MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Deformed grape stems and vines

Question: my grapevines have these enlarged "nodes" on the stems. (Never seen this before over 20 years.). Some leaves are deformed with growths, holes, and few are withered. No fruit, but never had grapes in the past.

This is a very old grape vine that runs 40 feet along a fence. Some sections don't seem to have this problem. other section have a lot and bigger swollen stem "nodes".

I live in the Como area of Saint Paul.  Thank you.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 05, 2023, 4:12 PM EDT
response: These two phenomena are unrelated. The leaves are being attacked by an insect with chewing mouth parts.  Grape beetles are the likely suspect but there are other possibilities.  Try to get a picture of them and we can more accurately identify the insect. See:  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scarab-beetles  The nodes on the vines are normal.  They are called lateral buds and contain the next year’s vines and leaves.  See:  https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-grapes-home-garden

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 8:17 PM EDT
response: Hello Mary,Thank you for your reply. I took some more samples of my grape vine to give you a better view of the enlarged, deformed nodes. You can see better the holes, and cracking on these clusters. The grapes never developed. But most of the leaves look healthy.Do you still this is normal lateral buds, or is there something  else with this new information. I can’t see or find any beetles during my quick examination.Lastly, I have trimmed these grapevines for 15 years and I believe I have never seen this before.Best,  DeanOn Jun 5, 2023, at 3:12 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 09, 2023, 9:23 PM EDT
response: Much better pictures.  I see your concern.  I will send the pictures on to our grape expert for assessment.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 12, 2023, 10:18 AM EDT
response: Our Extension fruit expert responded with the following:  “Those are galls from gallmaker insects. They're not harmful to the vines. This gardener should note that if they're not pruning their vines every year per university recommendations, they should not expect to get strong fruit quality.”  See:  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/insect-and-mite-galls

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 12:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reply. I appreciate it. I did read the link and it was helpful.On Jun 12, 2023, at 9:18 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Buffalo bur infestation in equine area - how best to eradicate?

Question: Hi there - I downloaded the inaturalist app to id the flowering plants that were taking over the pen where my horse lives and discovered it is buffalo-bur, which is toxic to equines. I don't want to use chemicals to remove but read that if removal is done improperly it can make the situation worse. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks so much. You can also reach me by cell<personal data hidden>. thanks

responder: Travis County Master Gardeners  Replied June 06, 2023, 10:06 AM EDT
response: Hi Heather,     Buffalo burr is an invasive plant that easily spreads.  Wind blows the seeds and also they are transported in animal fur.   If it is a small area you can remove by hand pulling up the tap root and disposing of it in the trash.       FYI - in the 90s, my parent's little farm was being leased and was severely overgrazed.  Buffalo bur was one of the plants that had become invasive.  I took over the lease and was able to return the area to a nice hay field.      I kept the weedy areas mowed as low as my mower would go in the first summer, then plowed the area and put in varieties of that improved the soil in the fall.  Winter peas, turnips (to help break up the hardpan), and a mix of white and crimson clovers.  The winter peas provided enough cover the burrs and thistles were less of a problem each year.     I attempted a summer cover crop of buckwheat one year but the conditions were just too hot and dry to get the buck wheat established.          I also used a weedeater to reduce plants in selected areas and tried to do this as early as I could before the seeds could be spread.     Doing a soil analysis and following recommendations helped me balance the NPK and micronutrients of the soil.  Here is link to Texas A&M soil testing laboratory: https://soiltesting.tamu.edu     In the beginning my hay production was low quality.  By the time the farm was sold several years later I was getting the highest price for bale in that county with no noxious weeds.  Persistence paid off.    It was so rewarding to turn the farm around and see it being so productive but it was hot demanding work in the beginning.     Hope my little story inspires you.  Wishing you all the best.     Bob Kunkel

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2023, 10:32 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Bob, for the info and inspiring story. Much appreciated! It’s too big of an area for me but maybe I can hire someone to remove. Heather MorrisonKeller Williams Realty Sent from my iPhone On Jun 6, 2023, at 9:06 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Travis County Master Gardeners  Replied June 10, 2023, 3:55 PM EDT
response: Suggest you have someone shred those areas this summer to suppress the weeds and then work to improve it this fall.  Something as simple as over seeding with various clovers this fall will help.    Wishing you all the best! Bob Kunkel
What is happening with my Pin Oak Tree

Question: I’m having problems with a Pin Oak planted in 2021.  Many leaves have holes in them along with brown patches.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 06, 2023, 7:44 AM EDT
response: Hi James, thanks for the question. Unfortunately, the picture resolution is too low to make a good diagnosis.  Would it be possible to get a well-focused picture of the hole and brown areas? This could be damage from the shothole leafminer.  Treatment is not recommended.  Check out the following links: Oak Shothole Leafminer | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu) https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1796#:~:text=of%20leafmining%20activity.-,Active%20blotch%20mines,-are%20usually%20most I look forward to your response.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 7:12 AM EDT
response: Here is the original image, not reduced.On Jun 6, 2023, at 07:44, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 07, 2023, 8:01 AM EDT
response: Hi James,  This is looks like oak shot hole leaf miner as referred to in the links.
MAPLE TREE

Question: What do you think this is? And is it treatable?
It has dropped atleast a thousand leaves and looks like more are alike on the tree

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied June 05, 2023, 10:07 AM EDT
response: Hi Pam, Without sending a sample to the pest ID lab, we can't say for sure, but it looks like your maple could have anthracnose. While unsightly, it's not likely that this would kill your tree. You can rake up the fallen leaves and try giving your tree some additional water. We are having some unseasonably dry weather, which can stress the trees and make them more susceptible to pathogens such as this. Take a look at this article for more details. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_leaf_blister_and_anthracnose_two_foliar_diseases_that_can_appear_on_s Information about the diagnostic lab can be found here. https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/index

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 10:27 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much.   I will try your suggestions.If I wanted to send a sample to you, how would I go about it?Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 6/5/23 10:07 AM (GMT-05:00) To: Pam Brown <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: MAPLE TREE (#0103704)

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied June 06, 2023, 9:03 AM EDT
response: You can go to the diagnostic lab website that I posted previously, here is a link to their page for how to submit a sample: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/ Here are their tips for submitting tree leaves with spots: Select affected foliage, but wherever possible leave it attached to the branch. Send several affected samples representing the early and moderate stages of symptom progression. Although the sample may seem flat enough to package and ship in an envelope, please package and ship in a box. This protects the sample during the shipping process. You can ship or deliver directly to: MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics578 Wilson RoadEast Lansing, MI 48824 Include this form, but do not include payment (a basic plant health analysis is $20, but certain tests can cost up to $100). They will send an invoice once they process the sample. https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/General_Sample_Submission_Form_May2022.pdf
Is this Poison Ivy?

Question: There is this single plant (rather than several plants) in my neighbor's yard.  I saw it while pulling garlic mustard.  I was wondering if it is poison ivy, and if not, what is it?  Thank you.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 05, 2023, 3:44 PM EDT
response: Not poison Ivy but boxelder tree.  See: 1. https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/boxelder 2. https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/tree/boxelder

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 4:15 PM EDT
response: Thank you!On Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 2:44 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Parsnip

Question: In spring of 2022 I planted parsnip seeds. They did nothing. Ihis year I have what appears to be wild parsnips from the same seeds same place. How did this happen and do I dig up the wild parsnips?

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied June 05, 2023, 3:41 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon Joan and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. I have no idea why your parsnips waited until this year to come up, but that happens sometimes with other things too.   Doing some reading, I think you should dig up the wild parsnips.  It sounds like they can get out of control pretty quickly.   It sounds like you can eat them, but the leaves and stems can cause almost burn like symptoms, so I think I’d get rid of them.  Be sure to protect your hands and arms.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 6:11 PM EDT
response: Thanks!
Maple tree dropping leaves

Question: Have a maple tree in the woods next to our home that is dropping leaves. The leaves have spots. Should I be concerned

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 05, 2023, 9:46 AM EDT
response: We are currently entering a droughty period. If the tree is established and has otherwise been in good health, it should be fine. Trees will often do this as a way to manage water loss during drought. If you had issues prior to the drought starting, it might be wise to have the tree inspected by a certified arborist. It's possible that the spots you are seeing is maple anthracnose but I'm unable to make out the spots from your picture. I've included a link to find an arborist if needed and some information on maple anthracnose.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_leaf_blister_and_anthracnose_two_foliar_diseases_that_can_appear_on_s  https://www.treesaregood.org/

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 6:28 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the help and the information Sent from my iPad On Jun 5, 2023, at 9:46 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
What are these plants? Are they weeds?

Question: They have spread all over our front flower bed area. Do I keep them or are they a weed?

responder: Taffy Replied June 05, 2023, 10:27 AM EDT
response: Hi Mira,  I'm out of town in British Columbia for a week. I can't get into Ask Extension on my phone or tablet. Sorry not to have let you know earlier! Taffy Get BlueMail for Android  On Jun 5, 2023, at 9:08 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: Hi Taffy, Question #0103634 has been assigned to you by Mira T. What are these plants? Are they weeds? They have spread all over our front flower bed area. Do I keep them or are they a weed? From: dmdanner7077Submitted: 06/04/2023 6:55 PM To view/respond to the question, please login. Please join the Ask Extension Experts group in Connect Extension. We will use that group to post updates about Ask Extension.This message was sent by Ask Extension. If you need help, please visit https://askhelp.extension.org/.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 2:03 PM EDT
response: Not sure why I received this thread of communication. Please redirect my question to some who is available. Thanks, Donna Sent from my iPhone On Jun 5, 2023, at 10:27 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 06, 2023, 1:47 PM EDT
response: Hello Donna,  We apologize, Taffy's message published to you by accident. Plant ID relies heavily on flower traits, but given the pictured plant's growth habit, spread, and foliage characteristics, our best guess is that this is Obedient Plant (botanical name Physostegia virginiana). A native perennial that will flower late this summer, it's visited by pollinators (bees, possibly some butterflies and hummingbirds) and can be used as a cut flower. Their more aggressive nature in terms of spread can be an advantage if weeds keep invading the flower bed, or if they help restrain the growth of another equally-aggressive native perennial. It probably won't be too difficult to remove them if parts of the colony (or all of it) are unwanted. A bit of cultivation information and a few more images can be found in the Missouri Botanical Garden database entry for this species (see link).  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2023, 6:23 PM EDT
response: Hi and thanks for the info. I don’t see any indication that this will ever flower. I don’t see any pollinators near it also. They are also about 4 feet tall. Sent from my iPhone On Jun 6, 2023, at 1:47 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Taffy Replied June 11, 2023, 7:13 AM EDT
response: Hi Donna, Physostegia bloom for me later in the season - starting in late July or so, especially if they are in some shade.  Give them a few more weeks and see what happens.
Advice for lawn dead patches

Question: Hi!  There are several patches in our lawn that are problematic. Some look like thatch and some are just dirt. We’ve tried raking and over seeding with lawn seed in previous years and last year we tried clover. Lawn seed has taken hold previously for the summer but does not come back.  Clover has not come back.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied June 04, 2023, 8:49 PM EDT
response: Good evening Mark and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. There have been a lot of problems with lawns this year.  My first suggestion would be to have your soil tested.  If you go to extension.umn.edu and  search ‘ test your soil this spring’ and in that article it will tell you how to do a soil sample and where to send it. Otherwise you have done everything that I would have.  Again it’s been a real challenge.  Hopefully we can figure this issue out.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 2:03 PM EDT
response: I’m on it, thank you Deb!  Mark Ostrom612.245.8453 From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Sunday, June 4, 2023 7:49 PMTo: Mark Ostrom <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Advice for lawn dead patches (#0103625)
Mature maple root girdle

Question: Can this Maple tree be saved?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 7:30 AM EDT
response: This tree was here over 20 years ago when I bought the place. It was thriving and full. Over the past few years I’ve noticed some leaves on a couple of big branches were turning in the late summer before the others. This spring the same branches started to bud but then died off. I did a little research and it led me to believe it could be root girdle. I dug down and I discovered there are roots growing over each other in the ground on one side where there is no flare and on the other side where there is a a flare a root has grown over it. Of the previous pictures I posted the first shows the die off and no flare on one side. Second shows the roots tangled over each other. Third shows root over flare.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 07, 2023, 8:51 AM EDT
response: Yes root girdling of maples that are planted too deep is a common problem with maples. It is difficult to say if the tree can be saved without an onsite evaluation.  An arborist could provide an onsite evaluation.   1. https://gardenprofessors.com/why-root-washing-is-important-an-illustrated-cautionary-tale/ 2. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
Something's eating the leaves off my carrots (and my mint!)

Question: Something is eating the leaves of my carrots (and my mint as well, but just the one plant - it's left the others alone.) All plants are either in a raised bed (galvanized steel tank 2 feet tall), or in planters on the deck 10 feet in the air, so I suspect insect activity vs. animal activity, but truly don't know. See photos - appreciate anything you can do to help identify, it's so odd! I've grown carrots and mint for the past few years and have not had this happen before.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 06, 2023, 9:50 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Allison,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  From viewing your photos, I believe the damage is animal based rather than an insect. Do you have a lot of rabbits or deer in your neighborhood?  Your raised bed would be easily accessible to deer and rabbits, even if it is 2 feet off the ground.  The deck plant could be damage from mice or voles.  It would be unusual for an insect to eat all of the leaves on one of your mint plants and not eat the other.  If it tastes good for the rabbits, they will eat it.  You might consider putting chicken wire around the top of your raised bed and see what happens.  Have you inspected the area to see if you find an insect you feel might be eating them? Also look for animal droppings.  Here is a link to the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about animal damage: https://extension.umn.edu/news/animal-damage-trees-and-shrubs If you scroll down, it states about rabbits: Their browsing is characterized by a neat cut at a 45-degree angle and is concentrated lower to the ground than deer damage.  It is too early in the season to be Japanese beetles: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/japanese-beetles If you find further evidence of insects or animals, you can work through "What's wrong with my plant?" https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/ Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 11:46 AM EDT
response: Hi Maureen, Thanks for responding. We are in rural Washington County, so we do have deer, rabbits, mice, and voles. What we have an absolute abundance of is striped gophers - I wonder if they're the ones eating my plants! I didn't think about it earlier but based on your feedback, and the fact that I haven't been able to find any insects, they seem like they would be the most likely culprit (and small enough not to set off the motion cameras on our deck). Thank you for your help! Best,Allie On Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 8:50 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 06, 2023, 7:50 PM EDT
response: You are welcome. Also, chipmunks!  Good Luck!
Help Identify Plant in Backyard

Question: Hi.  Do you have any idea what this plant is?  This is the first year that it showed up in my yard.  It is underneath a Blue Spruce tree. I'm attaching 2 pictures.  One of the group of plants at the base of the tree and one of a single plant that I picked from the group.  It has spread a bit over the past couple of weeks.

If you can identify it, is it invasive?

Thank you.

responder: eGardener  Replied June 04, 2023, 7:17 PM EDT
response: Hello Betsy, happy to help. The plant is called Pennsylvania pellitory (Parietaria pensylvanica), a native weed that pops up in disturbed areas. It is aggressive but not an invasive. Here is a link to information about the plant along with photos to help you confirm. I recommend pulling all of it (it's pretty easy to pull) and destroy it by burning it or sending it to a composter where the temperatures in their windrows reach high enough to destroy the seeds that are situated all along the stem of the plant. Good-luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 4:15 PM EDT
response: Great information. Thank you!On Sun, Jun 4, 2023 at 6:17 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: eGardener  Replied June 05, 2023, 5:02 PM EDT
response: Betsy,  That's nice of you but I forgot to include the link to the additional information. Here it is: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/pennsylvania-pellitory Good-luck!
Is this plant poison Ivy?

Question: My neighbor has said this plant in my yard is poison ivy.  I thought is is bishops weed, gout weed, snow on the mountain.  I bought a weed killer specifically for poison ivy. and used it once.  I would appresiate it if you would identify it for me.  Thank you.

responder: BarbLB   Replied June 04, 2023, 5:13 PM EDT
response: Jocelle Can you please describe where is this growing? Wooded area?  Does it ever get fruit or berries?  How tall is it?  Barb

responder: BarbLB   Replied June 05, 2023, 8:44 AM EDT
response: Here is a link that can provide you with more details. It seems in that one photo I VWR a red Berry but I’m not certain it is connected to this plant.  https://extension.psu.edu/management-of-eastern-black-nightshade-in-agronomic-crops#:~:text=The%20fruit%20is%20a%203%2F8-inch%2C%20round%2C%20green%20berry,in%20diameter%20%28approximately%20the%20size%20of%20a%20pinhead%29.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 10:00 AM EDT
response: On Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 05:13:25 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   Thnaks for answeiring.  It is located in a bed next to the house.  No berries, but white round clusters of tiny flowers.  I have always thought it was gout weed, snow on the mountain that have grown back with out the white margins as just green, until my neighbor was so alarmed.  Thank you I will read the nightshade info too