MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Plant Identification

Question: I tilled one of my feed plots in July and planted the field in barsica and bonar rape.  this plant, which I have not seen before, exploded and covered the entire field.  It looks familiar to a brassica, but I am not sure which type.  Can you help me identify this plant?  I am not sure if the seed company substituted the wrong type of seed (radish for rape) or if the plant is something invasive like creeping yellow cress.

responder: *Please Note: If there is mention of trade names in this response, it is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement of one product over another, nor is discrimination intended against any product.  Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Please contact us again with any gardening questions you may have, or call the MSUE State Hotline at 1-888-678-3464  Replied September 17, 2024, 12:00 PM EDT
response: Hello John, I found a few plants that might match your plant. I don't believe that it is Bonar rape. The description didn't match what I saw in your photo. It does have some of the same features as:  Turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa 'Seven Top').   Marsh cress: https://extension.umass.edu/weed-herbarium/weeds/rorippa-palustris It does appear that it may be creeping yellowcress (Rorippa sylvestris). It's in the mustard family. It has a yellow flower and is an invasive weed found in much of the U.S. It is aggressive and, once established, is difficult to get rid of in lawns and gardens. It is a problem weed in fields and nurseries. See the following links for more information. https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=433&common=Creeping+yellowcress  https://www.oregon.gov/oda/shared/Documents/Publications/Weeds/CreepingyellowcressProfile.pdf  I do think creeping yellowcress is the closest match to the plant in your photo. If you have questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to contact us again.  Have a great week.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 18, 2024, 12:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you Margo.  I went ahead a killed it all with glyphosate and replanted.On Tue, Sep 17, 2024, 12:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
new tree limbs/branches drooping

Question: I have a tree the development planted a year ago in July.  it's limbs are droopy, every person (child or adult) that walks on the sidewalk has to either walk around it or grabs it as they walk.  I am looking for a way to support these branches.  it's growing well, i want it to survive the daily torture it's getting from the neighborhood.  I have reached out to the developer about the type of tree, they said they did not know.  I know we are suppose to be a uniform development but of the two trees they planted the curb on is different,  two other neighbors have a similar tree and situation  not the best picture.. sorry i'm working and my patient load is high tonight

responder: Weld County Colorado Master Gardeners Replied September 13, 2024, 5:24 PM EDT
response: Hi, this is Steve and thank you for your Ask Extension question. I am not sure what the variety of tree is, at first, I thought it was a locust, but that is just a guess. Any attempt to tie the branches up so people can walk under it would be short term. I believe your best option is to prune the branches which are causing the problem. Branches opposite the sidewalk would need to be pruned also in order to make the tree look balanced. Given the tree is still small, pruning could be a do-it-yourself job. Here is a publication discussing when and how to prune. https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1724-pruning-shade-trees/  You could also reach out to a certified arborist to perform the pruning if you don’t feel comfortable. You can find these arborist at www.treesaregood.org. There is a search feature on that website to enter your zip code to find these professionals. Again, thank you for your question and if you ever have other landscape issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 17, 2024, 4:37 PM EDT
response: Thank you Marie Richardson DNP, APRN, FNP-C On Sep 13, 2024, at 3:24 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Weed I cannot identify

Question: This plant has multiple thin red branches with bumps all along them. They grow quite a lot higher than the leaves. The leaves are clustered in the center of the plant and are green with dark smudges.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 13, 2024, 9:38 PM EDT
response: Hi Sandra, Boy, I know I have seen that as well but I don't know what it's called; https://extension.umn.edu/weed-management/weed-identification#annual-weeds-2367510 I'm sorry, I am failing you on this question. I'll send it out to see if any one can identify it. Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 19, 2024, 4:17 PM EDT
response: I appreciate your efforts. Now I’m really curious! - Sandy   From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 8:38 PM To: Sandra Bingen  Subject: Re: Weed I cannot identify (#0154802)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 20, 2024, 9:29 PM EDT
response: Sandra, Another MG has suggested that the weed is Jumpseed ;  https://www.google.com/search?q=jumpseed&oq=jumpseed&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyBwgBEC4YgAQyBwgCEAAYgAQyBwgDEAAYgAQyBwgEEAAYgAQyBwgFEAAYgAQyBwgGEAAYgAQyBggHEEUYPNIBCDM5NDRqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8  https://www.google.com/search? q=jumpseed&oq=jumpseed&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyBwgBEC4YgAQyBwgCEAAYgAQyBwgDEAAYgAQyBwgEEAAYgAQyBwgFEAAYgAQyBwgGEAAYgAQyBggHEEUYPNIBCDM5NDRqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Asters yellow?

Question: Hello, my coneflowers started showing this odd growth and I want to know if it's asters yellow or just end of season oddball growth.

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 11, 2024, 12:49 PM EDT
response: It's hard to tell from this example, but the flower aberration does resemble the odd bloom outgrowths common to Aster Yellows symptoms. Sometimes, though, activity from Coneflower Rosette Mite can be easily confused for Aster Yellows, and the mites are not a serious or untreatable issue the way the pathogen's infection is.  For now, if you're not certain, you can just wait to see how the plant fares next year as it reblooms. If you're wary, though, the plant can be removed and disposed of. The virus-like pathogen causing Aster Yellows doesn't remain behind in the soil, so you could replant in that location, but the insect that is capable of transmitting the pathogen could always bring new infections in a future year, as there is no practical way to prevent that from happening.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 11, 2024, 12:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you! On Wed, Sep 11, 2024 at 12:49 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 September 11, 2024, 1:20 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Grass Trouble

Question: Hi,  I am having trouble with my lawn.  I have brown blades and patches of grass mixed in with the green stuff.  I dethatched in early May, fertilized in spring, weed and feed and applied grub treatment in July, and water regularly.  Soil is a primarily sand with pockets of clay. Please advise

responder: Thank you for your question! Tenley H. Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener VolunteerYou 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 September 13, 2024, 4:33 PM EDT
response: Hi Gary- Looking closely at the photos that you submitted, I believe that your lawn suffers from a fungus driven disease known as Gray Leaf Spot. It is caused by Pyricularia grisea. It affects perennial ryegrass and St. Augustinegrass, causing irregular coloring, browning and spotting of the lawn. The pathogen overwinters as spores and dormant mycelium in the lower leaves of the plant. When warmer weather and high humidity occur, wind and water will carry the spores to healthy plants. It is best controlled when symptoms first appear, and even before they appear.  Your application of fertilizer, while recommended, needs proper timing, avoiding nitrogen application before and during the months of July and August. Watering during the day is a good practice, this allows the blades of grass to fully dry, reducing the severity of the disease. Avoid overwatering.  If the pressures of the disease are high, then cultural practices (watering schedule, no nitrogen fertilizers, high mowing height +3”) will not arrest the fungus, and a fungicide may be called for.  I have attached two articles that address the disease Gray Leaf Spot.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/gray-leaf-spot?language_id=#gallery https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-3083

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 13, 2024, 4:53 PM EDT
response: Thanks!Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Friday, September 13, 2024, 16:33, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question! Tenley H. Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener VolunteerYou 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 September 13, 2024, 6:05 PM EDT
response: You are welcome!!

responder: Thank you for your question! Tenley H. Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener VolunteerYou 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 September 14, 2024, 4:39 PM EDT
response: Hi Gary-  I should have added to my reply to your question:  Disease diagnosis is difficult online through pictures, and while yours appears to be Gray Leaf Spot, you could also send a sod sample to the MSU Plant Diagnostics Lab for a confirmed diagnosis.  The lab website has instructions on how to send a sample-- http://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
Fir Tree Trouble

Question: Hi,  I have 3 - 12 foot Balsam Fir trees with tips starting to turn to copper colored and 2 sections where the entire branch is turning brown.  I tested for spider mites and did not find any on the paper.  Please advise. Thanks.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 16, 2024, 9:31 AM EDT
response: Hello,  Thank you for your question.  It would be helpful to get a little more information.   How long have the trees been there for?  Are they recently planted?  Do all three trees have similar symptoms or is it limited to one of the trees?   What type of soil do you have?  Have you down a soil test (Soil testing instructions using MSU Extension’s Home Lawn and Garden Soil Test Mailer - Gardening in Michigan ) or know what your soil pH is?   The yellowing/bronzing on new shoots can be indicated of a nutrient deficiency.  Is that problem uniform throughout the tree or located on one side?

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 16, 2024, 9:53 AM EDT
response: Here we go.  The trees have been there for 6 years.  Two of the trees have symptoms, the one closest to the road does not.  The soil is a mixture of sandy areas with pockets of clay.  I have not had a soil test.  The damaged areas on the two trees are on the west side of the trees and the damage appears limited to the lower third.  The two trees with damage are more of a yellow green color in general than the healthy one.  Also, I will be treating the grass near the trees for gray leaf spot.Thanks,GarySent from AT&T Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Monday, September 16, 2024, 09:32, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 16, 2024, 10:40 AM EDT
response: The damage being located on the west side of the tree may indicate that is environmental driven stress.  You could send a sample branch to the MSU Diagnostic lab (Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)) to have evaluated for signs of insects/disease).   A soil test may also be useful in determining current soil nutrition and pH.  Balsam fir requires an acidic soil (5.0-6.0) and in an area with an elevated soil pH trees can exhibit off green/yellow of needles on trees.  Are these trees receiving any fertilizer in the spring?  Do you know about how much (rate?)?
Egg masses on Brussel Sprouts

Question: What is laying these egg masses (I guess that’s what they are) on my Brussels sprouts. The eggs seem to be connected with a light webbing.

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 11, 2024, 1:20 PM EDT
response: These are actually silken cocoons, not eggs, and they are a made by a beneficial insect, likely a small (stingless) wasp. Such wasps consume other insects (probably a caterpillar in this case) before maturing to this stage; they might soon exit the cocoon as an adult wasp, if they haven't already, or they might remain tucked inside for the winter and hatch in spring. Since they already consumed the caterpillar (or whatever other minor pest may have been feeding on the plant), no action needs to be taken. The silk that keeps them from blowing away will wear off on its own, and you can brush them off with your fingers if you prefer or if they're attached to any plant parts you want to harvest.  The primary type of caterpillar which feeds on members of the cabbage family (including Brussels sprouts) is a type of non-native butterfly, the Cabbage White (also named Imported Cabbageworm). Management of these caterpillars is fairly simple, and the linked Cabbageworm page also includes tips for preventing them from getting on the plants in the first place, such as using row cover or insect mesh netting to cover the plants after they're put in the ground. The cover will let in enough light for good growth, but will keep the adult butterfly from laying eggs on the leaves.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 11, 2024, 1:41 PM EDT
response: Great information!  Thanks. Robert  Master Gardener UME Baltimore City Master Gardener Program

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 11, 2024, 1:46 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
New sod turned up at corners

Question: We installed new sod on bare prepared soil in mid-August. I have been watering it regularly since then. We had to leave town last Friday and returned late Monday night. I asked my neighbor to water it - not sure if she did. Yesterday I watered it for about an hour, and this morning a lot of the sod is curled up. It doesn’t appear to have rooted into the soil. Any explanation? Too much underlying thatch? Overwatered in the past? What hasn’t it rooted and why would it curl up now? How can I get it to take root?

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied September 15, 2024, 10:04 PM EDT
response: The damage to your sod is likely from raccoons. They will peel back turf to eat grubs and other insects. One way to control is placement of pegs in each corner. The raccoons are challenged to pull up the pegs. After a few weeks the roots should begin growing into the ground and pegs can be removed. Below is a link to information about raccoon (and skunk) damage to lawns.   https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/managing-skunk-and-raccoon-damage-lawns#:~:text=In%20late%20summer%20and%20fall,behind%20a%20torn%2Dup%20mess.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 16, 2024, 2:02 AM EDT
response: Thanks! Ha! After thinking about it, I had suspected raccoons. I’m going to insert loads of staples. I had inserted some wires with flags that are used to mark utility lines and also used coyote urine granules but those didn’t deter the rascals. I’ll mark the staples with a little duct tape or electrical tape so I can remove them once the grass takes root. Wow, reading the info you sent convinced me not to plant sweet corn! Appreciatively,DoreenSent from my iPhone On Sep 15, 2024, at 9:04 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Shaded Bank ground cover.

Question: Hello,
We have a home in Pentwater, MI. It is shaded/sandy/loom soil.  We have a bank on the west side of our home that needs some sort of ground cover or wild flowers, if possible. We don’t want to maintain/mow this area.   We  would appreciate any suggestions you would have.

responder: You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Any advertising in the references attached does not imply MSU endorses any of the brands or retailers.  Replied September 14, 2024, 10:18 AM EDT
response: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. From the picture you provided it looks like a pretty large area to fill. There will be a few things to think about as you consider plants: Sunlight - You mentioned it is shaded. If it is shaded for most of the day, wildflowers could be difficult to grow as they are mostly full sun plants.  Water - Does this area get any supplemental water? If not, you may need to look at more drought tolerant plants. Upkeep – You mentioned you don’t want to maintain or mow this area. Maybe consider some small or spreading evergreens or shrubs with mulch. Other factors – Do you have any issues with deer? If so, be sure to select plants that are deer resistant. Here are a couple of articles that discuss groundcover options: https://conservancy.umn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/df6555d7-465f-4a2b-be15-8451a804557b/content https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/alternatives-to-lawn-groundcovers/ https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/ground-covers-gardens

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 14, 2024, 10:58 AM EDT
response: Hi, Yes, it is a large area. About 44’ long x  12’/14’ deep.  There are lots of city deer that eat plants. 2 hr or less sun. Need drought-resistant plants because of sandy/ loamy ground along with large trees sucking moisture out. We don't want to mow this area so we need a ground cover for the above-mentioned conditions. No scrubs or evergreens.  Would appreciate your specific ground cover selections for this given area in Pentwater, MI. Thank you in advance.  Julie

responder: You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Any advertising in the references attached does not imply MSU endorses any of the brands or retailers.  Replied September 16, 2024, 11:11 AM EDT
response: Below are a couple of suggestions for ground covers that will tolerate dry shade and are deer resistant. However, nothing is totally maintenance free and every new planting needs watering until roots are established. It can also take several years for the area to completely fill in depending on how many plants you start with. Vinca minor (also known as periwinkle or myrtle) – Blue flowers in spring. Sweet Woodruff – Pretty groundcover with white fragrant flowers. A final alternative for minimal maintenance would be 2-3 inches deep of wood or pine needle mulch, topped up each year, and pulled away from the trunks of the trees.
Oak tree diseases

Question: Red oak has blue/green scales on various limbs . What is it and is it treatable?

responder: Thank you for your question! Nancy M.MSU Extension Advanced Master Gardener  Replied September 11, 2024, 11:42 AM EDT
response: What you have growing on your Red Oak is not scale. It is lichen. What is lichen? Lichen are most often found on tree branches and tree trunks. The lichen is using the tree for access to sunlight. Lichen growing on a tree does not kill or harm the tree. No treatment is necessary for this. The following articles will offer some additional information about exactly lichen is:https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/2021/05/25/lichens-all-around/https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_are_lichens_and_what_are_they_doing_on_my_treehttps://plantclinic.tamu.edu/2014/04/29/are-lichens-killing-your-trees/

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 12, 2024, 9:46 AM EDT
response: THANK YOU!!! On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 11:42:55 AM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:
Birch tree problem

Question: We had two Frost Birch planted 5 years ago at 12-14' height, multi stem flanking our front walkway,

This spring the main leaders started to die back with leaf loss.

We just had the trees topped to hopefully try to stop their demise.  They are watered via an automatic irrigation system.

Do you know what this is and how we can treat this?

responder: Thank you for your question! Nancy M.MSU Extension Advanced Master Gardener  Replied September 11, 2024, 12:01 PM EDT
response: In doing a bit of quick research, I found that, apparently, top dieback on birch trees is not unheard of, and is usually the work of something called the bronze birch borer.  Branch die back and leaf drop can be a symptom of damage by bronze birch borers when the die back occurs in the upper branches first. These pest beetles bore into the wood of birch trees, creating mazes that disrupt the flow of food and water in the tree. Bronze birch borer infestations kill birch trees slowly, starting from the top and working their way down. Engaging a Certified Arborist to do an on-site assessment of the general health of the trees and to recommend a course of further action would be very helpful. Such a person would possibly be able to apply a pest killer and remove any further infected branches.  I suggest a Certified Arborist because they must pass a test and must acquire continuing education. You can locate such individuals at http://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist.aspx The following articles will provide you with additional information:http://www.ipm.msu.edu/green_industry/landscape/bronze_birch_borerhttps://www.ag.ndsu.edu/bqa/cpr/forestry/widespread-dead-and-dying-birch-trees-06-10-21https://facilities.uw.edu/blog/posts/2018/09/07/whats-killing-birch-trees I hope you are able to save your trees.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 11, 2024, 12:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your advice! Craig Okerstrom-LangLandscape ArchitectSuttons Bay, MIOn Wed, Sep 11, 2024 at 12:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Bugs

Question: Can you please identify these bugs found in my washer and my dryer lint collector .

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 10, 2024, 9:28 PM EDT
response: can you please identify these insects that  I found in my wash machine and dryer vent .

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 12, 2024, 10:35 PM EDT
response: Still waiting a response .  Thank you

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied September 15, 2024, 8:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out, again, regarding your photos of bugs. I can tell they are a beetle but unfortunately the photo does not allow much detail to be seen. Carpet beetles can be in a home - they are typically brown rather than black. If you are able to get more detailed photos I may be able to identify.