MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
What’s on my Redbud Tree leaves?

Question: Could you please identify what is on the leaves of my Redbud Tree?
A very small pest?
A disease? 
The white-ish spotting is only on the top sides of the leaves, not seeing any on the leaf underside.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 16, 2023, 10:09 PM EDT
response: Hi Andrea, I think you may have spider mites. They are very tiny insects that suck out the juices in plants and leave them looking stippled . https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/spider-mites Out hot dry weather is what they thrive in. Spray your tree canopy every day with the hose and that might help. Our new weather patterns are allowing a lot more pests and disease to thrive unfortunetly. Sally Granath MG St> Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 9:29 AM EDT
response: Hello. I do agree that there are likely some spider mites eating the Redbud leaves. Yet I suspect that there is another very small insect at work. These have wings. If you would please see the attached photo? Not sure if the photo quality is good enough. I placed a redbud leaf upside down between two glass pie plates. And I wrote numbers 1-6 in blue where I see the winged insects.  Maybe these are whiteflies? thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 13, 2023, 8:16 AM EDT
response: Wow, You sure have problems with that tree. I found another link for you to look at : https://byf.unl.edu/e2cc2f52-c8fe-4252-9332-fec7215afb04.pdf Two spotted spider might ? I think your tree is so weekend it now has several insects feeding off it. It can't hurt to spray it with an insecticidal soap. I would definitely spray the tree this fall with horticulture oil and again before bud break in the spring. Make sure the tree gets watered once a week.  Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 14, 2023, 10:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Andrea,  I think you are right. I'm thinking they are leaf hoppers. https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/VEGES/PESTS/leafhopper.html Make sure the tree gets watered once a week ( 5 gallons or so). The tree is stressed in this hot dry weather. It can't hurt to spray your tree with a strong blast from your hose and try and knock the bugs off (if that is doable). I've gotten many inquiries about the same issues with red bud trees. They are clearly more stressed and thus, more vulnerable to insects. Both insects are soft bodied so you can try insecticidal soap and horticultural oils. There is a lot of research out there and I encourage you to look at what has been found effective. If you can keep your tree watered that will help. Often they can withstand insects . Hope this is helpful, Sally Granath St. Louis County MG
Green Bean Plants.. diseased?

Question: Hello. I am just wondering what is going on with my green bean plants. They’ve got dry spots on them and some look more yellowish before drying out, which is concerning. They are getting plenty of water. The only thing I can think of is that I over fertilized them. These are bush Blue Lake 274 beans that I planted last year and saved the extra seeds for this year. I do not remember the leaves getting like this last year but I could be remembering incorrectly.

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied June 14, 2023, 9:51 PM EDT
response: It looks like your beans may have blight. This is caused by bacteria. To limit the damage make sure there is adequate space between plants so they do not hold moisture, water at the roots and allow soil to dry out between watering. The blight may not impact your crop. Below is information about this blight. It can be spread season to season through plant debris and infected soil. It looks like you may be growing these in containers. Wash out containers and replace soil each year.   https://extension.umn.edu/pest-management/bacterial-blight-soybean

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 10:17 PM EDT
response: Hi Amy. Thank you for your response! I think I may have been over watering and not allowing soil to dry out in between. They are being grown in an elevated garden box that is 4’X8’ and 15” deep. I’m trying to remember if this happened to them at the end of last season, it might have.I didn’t take any soil out this year, I added new compost this spring though. Would you recommend replacing soil next year? Thank youKristen Popp On Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 8:51 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied June 14, 2023, 10:25 PM EDT
response: Yes. Anytime you are growing vegetables you will want to start with new soil.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 10:33 PM EDT
response: Mainly because it is in a container and not the ground right? On Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 9:25 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied June 17, 2023, 10:16 PM EDT
response: Correct.
Two diseased Peach trees

Question: Hi,Two of my three Peach trees have a disease or a bug.  One is a red leaf Peach tree and the other is a green leaf Peach tree.  Would you be able to tell me what is wrong with the two Peach trees pictured and what products to use and how to apply the products to cure my Peach trees?  The trees are about 4 or 5 years old.  The Peach trees are in the City of Alpena, MI.

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 14, 2023, 10:01 AM EDT
response: Your trees have an advanced case of peach leaf curl. This is caused by a fungus that reproduces during the springtime. The drought conditions could have also contributed to weaker leaves after the infection.  The only way to stop the issue is a preventative fungicide treatment with one that has the active ingredient of chlorothalonil of copper. The best timing is Spring when buds are swollen but prior to bloom. It's also possible to treat in the Fall once leaves have fallen. For more information about peach leaf curl: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/peach-leaf-curl/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 10:25 AM EDT
response: Thank you David.  So I don’t treat the trees now only in spring and fall?  Can I spray them now with the product mentioned. Will it help or will the fungus be on the trees all year?On Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 10:01 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 14, 2023, 12:18 PM EDT
response: Correct, spraying now will do nothing since the treatment is a preventative one that stops spores from reproducing before they are active. An application in the Spring will provide protection for the growing season. A fall spray would be for more severe outbreak, and a Spring one would still be necessary.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 12:39 PM EDT
response: Okay, thank you very much for the info.On Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 12:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 12:57 PM EDT
response: Does this fungus affect other trees also like cherry trees, plum trees, pear trees, apple trees and a spring flowering cherry tree, this cherry tree does get fruit but it’s the very first tree to have flowers in the spring?  Should all these other trees be sprayed in spring and fall too?On Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 12:38 PM Jo Anne Smigelski <<personal data hidden>> wrote:Okay, thank you very much for the info.On Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 12:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 14, 2023, 10:05 PM EDT
response: Peach leaf curl is specific to peach trees.  Whether you apply preventative fungicides to the other fruit trees depends on your tolerance to risk and previous levels of infection. Each tree fruit is susceptible to different types of diseases that are species-specific.   This guide describes the types of disease that impact different tree fruits and management options: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/id/id-146-w.pdf
What bug is this?

Question: Found in perennial bed so far only on Chinese lantern foliage. Clusters of bugs leave black liquid

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 13, 2023, 6:22 PM EDT
response: This is a three lined potato beetle larva.  They coat themselves with excrement/poop as protective cover.  The liquid is probably some excrement that got wet.  See website for more details: https://ag.umass.edu/greenhouse-floriculture/photos/three-lined-potato-beetle

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 6:37 PM EDT
response: Best way to get rid of them? Tomato plants also in this bedSent from my iPhone On Jun 13, 2023, at 5:22 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 13, 2023, 7:10 PM EDT
response: Spinosad is organic.  Others are listed at the following sites. 1.  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/threelined-potato-beetles 2.  https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/newsletters/hortupdate/hortupdate_archives/2004/mar04/Spinosad.html
Please, what plant is this?

Question: It is growing at the edge of a creek - Minnehaha Creek - about 50 feet from Minnehaha Falls. I do not recognize it as native to Minnesota. Do you know what it is called and is it wild? It is lovey.

Thank you for your assistance.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 14, 2023, 8:16 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Anne,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  I believe this is the plant: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/flowering-rush Please click on the link.  Based on this information, the plant is invasive and is not native to Minnesota.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 9:14 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Maureen, for your thorough research and prompt response!AnneOn Jun 14, 2023, at 7:16 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: ﻿

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 15, 2023, 7:11 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Flower identification

Question: Can you identify this flower?

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied June 13, 2023, 7:27 PM EDT
response: Hi Cherrie,  I believe this is Thalictrum aqualegiifolium, known as meadow rue or greater meadow rue.   Here's some more info from Missouri Botanic Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286093

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 10:43 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your help.Sent from my iPhone On Jun 13, 2023, at 2:39 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿  Dear Cherrie, 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 #0105390: Flower identification Can you identify this flower? 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.
Identify this weed

Question: These unknown flowering weeds are taking over our meadows in the the foothills west of Denver.  They are rooting themselves at the base of the native grass and eventually crowding out the grass.  They flower, go to seed then become very sticky and brown, hanging around all summer and winter.  I would like to know what they are and how to get rid of them before my meadow is overrun. I have tried cutting them when flowering but it seems they come back thicker than before cutting.

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied June 16, 2023, 5:59 PM EDT
response: Hi Suellen, This appears to be Alyssum simplex. To manage this plant, you'll want to pull out/dig up the plants before they go to seed. Otherwise, if they've already seeded, you can apply a pre-emergent herbicide next spring before the seeded plants germinate. However, a pre-emergent will prevent other seeds from germinating at that time as well. Let me know if you have other questions! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 17, 2023, 11:37 AM EDT
response: Thank you for identifying these very noxious little plants.   The problem I have is there are billions of these plants crowding out the native grass here in Genesee.  If I were to apply it to my property,  would a preemergent herbicide also kill the native grass seeds?   It appears the Alyssum Simplex is going to be the new normal for our sunny meadows.  Thanks  Suellen     Sent from my iPhone  On Jun 16, 2023, at 3:59 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied June 21, 2023, 12:14 PM EDT
response: Hi Suellen, Yes, unfortunately the pre-emergent would kill any other plants that are germinating from seed. It won't necessarily kill the seed itself or deplete the seed bank in the soil, but it will kill any plants that begin germinating and emerge from the seed.  Thanks! Hania
Paperbark Maple "Acer griseum"

Question: Hi!

I really love the Paperbark Maple Tree "Acer griseum." I live in Dayton, MN (55327). I've found so much conflicting info regarding the planting zone for this tree. Some sites say zone 4 and some say zone 5. My backyard is south facing and gets a good deal of sun. Can you please let me know if you think that this tree would be hardy in this environment? Thanks!

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied June 14, 2023, 11:06 AM EDT
response: Good morning Valerie and thank you for reaching out to as2.extension. I found the maple to be a zone 5-8.  Usually they are pretty good and getting the right zone on plants and trees.  There are pockets of exemptions within a zone, but I have found that if it rated zone 5-8, Minnesota probably shouldn’t plant it. You could try, but be prepared to lose it.  Sorry.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 11:31 AM EDT
response: I appreciate your honest feedback, I’ll select something else. Thanks so much : ) On Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 10:06 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Weird wasp-like bugs

Question: Hi there. 
7 of these were buzzing in a window inside my house today. I tried to match them to photos online but couldnâ€™t. 
Each was probably 1.5â€ long and kind of resembled a wasp. Sorry the photos arenâ€™t terrific and thanks for your help!

responder: Answered by University of Maryland Extension faculty. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC program web page and blog, Maryland Grows. Replied June 13, 2023, 3:16 PM EDT
response: Hello, Thank you for your question and photos. From the photos the insect appears to potentially belong to the group/suborder of wasps called Symphyta.Â  Symphyta waspsÂ have a distinctive un-pinched waist, while wasps that belong to the other suborder, Apocrita, have a narrow/pinched waist.Â  Symphyta wasps are not typically house pests other than potentially being a nuissance by getting trapped or caught indoors and flying around. It is likely the wasps were accidentally let inside and went toward to window thinking it was an exit point. IÂ would encourage them back outdoors if you can.Â These wasps mainly feed on plant tissue and they do not form nests or hives. They lay eggs in or on plant material.Â  My best guess for a further identification would be the family Siricidae, common name of horntails. But, I cannot say for sure. If you would like a further identification I would either recommend looking through photos of different Symphyta wasp species through this credible webpage:Â https://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Symphyta&search=Search, or you could try and capture one of the wasps in a container, place the container in the fridge to slow the insect down, and then you may take to clearer and closer up photos. Once you are done taking photos, releasing the wasp outside.Â

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 3:35 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much!!Â I let all of them go already - but if another one shows up I will take your advice and try to get another (better) photo. I think your suspicion is right, though. I brought some large, round cut pieces of a limb inside to stack as a summer "decoration" in the fire place. SInce they eat plant material as you mentioned, I'm thinking they may have come from there.ThanksÂ again for the quick and comprehensive response. I really appreciate it!LisaOn Tue, Jun 13, 2023 at 3:16â€¯PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Rose Bush with Black spot on leaves

Question: This rose bush presents black spots on the leaves. The rose bush is a well established bush.  Please advise how to take care of this fungus. If you would like to call her<personal data hidden>

responder: Terri   Replied June 13, 2023, 12:10 PM EDT
response: It is called black spot. See the following for treatment options:  https://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/ipddl/publications/5097e/ and https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/rose-black-spot.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 12:17 PM EDT
response: I am using a topical application that states I can only use 3 times two weeks apart.  I just completed the last treatment.  Should I use something else after this treatment or just let it ride the rest of the season?  Does this ever truly go away or go into remission?   Kali Pesta, Social Worker Todd County Health and Human Services 212 2nd Ave. S. Long Prairie, MN 56347 <personal data hidden>    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2023 11:10 AM To: Kali Pesta <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Rose Bush with Black spot on leaves (#0105310)     TODD COUNTY SECURITY NOTICE:  This email originated from an external sender. Please exercise caution before clicking on any links or attachments and consider whether you know the sender. For more information please contact MIS.

responder: Terri   Replied June 13, 2023, 12:52 PM EDT
response: If you work on sanitation like taking off the infected leaves, picking up dropped leaves regularly, making sure to water at the base so the leaves stay dry, etc., it should improve. Some fungicides can be used all season. Don't apply the one you have any more than the label says as it can harm the plant. Fall clean-up is particularly important as the spores overwinter and infect new growth in the spring. Short of replacing with a different, more resistant variety, you may always see some damage. It does not kill the shrub, but can weaken it, which makes it susceptible to other problems that can kill it. For my roses, I put on the heaviest gloves I have and pull off the leaves. It is not one of my favorite projects.
brown spider, not a wolf spider

Question: This little guy was on my house near the door.  Some kind of brown spider.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 10:15 AM EDT
response: Maybe it is this type?  https://bugguide.net/node/view/1528223/bgpage "Spider with short legs - Naphrys pulexForest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota, USAMay 27, 2018"

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 14, 2023, 8:09 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Susan,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Your selection from the bug guide appears accurate. Did you have a question?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 8:16 AM EDT
response: Great, thanks! ***********************Susan GanglOn Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 7:09 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 14, 2023, 8:16 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Beet Curly Top Virus of tomatoes

Question: I am wondering if this is beet curly top virus of tomato? Through my research I believe it is. I have only noticed it that last two years in my garden. Tomatoes are the only crop I have noticed symptoms of this disease. I also grow beets and potatoes in close proximity and have never noticed any symptoms in either of those crops. Thanks for the help!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 13, 2023, 2:37 PM EDT
response: Based on your location, your observation that other crops do not show symptoms, and the lack of chlorosis, I highly doubt this is curly top virus, which is mostly restricted to the drier western US.  Tomatoes are not a preferred host for beet leafhoppers, so they will tend to go to other crops first.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 2:48 PM EDT
response: So what would be the cause of the misshaped leaves and new growth that is rolled upwards with purple veins? Phosphorus deficiency? I know it’s not herbicide drift.  Sent from my iPhone On Jun 13, 2023, at 1:37 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 13, 2023, 2:52 PM EDT
response: How do you know it is not herbicide drift?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 6:37 PM EDT
response: The gardens are surrounded by trees on all sides and then pasture which hasn’t been sprayed yet this year. If it was spray drift I would think it would affect more than just tomatoes even though tomatoes are probably most sensitive. Sent from my iPhone On Jun 13, 2023, at 1:52 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 13, 2023, 6:42 PM EDT
response: Spray drift can come from a mile away or more, especially on a windy day - and if it comes from a distance, it will be more spotty.  I always consider tomatoes as the "canary" for drift - they will show signs at much lower concentrations than almost anything else except maybe grapes. Trees can help, but I've seen damage from roadside sprays that made it quite easily through a good windbreak and another 1/4 miles away.
Best Watering Practice

Question: I'm looking for your advice, please.
With the lack of rain, I am watering my vegetable garden and also a newly planted native "soft landing" area under oak trees.
What is the best application process and timing?
I only have overhead sprinkling available, so I do it early morning, when there is minimal wind.
For veggies, is 1 inch all at one time, better than two watering of 1/2 inch each?  All the veggies are mulched and the ground seems to stay a bit moist under the leaves.  I use a gasoline engine to pump water from a nearby swamp, so I don't want to over-water.

For new native seedlings, what is recommended?  These are closer to the house, so I use water from our well.  I want the plants to grow strong and resiliant, with deep roots, but I don't want them to die.

Thanks for your advice.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 9:22 AM EDT
response: ps  The Vegetable garden is no-till (if that makes a difference.)

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 13, 2023, 9:43 AM EDT
response: You are doing just fine. Watering once at one inch at a time may devlop slightly deeper roots than two half inch waterings, but the important part is watering.  Your native seedlings covers a lot of plant territory, but in general the watering advice is the same, an inch a week. Dig down a few inches in each area and check the moisture of the soil. If dry, you need water, If moist you can wait day.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 13, 2023, 9:46 AM EDT
response: No-till is a good practice. Because you are disturbing the soil less, it MIGHT be better at holding moisture.