MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Princess Kay Plum diseased leaves

Question: We planted a Princess KayPlum this past spring. We’ve kept it well-watered, but it is showing signs of disease. Several leaves have numerous lacy holes in them. We DO have those nasty Japanese beetles in our rose bush, but I haven’t seen any on the new plum. Any ideas what could be happening? Thanks

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 22, 2024, 5:53 PM EDT
response: Hi Krisann,  Yes, all plums (ornamental and edible) are a host for Japanese beetles and this does look like their feeding injury. They make the leaves look "lacy". They may only be occasionally feeding and finding other plants that are more tasty in your landscape.  Hand picking can be very effective, if you're able to reach most of the leaves. You can also use BeetleGon or BeetleJus (mixed with 4 oz per gallon of water) and spray it on the tree. This might be hard to get good coverage, depending on the size of the tree, but it stops the beetles from feeding and they die of a horrific stomach ache (and prevents them from mating). https://www.gurneys.com/product/beetlejus-for-ornamental-and-vegetable-pests  You would need to reapply this every few days because the product breaks down in UV light.  Or you can just let the beetles take their course. The tree will still survive; it will just look bad for the rest of the season.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 6:15 PM EDT
response: Thanks very much for your reply.  I called the nursery where we purchased the tree and they, too, say it’s the dang Japanese Beetle. They are suggesting a Tree & Shrub drench which is mixed with water and poured at the base of the tree. They said that they’ve had success diminishing beetle damage with this drench.    I think we’ll try this first.  Thanks again for your help, Krisann Corcoran    On Mon, Jul 22, 2024 at 3:53 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 22, 2024, 6:33 PM EDT
response: Hi Krisann,  What product do they recommend and what is the active ingredient? There are some things that can work, but they may harm beneficials, like pollinators, if applied where there are flowering plants below the tree.  The benefit of the BeetleGon/BeetleJus is that it only affects Japanese beetle and other pest insects. It's not harmful to beneficials.   But please proceed with what you feel is best. The soil drench will need to be thoroughly watered in and it will take time for the product to make its way to the leaves of the tree.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 7:49 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the advice!  On Mon, Jul 22, 2024 at 4:33 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Coneflower- aster yellows or e. mites?

Question: Weird green growths coming out of coneflower cones and also sort of spider-webby gunk within the cones of others. If itâ€™s those mites, the sites Iâ€™ve read say I can just cut off the blooms. If itâ€™s aster yellows, I need to pull the whole plant apparently . The leaves donâ€™t seem particularly yellowing, maybe somewhatâ€¦
Or could it be both?!
Thanks!

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 22, 2024, 10:04 AM EDT
response: The spider-webby stuff is not of concern- it looks like spider webbing or perhaps some caterpillar silk. However, you are correct- the weird green growths on the flower heads are a clear,Â classic symptom (that comes before yellow leaves)Â of Aster Yellows disease.Â  Here is our page with more information: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/aster-yellows-disease-flowers/ You are correct that that particular plant should be dug out along with some soil margins, put in a bag and put in the trash.  I removed a diseased plant from a large grouping of themÂ last year and have not seen it spread to others in theÂ bed, so there is some reason to hope, at least so far.  Good luck.  Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2024, 9:03 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much!!  On 07/22/2024 10:04 AM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Â   Â

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 29, 2024, 11:43 AM EDT
response: You're welcome. We are happy to help.
Shadblow serviceberry fungus?

Question: I have a shadblow serviceberry that has something going on with it. Can you help me identify it or suggest how to treat 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 22, 2024, 10:52 AM EDT
response: Hi,  These look like mostly dried old rust galls. This is a common ailment of Serviceberry. The best thing to do is to prune out the infection. Fungicide isn't typically recommended or warranted on single tree in home owner settings for a few reason. It can be costly, you would need to apply early in the spring before the sign of infection and then repeatedly per label directions about every 7-14 days depending on the product, and usually it isn't fool proof. Repeated use of fungicide can be harmful to pollinators and can disrupt beneficial soil microbes.  This type of rust needs a host and eastern red cedar trees exchange the fungal spores with serviceberry and other trees in the rosacea family (chokeberry, hawthorn, crabapples etc). You can read more about it from our webpage, Rust Disease on Trees and this helpful Ohio state blog article: Are we Poised for the Return of “Cheetos Dust?” It looks like you specifically have Cedar Quince Stem Canker Rust. Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 5:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you! They definitely look like the galls in the articles. I have set a reminder to inspect for them in late March every year so I can prune them off.  I have another question, I have a flowering dogwood sapling (about 2' tall) that I planted this spring. It had started to grow some new leaves, but I was on vacation during the heatwave in the second week of June and I am pretty sure it got fried. What few leaves it had, are completely dried and shriveled up. I've kept it moist over the past month. Do you think there's any chance it might revive or is it probably gone for good?   On Mon, Jul 22, 2024 at 10:52 AM 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 23, 2024, 8:56 AM EDT
response: It's hard to say, but based on your description, the dogwood is probably too weakened or suffered too much branch dieback to recuperate, unfortunately. Dogwoods do not have great drought tolerance, and a young or newly-installed plant (one in the ground less than a year or two) would be more vulnerable to drying out too much than an established plant. If you wanted to see if it regrows, new foliage might not appear until spring. Otherwise, you can replant at any time, as long as it can be monitored for watering needs.  Miri
Rose Bush Issues

Question: We have a rose bush that is about 5 years old. I cut it back in February and in spring it grew fast and sprouted many flowers. The last flower fell off recently and there are no new buds blooming plus the leaves are a dull green, starting to curl and have minimal brown spots. What should we do? See two attached pictures.

responder: MJ Replied July 20, 2024, 3:32 PM EDT
response: Hi Tom,  Have you used any fertilizer or sprays on this plant or has weed killer been used in the area? Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2024, 4:21 PM EDT
response: I used Miracle Grow a few weeks ago but no other sprays.     Tom  On 07/20/2024 2:32 PM CDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied July 21, 2024, 9:42 AM EDT
response: Hi again, To encourage blooming cut off the faded flowers. If you leave them on the plant puts energy into making seeds rather than reblooming. With all the rain we’ve had the rose may have chlorosis. Very wet soils inhibit the plant’s ability to take up nutrients from the soil.  https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/chlorosis/ Chlorosis rarely kills a plant. If your rose has looked fine in previous years, I’d expect this condition to fade when the soil is dryer. If you want to try to treat this, garden stores sell sprays with chelated iron that can be applied to leaves and provide a temporary fix. Another possibility, though unlikely in this wet summer, is that the plant has spider mites. See this page, and the link: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/annualperennial/roses/leavesdiscolored.html If you suspect other causes, use the page above to see other leaf issues. Good luck.
Sick Juniperus scopulorum “Woodward”

Question: My Spruce is dropping needles like crazy. It’s to the point that you can see the truck and some of the branches are bare. We had a bad hail storm (Golf Ball size) about a month ago. I do see some sap and possible some canker sores on a couple of branches but not sure if that is where a branch broke off. What can I do to save my trees?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 10:52 PM EDT
response: My Juniper is dropping needles like crazy. It’s to the point that you can see the truck and some of the branches are bare. We had a bad hail storm (Golf Ball size) about a month ago. I do see some sap and possible some canker sores on a couple of branches but not sure if that is where a branch broke off. What can I do to save my trees?

responder: Cassey Anderson   Replied July 22, 2024, 10:33 AM EDT
response: Eva,  Thank you for your question. This is a columnar spruce, not a juniper (so your original query was correct). A woodward juniper would have a very different needle and form.   When was this tree planted? If it was planted this year it could be a result of transplant shock. Ensure the soil is watered well, but dries out in between irrigation events. Make sure the tree is not planted deeply. The first true root should be 1" above the soil, and there should not be branches near the soil line.   It is very possible that the hail damaged some parts of the tree, but with good cultural care you have enough of the tree still alive that you should be able to bring it back.   Let me know if you have additional questions,
Terrible looking lawn

Question: To Whom it May Concern,  Please help!!  My yard looks terrible...seen enclosed photos.  I don't know if I have creatures eating the grass roots or what??  I think I might have moles or something because it is like walking on a very uneven yard and my riding lawn mower shakes me almost off the mower as I attempt to mow the grass.  Also the quality of soil is terrible...I do believe my ground is quite a bit of clay.  Any help and guidance would be much appreciated.  Thank you, Dennis Dayhuff

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 19, 2024, 6:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. That is a mess (no offense). A couple questions What height is your mower set at?  Do you bag or let clippings lie? Do you have an automatic sprinkler, what is it set at? How much and how often are you fertilizing?  Do you know what kind? Are you using weed killers on your lawn?  You should check for grubs (a good possibility for this presentation). https://extension.umn.edu/news/white-grub-control-lawns There are two ways to do this. You can take a shovel or hand trowel and peel off a square foot of turf and you will see grubs in a layer where the sod comes off.  Or you can do the soapy water test. https://lawnpride.com.au/blogs/lawn-care-guide/lawn-grubs-soapy-water-test Write back with the answers to the questions and the results of a grub test.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 9:10 PM EDT
response: Steve Miles,   No offense taken.  I do know my yard looks like ....!!  The quality of my soil is terrible so do I need to bring in truck loads of black soil??   Question #1;  My mower is set pretty high so I do not scalp my lawn and I have mulch blades so I just leave the clippings.  Question #2;  I do not have an auto sprinkler system.  Question #3; I use a lawn service for weed control and fertilizer...See attached.  It will tell you the info for today's service and I do believe there are about 3-4 more appointments through the rest of the summer months.  I do know that the first treatment which is back at the end of April is a weed control spray.  I am going to use your recommendation for grubs over the next couple of days and I will keep you posted on the results.   So what is next??  Thank you,   Dennis M. DayhuffDenny Dayhuff's Specialty Cleaning Phone:<personal data hidden>      On Friday, July 19, 2024 at 05:23:18 PM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 20, 2024, 10:24 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing back.  1. Switch to standard blades.  https://usamowerblades.com/standard-blades-vs-mulching-blades/ Blades should be set 4 inches high. 3.  You are over fertilizing. The nitrogen load can burn the lawn in mid summer.  No lawn treatments until soil test tests come and indicate need. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden 4. Herbicides should be applied for a known weed problem.
Cascara Trees

Question: We own 27 acres of woodlands near Toledo, OR. Our mature cascara trees are dying. Lost 2 last year and another this year. Wondering if it is a disease or climate.
Thank you,
Deborah Myres

responder: Dan Stark, Assistant Professor of Practice (he/him)  Replied July 22, 2024, 2:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Deborah:  Thanks for reaching out to Ask Extension. I am happy to help!  I am sorry to see that your cascara are dying. This is definitely site-related, most likely a confounding impact of drought and hot weather over time. Cascara do best in USDA Hardiness Zone 3B and Toledo is in 9B (see this map for plant hardiness zones). They prefer less extreme weather conditions. You can learn more about cascara here.  I would be happy to talk more and possibly visit your trees in person to talk about options going forward; however, I am currently on leave and will be back on Tuesday, August 6. Let's reconnect then.  Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 5:52 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. No need to visit, just curious if there was a disease.Thank you, Deborah MyresSent from my iPhone On Jul 22, 2024, at 11:57 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
raspberries are drying up

Question: My raspberries start to form, but then dry up.  Some are producing, but the druplets are turning white.  I have seen sum scald before and it don't think that is what this is.  The grasshoppers this year are plentiful.  I have been using diomaceous earth on them, is that bad?

responder: Judy K Arapahoe County Master Gardener Replied July 25, 2024, 1:28 PM EDT
response: Hello Sally,  Thank you for including a photo of your raspberries. It looks like you may have a few problems going on.  The discoloration or whitening of the berries is most likely sunscald or white drupelet disorder. Your raspberries should still be edible even if they’re not very attractive. We have had very hot, dry weather for the last few weeks, and it has no doubt taken a toll on your raspberries.  Also, summer bearing raspberries do have some hardiness problems in our area which may explain your smaller fruit. To help them along, be sure to give them adequate water, not only in winter when the ground is not frozen, but also during the summer when they usually require up to 1” of water every week. Fertilizing with a 20-0-0 fertilizer in the spring and also in June will also go a long way toward strengthening your raspberries for the fruiting season. Mulching will help retain moisture during these hot days of summer.  In looking at your photograph it appears that you may have a problem with sawfly larvae chewing on the leaves. Diatomaceous earth should be an effective tool in protecting against the sawfly in addition to grasshoppers. It can be mixed with water and sprayed on your raspberry leaves. Be sure to wear a protective mask when applying it.  One last thought. If your raspberries are 10-15 years old, it may be time to replace them. This could also be a factor in your disappointing harvest.   For more information, please refer to this fact sheet: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/761.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2024, 5:12 PM EDT
response: Thanks!!  Sally Engen <personal data hidden>      On Jul 25, 2024, at 11:28 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Tree disease

Question: We have a 4-5 year old river birch tree.   It has been treated for monkey ear disease.   Recently we’ve noticed the branches turning black and a beetle on the leaves.   What is the treatment?   Is the tree salvageable?

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 19, 2024, 3:06 PM EDT
response: Hi Robert, I think this may be due to an aphid, specifically the spiny witch hazel aphid.  https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/719 Please read through the publication at the link above and compare with what you see on the tree. Pick apart the corrugated leaves to look for evidence of aphids.  The presence of lady bug larvae and ants on the leaves also suggest an aphid as both feed on the aphid or the honeydew they aphids produces.  The black leaves are likely covered in black sooty mold caused by a coating of honeydew, or the sugary excretion of aphids.  This is a best guess based on the pictures provided. Please let me know if you do not find evidence of aphids. Also, if you do not find aphids, please do send additional pictures.   You may call me if that's easier.<personal data hidden>  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2024, 12:00 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much Julie.  You are correct we do see the aphids.  Do you have a recommendation on treatment.  I’d assume we would not want to harm the ladybugs and beetles?Bob SugarSent from my iPad On Jul 19, 2024, at 3:07 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 22, 2024, 8:52 AM EDT
response: Hi Bob, Because the infestation looks to be extreme, I would consider a soil drench of pesticide this fall. The article mentions the active ingredient of imidacloprid, which is available under a number of brand names at any big box store.  Do read and follow label instructions. If the tree is within 100' of a well head or water (lake, river), then alternate products may be required. Please feel free to reach out if this is the case.  If the tree is not near a well head or water, then simply mix according to label directions and pour around the base of the tree.   A systemic insecticide will make the tree toxic to anything feeding on it for a few years, including the aphids. Because the ladybugs and ants are feeding on the honeydew from the aphids and not on the plant directly, they should not be affected.   If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! Thank you, -Julie
Are these tree frog eggs?

Question: Hi,
After a big thunderstorm earlier this week I noticed these things in my birdbath. I suspect that they're tree frog eggs but I'm not sure. I wanted to check with you to make sure they're not some sort of evil invasive thing. We do have a lot of tree frogs that i can hear at niht but I'm far from the nearest stream or pond so I don't think that they're from live-in-the water frogs.  Just want to be sure so that I can take care of them until they're .  (I'll need to get more birdbaths or buckets if so!)  Thanks for  your help.
Jim

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 19, 2024, 1:05 PM EDT
response: It looks like they could be, but we are not certain. You can inquire with wildlife biologists at the MD Department of Natural Resources by emailing:  <personal data hidden>   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2024, 12:18 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your suggestion.  I didn't get a chance to do that and now I have a whole new set of questions ot ask them.  When I went out this morning I saw what looked like a thousand tiny tadpoles swimming around. They were definitely frog eggs. The tadpoles are so tiny right now!  Jim   On Fri, Jul 19, 2024 at 1:05 PM 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 22, 2024, 11:59 AM EDT
response: Very cool. Congratulations.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 12:20 PM EDT
response: This was the perfect response. I got a lead on a wonderful resource and I'm very grateful for that.

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 August 06, 2024, 9:15 AM EDT
response: We're so glad we can help! enjoy your wildlife!
Strange Weed

Question: We live in Howard County and are just now cleaning up our blueberry and vegetable garden from last summer.  We have several of these tall, skinny weeds with tropical looking foliage and thick stalks.  We have lived here 20 years and never seen anything similar.  Would you please tell me what it is?  Thank you..

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 19, 2024, 11:48 AM EDT
response: That looks like native Horseweed (Conyza sp). Here is our page on it:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/horseweed/  They make a lot of seeds so removing them or cutting off the spent flowers before they set seed if you don't want more next season.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 12:05 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Christine!   On Jul 19, 2024, at 11:48 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 19, 2024, 12:22 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.