MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Suffering Pear Tree

Question: I live in Oakland Township and have 3 pear trees in front of my house, two are doing well and 1 is suffering and not as full as the other two. I have additional pics is that would help.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2024, 9:50 AM EDT
response: Hello Jim, Additional pictures would be helpful. Are these ornamental pears or pears meant for bearing fruit? Are there any visible signs of damage or distress?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 10:14 AM EDT
response: It's ornamental and a Cleveland Pear i believe - No evidence of damage or distress - I'm attaching some additional pics - you will see a green'ish mold or something on the trunk ?   On Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 09:50:50 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2024, 10:22 AM EDT
response: Hello Jim, The greenish mold is just lichen. This wouldn't be the cause of the problem. There appears to be several shoots that are damaged at the top of the tree. This could be winter dieback. I can't tell from the pictures if there are leaves on the distressed branches. If there are leaves there that are spindly or shriveled it could be indicative of herbicide damage (potentially related to the lawn care).

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 11:05 AM EDT
response: How do I identify a distressed branch? Regards, Jim     On Jul 10, 2024, at 10:39 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT
response: I’m referring to the branches at the top of the tree you’re asking about. They appear not to have leaves. You can cut into the branch and see if there is a ring of green tissue under the bark or you can examine the leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2024, 12:09 PM EDT
response: I just took some additional pics - does this help  Regards, Jim     On Jul 10, 2024, at 10:39 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2024, 8:51 AM EDT
response: Hello Jim, There doesn’t appear to be a clear cause for the injury, which leads me to believe that it is dieback from winter injury, especially since the other branches on the tree seem okay. You should prune out the dead branches and monitor the growth in the rest of the season and next year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2024, 8:57 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much !!   On Friday, July 12, 2024 at 08:51:45 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Odd growth on leaves

Question: All the leaves on our mature tree have developed these nodules. They are solid. We only noticed them about 10 days ago. I wrote you a week ago but haven’t gotten a response. We live behind Angostua Reservoir near the dam.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2024, 10:38 AM EDT
response: Hi Cathryn, Do you know what kind of tree this is?  If it's a hackberry, it could be hackberry nipple gall.  Our Extension forestry specialist, Dr. John Ball, wrote a Tree Pest Alert article about hackberry nipple gall that I have attached. If you have further questions, you can contact him directly at <personal data hidden> (cell). Sincerely, Robin

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 10:46 PM EDT
response: This solved our mystery. Thank you. Cathryn On Jul 10, 2024, at 8:38 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Grape vine disease

Question: Hello my grapes this year got some type of disease. There was like a white fuzzy think layer of mold maybe? They turned purple and then brown and wilted. How do I treat this so I don’t have the same problem next year.

responder: Diane M  Replied July 10, 2024, 3:22 PM EDT
response: This likely is due to powdery mildew, which is the fuzzy layer you describe.  As the infection progresses, browning and wilting can occur.  Improve air circulation and sunlight exposure through proper pruning and training of vines.  You might also consider a preventive fungicide in the spring.  Here is an article about this condition: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-fru-37

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2024, 11:15 PM EDT
response: What is the best treatment for powder mildew? I read through the article and looked up bulletin 708 but I still feel a little confused. Is there anything on the organic side to use? I did cut all the fruit off this year but we do eat and use these for cooking so I’m hoping to find something to use that is safe.  Thank you Brooke

responder: Diane M  Replied July 22, 2024, 4:33 PM EDT
response: Sulfur is an organic option.  It  is commonly used for powdery mildew on grapes, and can be effective when applied early in the season.Here is an article from Michigan State University about using fungicides on grapes - https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/protecting_young_grape_clusters_from_powdery_and_downy_mildew
Grass

Question: What type of grass is this?
It's spreading quickly,  should I get rid of it?

responder: Susan LIf you would like to learn more, please check out these resources.  Replied July 11, 2024, 11:31 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  There are so many grassy weeds that it is difficult to identify your grass without seeing the seed head.  There are several aquatic grasses that have similar narrow blades. But even in lawns, there are numerous grassy weeds with narrow blades.  Without seeing the seed head, I believe this could be nimblewill. See pictures at  Lawn and Turfgrass Weeds: Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi J.F. Gmel.) (psu.edu)   If you scroll down, there is a closeup of the leaves.  Most grassy weeds tend to be invasive, so you should probably remove it. The site above gives advice about removing nimblewill.  If you follow their advice, you must follow the directions on the herbicide exactly.  It is interesting that for other weeds including some grass weeds, a preemergent herbicide is recommended, but not for nimblewill.     The safest way to remove the weed is by hand if it is not too widely spread already.  Please feel free to submit another photo with the seed heads. That will help narrow down the type of grass.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2024, 2:51 PM EDT
response: Thanks,  I try to send seed head photo but I've never seen any seed heads on this "grass".CindyYahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer  On Thu, Jul 11, 2024 at 11:31 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Susan LIf you would like to learn more, please check out these resources.  Replied July 11, 2024, 4:13 PM EDT
response: Hi again, it's great that you have no seed heads so the plant can't reproduce that way.  It looks like it'll spread by runners or roots.  Can you pull it out?  Good luck!
Holes in Eggplants

Question: Hi!  My Japanese eggplants have small, deep, round holes.  Critter or Insect and how do I stop them?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 09, 2024, 7:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Shira.  Here is a Q&A between another gardener and one of our faculty members:  https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=769874  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2024, 7:56 PM EDT
response: Thanks!  Will try neem oil and vigilance.  On Tue, Jul 9, 2024, 4:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 09, 2024, 10:45 PM EDT
response: Yes, flashlights at 2:00 am can be your best police!
Hosta issues

Question: I have two hostas that aren’t looking very good and would like to get an experts opinion on cause of the issue and how to correct it. I’ve attached Pictures below. The blue hosta has brown spots on it and the yellow hosta. The leaves are turning white and wilting.. Please let me know if you need additional information thank you for your help.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 10, 2024, 9:07 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Stan,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Please click on the following link about growing hosta: https://extension.umn.edu/flowers/growing-hostas-minnesota From viewing your photo, it appears the hosta plants are buried in wood chip mulch. First I would pull the mulch away from the stem of the plants for at least a few inches. The wood chips are good to keep the soil cool and moist, but not up to the stem.  Is the yellow hosta getting too much sun? How many hours of sunlight is it getting per day? It may be struggling because we've had so much rain lately.  Here is another link about slugs in the garden: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/slugs Is the blue hosta supposed to be varigated with the white highlights? Or do you want it to be all blue? This plant appears to be two different plants.  Nature is not perfect. You may have a few leaves beaten up by the rain and wind. You can prune off the damaged leaves, give the plants a little more room in the soil to thrive.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 10:03 AM EDT
response: The blue is not variegated. The spots you see are brown and irregular. The yellow hosta is getting about 5 hr of full sun a day and some filtered. thanks for sharing your expertise.     Regards,    Stan Weichert       On Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 08:17:34 AM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 11, 2024, 8:14 AM EDT
response: Stan,  The spots on the blue hosta appear to be white from my view.  The 5 hours of direct sun may be too much for the yellow hosta.  Good Luck!
Family Garden Bean plant Die-off

Question: Over a period of 7-10 days, I've experienced a rapid die-off of my beans. To my eyes, no evidence of insects, no scabs or mold. Just curling of the leaves. see first photo.  Severing several stems, I do find anything obvious, except a darkening of the stem internals. Don't know is this is problematic or not.  Small nodules on the roots.

In that section of garnes, which is not that larges, I had Cowpeas last year withot an issue, but cucumbers has problems in 2022.   Stopped growing Cucks.

Would have sent more photos.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2024, 5:22 PM EDT
response: Additional photos.  In absence of additional information, I'll probably pull and dispose of the plants this weekend.

responder: Thank you for your question,  Replied July 15, 2024, 11:00 AM EDT
response: Hello Richard, It appears that it may be bacterial infection or blight; the only way to know for sure would be to send the plant in for analysis. The high temps and rainy weather we have been having unfortunately makes for a high chance of bacterial and fungal infections.   Here is a link for some good preventive information on bacterial blight: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/bacterial_blight_of_dry_beans_in_michigan The nodules on roots are a result of a symbiotic infection caused by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and is considered a normal process for legumes; to help them store and use nitrogen in harsher climates.
Dieffenbachia stopped growing

Question: The newest leaf on this Dieffenbachia stopped growing when preceding leaf was damaged during relocation, then latter broke off. Is there anything that I can do to stimulate the tiny early new leaf to resume growing? Does lack of new leaf growth mean stimulation of growth of an off-shoot lower down on stem will occur instead?

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 10, 2024, 12:48 PM EDT
response: There isn't a way to directly speed-up development of new growth, assuming the plant is getting enough light and moisture (when it dries out enough to need watering, since Dieffenbachia don't like to stay soggy). If you haven't fertilized yet this spring/summer, or if it's been several weeks since you last used a liquid-type fertilizer, you could give it a dose now (follow product label directions). It's hard to predict when lower growth points will initiate (start to grow), but generally they don't until the uppermost growing point is lost due to pruning or dieback, which does not appear to be the case here.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 1:39 PM EDT
response: But what would you expect to happen now, since zero growth from newest leaf due to broken preceding leaf, as per above?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 1:40 PM EDT
response: There are no issues with light, water or fertilizer

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 10, 2024, 1:53 PM EDT
response: We would expect that still-expanding new leaf you pictured to emerge; it just might take a few weeks. The part of the broken leaf that remained on the plant is still photosynthesizing and providing it with food, so it's not under urgent need to replace foliage since the rest of the plant's foliage seems to be in good condition.  Miri
kissing bug?

Question: is this a kissing bug? it landed on my face and may have bitten me or not , but when I swat/ swiped it some portion of it touched my lip / corner of my mouth evidenced by a foul taste. I am concerned about the potential of contracting the disease they carry. Can you ID and give any advise you may have? 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 July 10, 2024, 3:45 PM EDT
response: Hi,  Not to worry this looks like a Leaf-footed bug which is harmless. You can read some more about them from Ohio State Extension. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 3:56 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily, thank you so much for your reply. Is there anything to worry about as far as contracting disease from these types of bugs, I did wash my face and lips afterwards but it had already touched my lips and I already had the taste in my mouth.  On Wed, Jul 10, 2024, 3:45 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 10, 2024, 4:19 PM EDT
response: To our knowledge there isn't any medical concern but every body is different. If you seem to have a reaction, we would recommend you seek medical help. Any bug can potentially bite and it may be your bodies reaction to it. From the Ohio State article we sent, it states that when they are scared or squashed they can emit the foul odor so it is possible it was a protective response when you swatted at it. It should not have any disease you can contract though - not like a mosquito or tick which can carry different diseases that can transmit through their saliva into your blood, or venom from a spider bite.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 4:58 PM EDT
response: Thank you for answering my questions. Hope you have a great day.   On Wed, Jul 10, 2024, 4:19 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 10, 2024, 5:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you, and you're welcome.
Plant ID

Question: Received as a walk-in at county extension office for plant ID.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2024, 7:59 AM EDT
response: Hard to say exactly from that photo, were there any thorns on this plant?  It might be a type of bramble.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2024, 1:29 PM EDT
response: The person who dropped it off has provided me another image to try and help identify it. They're mostly concerned on whether or not it is poison ivy.   Please see the new image attached to the plant.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 17, 2024, 7:52 AM EDT
response: Sorry, I should have said it is definitely not poison ivy and is most likely a type of bramble.   Maybe you can share the attached Poison Ivy Extension article that Erin Hill and I put out on poison ivy identification for future reference.  Let me know if you have additional questions.
Help Identify following

Question: Could you help identifying the following?

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 09, 2024, 3:19 PM EDT
response: Hi,  Thanks for contacting us for help.  There is probably several dozen moth species in MD that look like that. You can explore iNaturalist or Maryland Biodiversity Project to see if you can narrow it down. The spiders you are showing here are not medically significant (not widows, not recluses) but spider ID isn't very easy without at least a clear view of the eye pattern. Body shape and coloration can vary between juveniles and adults and males and females.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 2:42 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your assistance.

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 10, 2024, 10:13 AM EDT
response: you're welcome
Tree Leaf w/ Attached Gall (?)

Question: A friend in Benzie County was surprised to find 100+ (green) leaves on ground beneath one of her trees. She said they all dropped on the same day. I collected a leaf which, like all the others, had an insect gall (?) at the base of each stem. I will attach a couple photos.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2024, 9:08 PM EDT
response: Hi Jennifer, thanks for the question. This is the work of the Cabbage Root Aphid!  Okay, it is also known as Cottonwood Petiole Gall Aphid.  It has a rather odd life cycle.  By the time you see the leaf fall from their handywork, the aphids are gone.  They really don't harm the tree. The leaf drop is usually insignificant.  Check out the following links for information on this rather odd aphid: Cottonwood Galls (sdstate.edu) stelprdb5351722.pdf (usda.gov) Cottonwood Gall – Growing With Science Blog I hope this is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT
response: We appreciate your help!Sent from my iPod On Jul 9, 2024, at 10:51 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  ﻿   Dear Jennifer, Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online. YOUR QUESTION #0146395: Tree Leaf w/ Attached Gall (?) A friend in Benzie County was surprised to find 100+ (green) leaves on ground beneath one of her trees. She said they all dropped on the same day. I collected a leaf which, like all the others, had an insect gall (?) at the base of each stem. I will attach a couple photos. Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States. If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.  This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.
Fungus in mulch

Question: Newly landscaped bed with new mulch growing this fungus..leaving it undisturbed.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied July 09, 2024, 8:46 AM EDT
response: Hello Laura This is slime mold. It is very common, grows in multiple kinds and colors, and is completely harmless. You can scoop it up and throw it away( if you have dust or other allergies where a dust mask and gloves.) Here is more on the slime mold, and how to discourage it  https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/files/2015/12/DogVomitSlimeMold.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2024, 10:11 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 9, 2024, at 8:47 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied July 09, 2024, 10:45 AM EDT
response: Glad to help!
Plant Problems :(

Question: Several of my plants are wilting and falling over. This started happening during the heat of summer. Can you tell from the photos if the damage to the plant was from over/under watering, heat or if it was from herbicide. I felt the soil it didnt seem overly wet or dry to me but its hard for me to tell. Ive been watering them more but they dont seem to be perking up. Not sure what i should do at this point. My husband may have spray herbicide instead of insecticide on them but some of the plants he sprayed are doing fine.

responder: Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP  Replied July 13, 2024, 3:15 PM EDT
response: The twisting on 4314 looks like it could be herbicide damage. Plants have different susceptibility to herbicides so it is not surprising that some look fine and others are injured. It is difficult to diagnose too much or too little water, other than feeling the soil. Too little water causes wilting, but too much water also causes wilting because the roots die due to lack of oxygen in a water-ogged soil and then can't take up water. The effect is the same.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2024, 4:22 PM EDT
response: Is this Blueberry leaf mottle? Or also herbicide damage? I didn’t think we had Blueberry leaf mottle in Delaware but it looks like it.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2024, 4:22 PM EDT
response: Is this Blueberry leaf mottle? Or also herbicide damage? I didn’t think we had Blueberry leaf mottle in Delaware but it looks like it.

responder: Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP  Replied July 13, 2024, 7:53 PM EDT
response: Hard to tell from a photo. If you want to get a clearer diagnosis of the virus, you can drop off a sample to the Plant Diagnostic Clinic in Townsend Hall. https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/sustainable-production/plant-diagnostic-clinic/