MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Hollyhock disease

Question: My hollyhocks have some kind of disease all over the lower leaves. But it’s getting progressively higher on the plant and seems to be killing the leaves. Can you please help me identify this and how I might safely remove it/treat it?

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied June 18, 2023, 12:45 PM EDT
response: Looks like you have a case of Hollyhock Rust- here is an article from our IPM department that will help you better understand and control this problem.  By the way, this is a great photo!  Would you mind if I used this for a diagnostic class?  If so,  I will photo credit you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 4:11 PM EDT
response: Thank you. You are welcome to use my photo. I see the IPM says to discard leaves and use a fungicide. I'd like to use something nontoxic, would Neem oil work for this? Would you recommend something else that's not toxic to pets or children? I can cut and discard the worst leaves, but would like to help prevent spread on the remaining leaves and neighboring plants. I have some butterfly weed that looks like it might also be getting some damage. Thanks!

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied June 21, 2023, 3:35 PM EDT
response: Management: Disease control on seedlings is especially important. Be sure you are not watering these plants at dusk when foliage will be wet for long periods of time.  Often the fungus won’t come back from year to year- but only occasionally.  Fungicide applications at regular intervals are necessary if you want to prevent it in subsequent seasons.  Plants should be cut back as soon as flowering is done. Plant debris should be removed and destroyed, it should not be composted. Several weeds (in the mallow family) are also susceptible; these weeds should be controlled to limit disease spores in the growing area.  Your butterfly weed should not be affected as this is host-specific to this group of plants.
Pearly Everlasting problem

Question: Pearly Everlasting is not supposed to have many diseases or pests according to what I have read. Something has happened to the flower buds on mine. Can you tell me what has happened? Could it be the drought? Shall I pull them out? I attach two photos. One of the damage and one of a caterpillar I saw on one of the plants. It was the only insect I saw on any of the plants. Thanks for info.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied June 17, 2023, 11:52 AM EDT
response: Good morning and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. From the pictures it looks like your plants have powdery mildew.  Powdery mildew comes from humidity and plants not being able to dry out.  Reading up on pearly everlasting it says they like to be hot and dry.  I couldn’t find that they are susceptible to powdery mildew, but that’s what it looks like.About all you can do is let them dry out.  If you are watering, try not to get the leaves and flowers, just the ground.  also water in the morning so the leaves have the chance to dry out before night.  I’m not familiar enough with the species to know if this will permanently affect them.  Usually plants will live through powdery mildew. Your  caterpillar is an American Lady butterfly.  They love the Pearly Everlasting.  The young larvae create a silken web around the plant to feed. This can look discouraging if you are trying to grow this plant, but like in many native plant-insect relationships, the plant generally makes a full recovery and flowers later in the summer. Flowers persist and are profuse late-summer through fall to attract numerous beneficial insects. There are chemical treatments for powdery mildew, but that would definitely affect the butterfly.  Maybe you could try to remove some of the plants for better airflow throughout.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 17, 2023, 1:32 PM EDT
response: Dear Deb Kroon, Thank you for this information.I am happy that the caterpillar is a butterfly! Haven’t seen many yet.My garden is organic so I won’t be treating the plants, but I will take your advice.Thanks for working on a weekend! Marte From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Saturday, June 17, 2023 10:53 AMTo: martehult <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Pearly Everlasting problem (#0106025)
ochra ?issue

Question: I noticed little white bubble-like clinging things on the underside of my ochra plants and some darkening of some portions of the leaves. Is this a problem? What to do if so?
thanks,
David

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 19, 2023, 9:35 AM EDT
response: Hi- you are seeing "pearl bodies" (guttation), produced by certain plants like okra to attract and feed ants to defend the plant from insect pests. Guttation can also occur with saturated soils and cool, dry weather (reduced evapotranspiration rate) as a way to get rid of excess moisture inside the plant. You don't need to do anything about it. (It looks like the okra is growing in a container. Check your container to make sure it is draining well and not holding excess moisture.  The leaf browning is not connected to the pearl bodies. It looks like a response to less-than-ideal environmental conditions that occurred at some point (e.g., very high or low temperatures). No worries there either. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 9:45 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much. Your answer has been a great help!DavidOn Jun 19, 2023, at 9:35 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 June 19, 2023, 10:07 AM EDT
response: You are welcome. Good luck with your garden! Jon
White things(bugs) on a plant

Question: What are these and what should I do to ensure the plant’s health?

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 19, 2023, 4:26 PM EDT
response: These insects are aphids (on Hellebore, it looks like?) and they don't need treatment as they are not causing any serious damage. The white flaky residue is their shed skins, and some aphids have already been killed by beneficial insects. (The brown, bloated-looking aphids are called "mummies" as they have already been consumed and killed by tiny parasitoid wasps.) Any spray used to kill the aphids risks harming the various beneficial insects that help to control them, even low-toxicity options like neem oil or insecticidal soap, though they could be used as a last resort if populations surge again. In the meantime, if too bothersome, you can blast them off the plant using a garden hose on a strong spray setting with plain water. They won't all be killed, but enough will to be less noticeable.  To reduce general stress on the plants from the current drought, if you are not already doing so, monitor them for watering needs so the roots don't get too dry for long periods. Hellebores are pretty drought-tolerant but even they have their limits, and when dealing with dry soil combined with sap-sucking insects, they can lose vigor unless irrigated periodically.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 7:45 PM EDT
response: Thanks you!  That was a very helpful and comprehensive explanation

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 21, 2023, 9:19 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Apple Tree Disease

Question: Attached is a photo of a disease that is affecting one of the apple trees in my home orchard in Southern Maryland.  I have tried to research the problem and seems like it might be Cedar Rust?  The spots on the leaves are only occurring on the tops of the leaves.  I have read wildly varying advice online as to how to address this and am looking for some sound advice on my treatment options.  My orchard abuts a large forest area with endless cedar trees so if this is the source, I do not really have a way to control that.

Thanks

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 19, 2023, 9:55 AM EDT
response: Hi- the orange spots are a symptom of cedar-apple or hawthorn rust diseases that affect apple trees. These diseases require cedar trees as the alternate host to complete their lifecycle. Left unchecked, rust diseases can cause dieback and weaken trees.   This year the spring weather made for wide outbreaks of diseases, including fireblight and rusts. Unfortunately, the protectant sprays would have needed to start at flowering.  There is nothing that will correct the issue at this time, other than careful sanitation- remove the worst affected leaves and fruit (including any that have fallen) and put them in the trash. Treatments this time of year for rust are ineffective.   See the apple pest section and spray guide in this VA Tech pub: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/456/456-018/ENTO-523C.pdf  Immunox (myclobutanil) is the most effective synthetic fungicide (organic fungicides are not very effective). Sprays need to penetrate the canopy and coat the upper and lower leaf surfaces.  More rust info from the U. of MN.  For future planting- resistant cultivars: https://apples.extension.org/table-of-apple-cultivar-susceptibility-to-cedar-apple-rust/ Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 10:20 AM EDT
response: Thanks so much…great information  Thanks, Jack   On Jun 19, 2023, at 9:55 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 June 19, 2023, 11:32 AM EDT
response: You are welcome. Good luck! Jon
Treating rose of Sharon infestation

Question: Please identify from enclosed pictures what has infected my rose of Sharon and how to treat it

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 8:38 AM EDT
response: I can’t find where to sign in as new user to get answer to my question Sent from my iPhone On Jun 19, 2023, at 8:24 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿HI Mike Chilcutt , An access link request for question #0105984 has been submitted on your behalf to Ask Extension at https://ask2.extension.org.To check the status of question #0105984, please create an account using the same email address to access your question.If you did not make the request, please delete and disregard this email. Your account is still secure and no one has been given access to the question. Someone could have mistakenly entered your email address.--

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2023, 10:58 PM EDT
response: Hi Michael,  These are galls, caused by a small wasp or mites. It won’t affect the plant’s health and there’s no treatment to remove the galls.  Thank you for using Ask Extension,  Pam Voss MSUE Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 9:55 AM EDT
response: what can I expect for condition of my plant in the future . Will this be continual infestation or go away after this season. Just how do I manage the plant.?will it spread to other plants and trees in my yard?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2023, 7:57 AM EDT
response: Michael,  Galls are abnormal growths or swellings of plant tissue caused by an organism. Galls can form on both woody and herbaceous types of plants. Many types of plant galls are caused by mites and insects (wasp), although bacteria, fungi and viruses can also cause these strange growths to form. In many cases, galls form on the leaves of plants but occasionally twigs and branches can also be attacked. While galls may appear threatening, based upon their appearance, most galls actually pose very little threat to overall tree health to try and chemically control it. Pesticide sprays would have had to have been applied earlier in the growing season prior to gall formation. And since many galls form on the leaves of deciduous plants, these leaves will fall off in autumn – giving tree leaves a “clean slate” to start off in the next growing season. Galls are one of the more intriguing sides of nature to view and behold. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and textures – truly one of nature’s more “artistic” flourishes!   For more information on galls, click on the link below.  Tree galls are rarely cause for concern - MSU Extension  Pam
Boxwood blight

Question: Do my boxwood have psyllid or leafminer?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 20, 2023, 4:50 PM EDT
response: I don't see in your pictures significant symptoms of boxwood psyllid. Psyllid causes cupping of leaves, which I don't see in your photographs. Psyllid also may affect twig growth, but the damage caused is purely aesthetic and not as destructive as other boxwood pests. The boxwood psyllid is a common pest of all boxwoods, but the American boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is most susceptible. The link below will give you additional information about pests that attack boxwood:  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxwood_insect_pests  I' not sure what the gray material in the leaf of your first picture is, but if it's only apparent on a few leaves, it's not likely anything to worry about. The yellow leaves could be caused by a lack of moisture. We had the 2nd driest May on record. Without additional moisture in that kind of drought, leaves can yellow.  I suggest you give some extra care to your boxwood and keep it well watered, especially under dry conditions. If your issue continue to occur, please let us know.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 3:12 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your prompt response. There are cupped new leaves generally at the ends of branches with tiny white eggs(?)inside and something that looks like larvae on the outside of some leaves. Also tiny gnat size flies when branches are disturbed. I bought some Bonide Eight Insect Control (lambda-cyhalothrin) but is there something better you could recommend?On Tue, Jun 20, 2023, 4:50 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 23, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT
response: Boxwood Psyllid (Pyslla buxi)  Boxwood psyllids are small (1/16-inch), grayish green insects that  are normally covered with a white, waxy, filamentous secretion that  partially covers the body, providing protection from parasitoids and  sprays of pest-control materials. Eggs overwinter and hatch into  yellowish nymphs that begin feeding as soon as buds begin to open in  early spring. The first-instar nymphs feed by sucking plant fluids from terminal leaves as they unfold and expand in spring. Their feeding  causes leaves to yellow, curl, and form a cup (Photo 5), which conceals and protects the nymphs. There is one generation per year.    The "tiny gnats" you are seeing are the adult psyllid. They are also called jumping plant lice. They are winged and very small.   The links below will give you some control options. Chemical control generally is not warranted, but if you choose to use a chemical pesticide, be sure to choose one that states that it controls boxwood psyllid on the label. Read and carefully follow all instructions on the label.   https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/psyllids/boxwood-psyllid  https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7423.html
can you plant grass seed over and area that had recent tree stump grinding

Question: We recently took down a large ash tree and had stump and all roots in a large area ground out so we can plant grass seed. We are now left with an area approximately 16'x12' that needs grass and we have heard that you cannot grow grass seed in an area that has mulch and tree shavings. We have alot of good dirt mixed in with all the shavings.  Can we put good top soil on top of the mulch/dirt mixture?  No one will take the mixture off our hands ....any help advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 16, 2023, 5:35 PM EDT
response: Since grass grows in the top four or five inches of soil, if your added dirt is deep enough, you should be able to grow grass. However, the shavings will be biodegrading and may pull nitrogen out of the soil. This may inhibit the grass germination. Also grass seeding is best done in the fall. So wait till mid to late August to put the grass seed down. This amount of time may also allow some of the shavings to biodegrade. See also:   https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/seeding-and-sodding-home-lawns

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 7:45 PM EDT
response: So does the fact that the wood shavings pulling nitrogen from the soil mean we will have difficulty growing grass?  Any suggestions for getting rid of the top 5 inches of soil and mulch?  No one will take itSent from my iPhone On Jun 16, 2023, at 4:35 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 16, 2023, 8:05 PM EDT
response: Nitrogen will be pulled only while the biodegrading process is occurring- a year more or less. Why not make a compost pile enclosure? Put the five inches of soil and mulch in it and leave it for a year or so. It will turn into soil that can be used elsewhere in your garden in the future.  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Friday, 16 June, 2023 18:46To: Linda G Tenneson <<personal data hidden>>Subject: New response added to your question (#0105948)

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 9:47 PM EDT
response: can I just leave the the soil and mulch where it is to complete the compost process and wait a year to start the grass seed?  we do not have room in our yard to start a compost pile. Also, if we wanted green space sooner would sod do better on this mixture if we wanted to get it green faster?  We have dogs and the open dirt mixture is less than ideal for cleanliness in the house.     On 06/16/2023 7:05 PM CDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 16, 2023, 10:42 PM EDT
response: Sod is a good idea. With enough watering, it might be successful now.
Walnut leaves black

Question: One of my 10 walnut trees,  New leaf growth shriveled and black.  All other leaves slightly wilted and pale green compared to other trees

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 16, 2023, 4:21 PM EDT
response: That plastic sleeve does not have to be on this time of year.  It should be put on around October 1st and taken off April 1st.  Even though it is large, it still heats up the trunk of the tree and traps moisture on the trunk.  I cannot tell what condition the tree trunk is or whether voles managed to slip under it and chew on the trunk during the winter.  Also, when was this tree planted.  Is it new this year?  It very well may be missing enough water.  Newly planted trees do not have a large root system and needs water, slowly dripped around the trunk, almost daily with the drought we are having.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 6:51 PM EDT
response: Cut off plastic sleeve that has been on for 5-6 years.  No sign of vole damage to bark.  The plastic sleeves have holes that are suppose to prevent over heating.  No indication of disturbance under tube.  Only tree that receives daily irrigation with lawn, + 1.5 gallon once a week.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 16, 2023, 8:52 PM EDT
response: I see some warning signs.  There are the suckers coming out of the lower trunk.  Also, in that area, it looks like the bark is peeling, although it is hard to tell from a photo.  Then an area, probably above where the sleeve was, seems to be damaged.  Finally, the tree is probably planted too deep.  There should be a flair at the base, even on a young tree, and this one is straight up and down like a telephone pole.  Were it my tree, I would carefully dig it up, check the roots and see that it was planted with the first real root just barely below the surface.  You then have to care for it as a newly planted tree.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs
Pests eating eggplant leaves

Question: Hey there! I wait all year for Asian eggplant, so I keep them under chicken wire cloches to keep the plants and fruit safe from 4-legged pests. Unfortunately this year SOMEONE is eating the leaves down to the veins. I can’t see bugs or eggs (photo of underside of leaf attached). What  should I do in my organic garden to repel whatever critters they are? Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2023, 8:00 PM EDT
response: Hi Sandra, thanks for the question. This has the looks of a caterpillar feeding; however, there are some other critters that are a possibility.  Timewise, one would expect the possibility of Colorado potato beetle, but you would expect to see the adults or larvae feeding.  You may want to check early in the morning or once it gets dark to see what you have.  Normally you would identify the pest and choose the lowest impact control that works.  In this case since you don't have flowers yet, Spinosad, an organic nonspecific insecticide may be the best option. If you can discover the pest, send a picture and we can look at other options.  I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you need additional assistance on this.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 23, 2023, 5:49 PM EDT
response: Hi Sandra,  A recent communication indicated that the Asiatic Garden Beetle is out and about.  This beetle comes out at night and does damage very similar to the pictures.  These beetles hide out in the soil at the base of weeds such as marestail (Conyza canadensis), Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota) and giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), et al.  They feed at night and are attracted to lights.  Spinosad will not work on these beetles.  Check out the following link for more information: Landscape: Asiatic Garden Beetle | Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment at UMass Amherst

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 6:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for remembering and re-responding!! I bought some new eggplant starts and a spinosad spray just yesterday. I’ll keep my eye out to see if it works or if I have to concentrate on the asiatic garden beetle.      -- Sandra Salamony sandrasalamony.com <personal data hidden>    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Friday, June 23, 2023 5:49 PM To: sandra sandrasalamony.com <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Pests eating eggplant leaves (#0105902)