MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
post-season tomato ripening

Question: Hello - Some of my tomato plants still carry tomatoes, but the fruit has been green for a while, with occasional ripening (see photo).  I am not surprised to see this, since the season is past.  Would it hasten the ripening by bringing them indoors and placing them together, perhaps with an apple?

Thanks as always.

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 24, 2024, 9:42 AM EDT
response: It can, yes, as the ethylene gas from the ripe fruit can trigger ripening in under-ripe fruit. However, it's best to let the tomato fruits develop at least a little color (it will start on the lower blossom end) first before picking, as this helps to ensure that the fruit is mature enough to start the final ripening stage. We still have a bit of time left to have not-yet-ready fruits ripen, so they may start changing color soon.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 24, 2024, 9:45 AM EDT
response: Miri - Thank you for the speedy and informative reply.  I appreciate it. - Jim

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 24, 2024, 10:21 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
fungus identity

Question: hello, i have a 20-25 year old tree in my backyard that has developed a fungus within the last 7-10 days; i believe it is a hawthorne. i’m wondering if there is anything i can do to get rid of it and save this tree.  thank you

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied September 24, 2024, 1:53 PM EDT
response: The growth appears to be lichen.  Lichen are not a harmful organism, but they are often indicative of a failing tree. You should not remove the lichen. Read here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/lichen-algae-and-moss-trees/  If the tree is important to you, you should have a certified arborist assess it to see why it appears to be in decline: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 24, 2024, 3:20 PM EDT
response: thank you for your response, i appreciate it. i have contacted a local arborist. On Sep 24, 2024, at 12:53, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Honey Locust damage

Question: Just returned from a two week vacation and found brown dead leaves on our Honey Locust.  It is over two weeks to get an arborist out to look at it.  Is there anything I can do now to avoid progression?  Photos attached.

responder: Susan P., OSU Master Gardener Volunteer Replied September 23, 2024, 5:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question about your honey locust tree.  I recommend you call the Deschutes County OSU Extension office in Redmond at<personal data hidden> and ask to speak with Amy Jo Detweiler (oregonstate.edu). Amy Jo is our Community Horticulturist. She welcomes your home garden questions and is a great resource. She may have suggestions for you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 23, 2024, 6:30 PM EDT
response: Thanks.  Will do.On Sep 23, 2024, at 2:48 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
a pear tree troubled with fungus

Question: Hello, 

I have a bartlett tree, about 4-5 years old. It's been plagued with orange spots (fungal, I assume) for at least 3 years. I've sprayed it with copper spray, but it still struggles. This year has been worse than ever. I think maybe I should give up and cut it down. What do you think?

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied September 23, 2024, 5:43 PM EDT
response: This disease is new to Oregon and you are right about it being a fungus. This one is called Pear Trellis Rust. The alternate host is juniper. Rather than give up you have taken the correct first step and had it diagnosed. Copper-base products will not a lot to manage this disease. I can only offer a different product called Bonide Fruit Tree and Plant Guard RTS which is registered for diseases but it contains an insecticide in addition to a group 7 + 11 fungicide. You can read more about it here: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/pear-pyrus-spp-trellis-rust-european-pear-rust

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 23, 2024, 5:56 PM EDT
response: Hello, Thanks, this is helpful. But given that it is all over the tree, its potential to infect my beautiful old Asian pear in the backyard, and that I try to avoid chemical treatments when possible, might it still be prudent to remove? I am not especially attached to this tree, and its only little, but I really do love the Asian pear tree in the backyard.-TheresaOn Mon, Sep 23, 2024 at 2:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied September 23, 2024, 6:54 PM EDT
response: The key is knowing that juniper is the alternate host. Rather than remove a pear, which is fine if you don't like it, you might seek out the juniper that is the real culprit. The juniper is the source of spores for the pears.
Eugenia Top

Question: I purchased the plant 2 months ago and was with all green leaves.
I have the plant outdoor in sun.  I have been watering regularly. In the last two weeks the leaves have been turning brown and becoming dead.  The top have is dead and leaves on the lower section are beginning to turn brown.  What appears to be the problem.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied September 23, 2024, 9:09 PM EDT
response: What is the type of plant this is?  I cannot tell.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 24, 2024, 10:06 AM EDT
response: The purchase receipt says 10" Eugenia Top (2 Ball)

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied September 24, 2024, 12:12 PM EDT
response: You purchased a tropical plant, native to Malaysia.  I have been unable to find any information on its care on university sites.  I did find this one.  It seems your plant is either too wet or too dry.   No help, I know  I suggest you go back to where you purchased it and see if they can advise.  https://myplantin.com/plant/5787

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 24, 2024, 12:25 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied September 24, 2024, 7:59 PM EDT
response: Good luck.
Is this a Dark Fishing Spider?

Question: Just wanted to verify if this is a Dark Fishing Spider.

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 23, 2024, 2:16 PM EDT
response: Spider ID can be challenging from photos (though these are excellent images) since fine features are used to separate species that might require a microscope. One trait often used to narrow-down ID is the eye arrangement, and the spider in your photos does seem to have a matching pattern to Nursery Web Spiders (also called Fishing Spiders, family Pisauridae). It also looks like a good match for genus Dolomedes within that group, though we can't drill it down to species level. Images of documented species in that genus can be browsed on Maryland Biodiversity Project, if you haven't already explored that resource. We agree that Dolomedes tenebrosus, which some references do call the Dark Fishing Spider, is a strong possibility based on overall coloration and patterning, though that is a less reliable trait than others since individual spiders and different spider ages and sexes can vary a bit in body pattern/color.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 24, 2024, 6:19 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your assistance.   Andrew

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 24, 2024, 9:12 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Disease on Tomato Plants

Question: Today I went out to my garden to find my cherry and super sonic tomato plants "littered" with what looks like long dandruff.  Can you please look at the pictures and tell me what it is, and how to fight it?  thanks, Lance Stange

responder: Bill k Replied September 24, 2024, 11:42 AM EDT
response: Good morning Lance,  Thanks for the great pictures!  Your tomatoes are being attacked by aphids, probably the green peach aphid which absolutely loves tomatoes.  If left unchecked, they can do a number on your plants.  Not only will they suck nutrients out of the leaves, but they can also transmit viruses.  The white "dandruff" you are seeing is the nymphs.  Upon closer inspection, you can also see the adults.  Their green pear shaped bodies, are almost the same color as the tomato leaves.  Usually a strong blast of water will wash them away and disperse them.  You can also clip off badly infested leaves if that's easier.  Alternatively, you can spray with an insecticidal soap or Neem oil.  Both of these may require multiple applications.  Here's some additional information you might find helpful:  https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/tomato-aphids/  Good luck Lance,  Here's hoping you get a good crop of tomatoes!  Bill k

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 24, 2024, 2:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the response - I probably acted to fast, but I pulled them all, and put them in the trash away from the garden.Is there any danger to the soil, tomatoes, or future plants?  On Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 11:42:18 AM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Bill k Replied September 24, 2024, 3:32 PM EDT
response: Hey again, Lance,  Yes, I think you may have overreacted.  Aphids are one of our top ten insect pests, but usually fairly easy to control.  Destroying the plants, while effective, was probably overkill. There should be no long term effects.  Just keep your eyes peeled for future infestations.  They can infect a multitude of other plants besides tomatoes.  Bill k

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 24, 2024, 4:35 PM EDT
response: Thanks Bill, appreciate the "adult" supervision  On Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 03:32:53 PM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:
Newly planted Lilac tree

Question: When should old flowers on an Ivory silk Japanese tree Lilac planted July 2024 be pruned, now or what until winter? Can the inside of the tree be thinned a little?

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied September 24, 2024, 1:41 PM EDT
response: This plant, as with all lilacs, blooms on old wood, so any pruning you do now up until spring bloom will eliminate the bloom on the pruned branches.  With that in mind, I'd recommend pruning late next winter (end of March).  Prune out any crossing branches, branches that are touching, water spouts and suckers.  Also prune lower branches to raise the canopy somewhat.  But remember that what you prune won't bloom.    Then you can lightly prune right after bloom.  Read here: https://trees.umn.edu/japanese-tree-lilac-syringa-reticulata-0

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 25, 2024, 8:16 AM EDT
response: Dennis, ...in St. Louis Park  I would like to thank you and the Ask Extension service  providing this capability.  I appreciate the timely response and information.  Have a great day.  Thanks,  Burt  On 09/24/2024 12:41 PM CDT Ask Extension wrote:
Please Identify Lawn Weed

Question: Please tell me if this is wild fescue or some other weed in the lawn. It grows quicker than the other grass and appears to be in a clump instead of a single blade when I pull it up.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 23, 2024, 11:02 AM EDT
response: Can you please tell me what to do about this weed, if it is one? I have been pulling by hand but that is very tedious. I don't like using chemicals, if at all possible, as I have a dog that spends time in the yard.

responder: Dick M.  Replied September 23, 2024, 9:15 PM EDT
response: From the second set of photos I believe you are dealing with Tall Fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus, also known as Lolium arundinacea or Festuca arundinaceae).  It is a clump growing grass that spreads by tillers and seed.  The best ways to eliminate the tall fescue from the lawn are mechanically (digging) or with non-selective herbicides (glyphosate) for bigger areas. More info in the attached links: Pain In The grass: Tall fescue-MSU Weed of the Month-Purdue - scroll to tall fescue Turfgrass Weed ID-PSU - select grasses & sedges, then Fescue, Tall

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 24, 2024, 1:59 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the assessment. Unfortunately, the tall fescue grass is throughout my backyard lawn. Is it possible that it could be the result of seeding with poor quality lawn seed? or from some other way? I don't like the idea of using glyphosate because I have a dog and he occassionally eats grass. Not to mention that it would kill the good grass. Guess my only option is to pull/dig it out. Will probably be quite the undertaking. Renee On Monday, September 23, 2024 at 09:15:19 PM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 24, 2024, 2:24 PM EDT
response: Just noticed that Jonathan Green Black Beauty grass seed includes tall fescue. I was advised that Black Beauty is a good quality lawn seed. That might be the source. Why would a grass seed include this if it is not beneficial?

responder: Dick M.  Replied September 24, 2024, 5:15 PM EDT
response: Digging the Tall Fescue out can be a daunting task.  Instead of trying to get the whole yard done in one fall, set a goal of a portion of the yard this year.  More next year and complete it the following year.  You can begin digging in the summer, backfilling the holes with soil and then fertilize, seed and straw all the spots in late August as the fall rains start.  Here are some links to seed, seeding and renovation lawns to read: Turfgrass species ID & Cultivar Selection (E2912)-MSU Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU Renovating A Lawn for Quality & sustainability-UMN Spring Lawn Seeding-OSU

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 24, 2024, 6:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the suggestions and additional articles.
Raspberry bulges

Question: Hi, does this look like raspberry borer or something else?  There are splits and bulges along the canes.  Some canes appear normal when cut where the bulge is located.  Others appear like the photos. This is a cane that completed fruiting a couple of weeks ago.

responder: Leo Sherry  Replied September 25, 2024, 1:49 AM EDT
response: Hello! If you split the cane on the brown spots do you see any larvae? The brown inside the canes looks like frass (insect poop), consistent with a larva growing inside. Are they concentrated near the bottom of the canes or are they everywhere? Thank you, Leo SherryOSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 26, 2024, 4:44 PM EDT
response: Hi, they are on the bottom half of the canes intermittently, but not on the top.Here’s what it looks like when the bulge closest to the ground is sliced in half.  The smaller bulges higher up just look like normal cane when split. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 24, 2024, at 10:50 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Leo Sherry  Replied September 30, 2024, 1:11 AM EDT
response: Hello! Thank you for the additional picture and information, they helped a lot. Due to the stem not being hollow, I don't believe that it is raspberry crown borer. The adults are a moth that look a lot like a yellow jacket, so they may be difficult to positively identify. However, as an additional check, you can look underneath the leaves for small red eggs. Blackberry and Raspberry-Raspberry crown borer | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (pnwhandbooks.org) has a photo of the eggs, they will be around the edges of the leaves. The best explanation that I have for the problem with your raspberries is that the canes were damaged by something and a fungus got in while it was healing. The small reddish spots look like they are spiraling around the cane, perhaps a very small insect got in as well. You can also take a sample into the closest extension office for further identification. I hope this helps! Leo Sherry OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 30, 2024, 11:11 AM EDT
response: Thank you!Sent from my iPhone On Sep 29, 2024, at 10:11 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Grape leaves/vines

Question: Our MN Grape leaves have been infested with a growth. What are these, are they harmful and how can we minimize them?

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied September 21, 2024, 5:38 PM EDT
response: You have galls on the leaves.  These are the result of insects feeding and laying eggs on the leaves.  The leaves respond by forming that gall, which is like a scab when we are injured.  It is not fatal and there probably wasn't anything you could have done to prevent it.  There is no treatment after the fact.  Here is a link to information: file:///C:/Users/owner/Downloads/grape-insect-pests-2008.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 21, 2024, 7:21 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick response. Can you please send a web link or pdf of the info you sent. I can’t open it as is.Thank you!Stacey Schoenzeit<personal data hidden> Cell:<personal data hidden>On Sep 21, 2024, at 4:38 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied September 21, 2024, 9:31 PM EDT
response: https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2019/06/practical-tips-for-managing-grape.html   There also is a link at the bottom of this article which will take you to the one I sent.  It will be on the left side of the page.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 22, 2024, 10:33 AM EDT
response: Thank you!!Stacey Schoenzeit<personal data hidden> Cell:<personal data hidden>On Sep 21, 2024, at 8:31 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Elm Tree has Holes in Leaves

Question: I have an elm tree in my yard (not sure what species, possibly American) and the leaves are always wilted and have holes in them all year long. The leaves also turn partially brown. I think this is caused by an insect since there are thin cobwebs on the branches but I’m not sure what kind and how to get rid of it. Some leaves look better than others, though overall the leaves are almost shriveled up and wilted and get absolutely covered in holes. The bark also has reddish streaks on it, and I’m not sure what that is either. I’ve tried watering the tree more and that seems to help a little bit, but not much. I would appreciate any advice!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 24, 2024, 12:36 PM EDT
response: Hi Katelyn, thanks for the question. The tree appears to be a Siberian Elm.  Elm trees have multiple pests that can chew holes in leaves.  Based on the pictures of the damage, the elm flea weevil could be to blame for the holes; however, the elm leaf beetle could be a candidate.    The elm leaf beetle (Xanthogaleruca luteola) is a common pest that feeds on elm leaves, causing significant damage. The elm flea beetle (Orchestes alni), also known as the European elm flea weevil, has been identified in various parts of Michigan. Large trees can be difficult to treat.  Consulting a certified arborist (Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org) or a tree service with a certified arborist may be the way to proceed.  The "red streaks" looks like it could be a lichen growth.  Lichens are not harmful to the tree but may point to a problem of the tree like a thinning canopy that allows more light for their growth. Check out the following links: Elm flea weevils busy devouring new leaves - MSU Extension European elm flea weevil | UMN Extension Elm trees attacked early in season by European elm flea weevils - MSU Extension I hope this is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 25, 2024, 12:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for the helpful information!Sent from my iPhone On Sep 24, 2024, at 12:36 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Tree for small space

Question: I live in Leander Texas and need to plant a tree that doesn’t grow over about 20’ tall and has a wide umbrella to use for shade ove bay window in dining room that faces east. Am looking for one that is not fruit bearing or messy as it’s close to house. Also have a sidewalk I don’t want roots to interfere with between tree and house. We are removing ash tree in picture. Can you suggest a few good trees for my situation? Thank you for any help! Our soil is rocky cliche. Libby

responder: P. Eric Wiseman, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Urban ForestryDept. of Forest Resources andEnvironmental ConservationVIRGINIA TECH540.231.5148 | 228-B Cheatham Hallhttps://frec.vt.edu/people/Wiseman.htmlFollow me on Twitter @vtarborist Replied September 20, 2024, 11:55 AM EDT
response: Hello Libby, I was assigned your question, but being in Virginia, I am not familiar with the tree species that would work with your criteria. I suggest trying this tool: https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/index.html If that doesn't give you helpful info, then you might contact your local forester through Texas Forest Service. Or contact your county extension agent through Texas A&M. Good luck,

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 20, 2024, 1:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you and I’ll try the link Sent from my iPhone On Sep 20, 2024, at 10:55 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Fungus on raspberries

Question: At the beginning of our wet growing season I noticed raspberry leaves and canes at one end of the row were dying and turning brown.  The disease moved up the row throughout the season until most of the patch is now gone.  Most were the Heritage everbearing, but at the top end were a Boyne, Killarney and Latham, which also suffered effects of what I assume is a fungus.  Question is should I mow everything down in the fall or spring? Should I use a fungicide?  Or should I replant in a completely different area and return the present patch to grass?  Any help you can give is appreciated.  You can reach me by email or phone.<personal data hidden>.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 22, 2024, 6:26 AM EDT
response: Hi Sharon, Here are a couple of links with lots of information; https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/raspberry-cane-diseases https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/raspberry-anthracnose/ - You can try mowing down all plants and trying to remove ALL plant material. I would cover all soil with a couple layers of news paper topped with wood mulch for next year also. - Or, you could try another area of the yard with new plants. - One more option is to dig out your cut down your plants so you only have the roots and move them to a new area. I would still use news paper and wood mulch in every case to try and proactively keep any soil borne spores from getting into the plants. Our very wet spring caused many blights and fungal issues. Good luck, Sally Granath St. Louis County Mg

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 22, 2024, 7:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response.  Very helpful.   To clarify, Is it possible next spring, to have new plants grow up through the paper and mulch laid down over this summers mowed down rows?   If I plant an entirely new patch (which I am leaning towards) would I plant the new nursery stock and then lay down newspaper and wood mulch all around and through the planted row?   Thank you for your help. Sharon Chamberlain Rogers, MN  On Sep 22, 2024, at 5:26 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: