oak Tree

Question: We purchased a Red Oak about 3 years ago and had it delivered and planted.  It was about 10 to 15 years old so about 15 ft tall at the time.  This year we noticed many dead leaves on the lower branches, unfortunately I did not take a picture before I trimmed most of the dead branches off this morning.  When I was cleaning the grass from under the tree I noticed a root girdleing half the tree.  So far, I used Plant-tone fertizer around the tree, cleaned the grass out, and am doing a water drip on it.  Any advise would be welcome.  Do to the size we paid a heavy price and do not want it lost.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura 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 09, 2024, 2:57 PM EDT
response: Hello Firstly, get some latex house paint and go out and paint all the cuts you made on the tree this morning. Do this right now.  Cut made on oaks this time of year could attract beetles that carry oak wilt fungi. The paint seals the cuts and  may help prevent oak wilt, a deadly disease of oaks, if your tree does not yet have the disease. Next, I will refer your question to our oaks expert. You will receive more information in a second reply.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 4:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  Painting is done.Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android  On Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 2:57 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Julie Crick  Replied August 12, 2024, 10:20 AM EDT
response: Hello, First, I attached a bulletin about oak wilt for your reading pleasure. Glad you painted the pruning wounds! I think the brown leaves may be due to tubakia leaf spot? More information is at the link below: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/tubakia-actinopelte-leaf-spot/ As stated, the fungal complex rarely kills the tree. Be sure to dispose of the fallen leaves as well as the branches you pruned in the trash, or burn them if and when it is safe to do so.   Due to the value of the tree, I would recommend calling an arborist to take a look at the girdling root before it becomes an issue. Arborists are certified through the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA. ISA maintains a website that makes it easy to find an arborist in your area: https://www.treesaregood.org/  Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 10:58 AM EDT
response: Thank you.  I'm contacting an arborist.Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android  On Mon, Aug 12, 2024 at 10:21 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: