MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Crown Dieback of a Dakota Pinnacle Birch Tree

Question: Hello,
Last fall we planted two Dakota Pinnacle Birch Trees on a boulevard at a non-profit as part of a St. Anthony Community grant near University and Vandalia in St. Paul.  They were watered and cared for extremely well but the boulevard probably doesn't have the greatest soil (planting holes were substantial and trees were mulched).  We had crown dieback over the winter and one tree had worse dieback compared to the other.  Leaves and branches have regenerated pretty well (but there's no real central leader left) but we are now in the position of knowing that we have about 10 more days to either choose to keep them or get replacements from Gertens.  Looking for some advice to help us make this important financial decision-thank you.  As additional information, the four Crimson Spire Oaks are completely fine under these same conditions.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 23, 2023, 10:02 PM EDT
response: Hi Christa, You need to replace those trees. It's only going to get worse in my opinion. https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=762474 I think these trees are a bad choice for a boulevard planting. They are difficult to grow, and now with our hot and dry summers they will continue to struggle and be susceptible to all sorts of  problems. https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/bqa/cpr/forestry/widespread-dead-and-dying-birch-trees-06-10-21 You need a very hardy tree that can withstand drought and heat and is very adaptable. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/best-native-yard-trees.html I see you have a water bag around the tree. These are well intended but, they are responsible for killing trees. .....You are not suppose to leave the bag on all summer. It's supposed to be a temporary help. I bet if you take it off you will see rot and bugs eating into the trunk, further weakening it. For any future  trees you plant sink a stake in next to the tree and zip the bag around that. Remember not to put mulch right up to the trunk which also causes rot/decay and critters that eat into the bark. Do some research on hardy trees for hot urban areas. Hackberries are really holding up to our new weather. I hope this was helpful, Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2023, 10:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  This is helpful information.  Unfortunately, the space between the building and the street (with the sidewalk) is only 10 feet so our native tree choices are quite limited.   I did not know about the water bags so I appreciate that advice.    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2023 9:02 PM To: christajt <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Crown Dieback of a Dakota Pinnacle Birch Tree (#0111598)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 27, 2023, 2:09 PM EDT
response: Check out this link; https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/51549 Also , a serviceberry might work well. https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeGuide/TreeDetail.cfm?itemID=919
Aster Yellows?

Question: Newly planted (this season) echinacea cultivars are showing signs of mal-formation of flowers but do not have leaf discoloration.  Species echinacea (widely planted throughout the yard) show no signs of deformed flowers or leaf discoloration.  Phlox in the same bed as the affected echinacea cultivars have been experiencing leaf dieback and discoloration and small, sparse blooms.  Can you confirm Aster Yellows on the two echinacea plants?  Is the phlox showing symptoms of Aster Yellows as well and should I remove them?

responder: Answered by theHome 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 21, 2023, 12:01 PM EDT
response: It has been a brutal year for new plantings as it has been hot and very, very dry, with multiple weeks of 'severe' drought conditions reported in central Maryland. Even nurseries with dedicated watering were having pots and plants dry down very quickly and sustaining damage. It is impossible to say for sure, but without more defining symptoms we'd not declare it to be aster yellows at this point in time. Here is our page on Aster Yellows disease to see more: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/aster-yellows-disease-flowers We wonder if the symptoms are more likely from a mite (much less serious than a.y.) that can bore into the flower heads. The Ohio State link at the bottom of the page above will show you what to look for.  As for your Phlox, that looks most like some heat damage and probably mites, which are sucking insects that tend to be worse when it is hot and dry. Look closely under  the leaves, which is where they stay. Here is more about them:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/spider-mites-flowers-and-groundcovers I was able to get pretty good control of them on my phlox by aiming a good water stream to the undersides of the leaves earlier in the season.    Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 12:39 PM EDT
response: Awesome answer.  Thank you! On Fri, Jul 21, 2023 at 12:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by theHome 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 21, 2023, 1:30 PM EDT
response: You're welcome! Have a great weekend.
Nasty Insect That Is Eating My Grape Leaves

Question: To whom it may concern,
From the Pic attached, do you know what it is? Suggestions as to how to get rid of it? Chemical or Organic inspect spray? 
Thanks,
TOM

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied July 23, 2023, 9:57 PM EDT
response: The insects in your photo are Japanese beetles. The are very attracted to grape leaves and a whole hose of other plants. The least invasive method of control is to knock them into a bucket of soapy water. This is best accomplished in the early AM or late afternoon when they are least active. Typically the damage done by the beetles is more cosmetic than harmful to the plant. Below is a link to an article that details the life cycle and how to manage these pests.  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/managing-japanese-beetle-feeding

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 9:01 AM EDT
response: Amy,Appreciate your reply, they were lethargic at the time I picked them off, just like you said at the times during the day, Thanks! Tom Sent from my iPhone On Jul 23, 2023, at 8:57 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Swamp Milkweed Health

Question: Hi, I have a Swamp Milkweed that I planted last summer. It came up this spring looking very healthy but many of its stems are blackened and the leaves are not consistently shaded (some are yellow). It was consistently watered during the dry weather in May, and then, of course, it's been raining a lot since then - so I do not know if it had too much water. The soil contains a lot of clay.  It is in full sun. The mulch around it is rubber. This blackened stem issue existed last year before the mulch was added and seveal months after it was planted. I not know if it has a fungal infection, or what I should do to help it.  It seems to be getting worse. Not all stems are affected. These photos are a few weeks old.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 7:48 PM EDT
response: Here are. A few more recent photos. I just took them.

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 21, 2023, 1:18 PM EDT
response: Hi,  We aren't familiar with the black stems symptom on swamp milkweed, but it doesn't seem to be affecting growth or blooms from what we can see, unless you think otherwise. We would suggest you cut the symptomatic stems off and see if it produces new growth, it may or may not this year.  The yellowing could be related to the black parts or could be different. In my personal experience, swamp milkweed gets some different looking leaf symptoms throughout the season but they don't tend to kill the overall plant. I rarely have a plant stay in the same spot for more than a few years and they self seed about but not aggressively.  If you're concerned for the long term health of the plant, let us know, otherwise, it could just be an abiotic -environmental symptom that is happening due to heat or water or both.  Let us know if the plants seem to be dying due to these issues and we can always consult with our plant pathologist when they are in the office next week, to see if there is a specific cause or concern.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 1:38 PM EDT
response: Thank you Emily!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 21, 2023, at 1:18 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Caterpillar in apple - concern?

Question: I found this caterpillar when picking apples (before the squirrel stole all the big ones).
Should I be concerned about the caterpillar as a pest; or non-pest?
(It's an old apple tree that has issues but apples are so good - tart & crisp; and has housed several generations of Northern Flickers.)
Thanks for any ID help. Seeing the 'bird poop's pattern and hoping its a butterfly.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 3:06 PM EDT
response: Hello, What an interesting find, I haven't seen this one before. This is a morning glory prominent moth caterpillar. These sound to be more prominent on the east coast, but can be found throughout the country. They do feed on apple foliage (among other plants), but they are not listed as a pest in our PNW Handbook, so I don't think it is anything to worry about, especially if you are just seeing one or two.  Here is more information: https://bugguide.net/node/view/28016 https://uwm.edu/field-station/11883-2/  Thank you for using Ask Extension!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 3:24 PM EDT
response: Very interesting!Thank you.DebOn Thu, Jul 20, 2023, 12:06 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Invasive vine ID needed

Question: Can you ID this vine that is wrapping around shrubs and killing them in my woodland? Then, how to irradicate....
Thanks, Mardi
Let me know if my photo didn't go through.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 20, 2023, 8:09 AM EDT
response: Good Morning,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  From your photo, I cannot identify the vine. There are no leaves on the vine in your photo.  Here is a link from the MN Dept of Natural Resources about invasive plants: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/index.html If you scroll down, there is a list of invasive vines and how to control them. If you could submit a more clear photo that includes leaves on the vine, we might be able to identify it.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 1:15 PM EDT
response: There really are no leaves or possibly tiny ends on these stringy vines. These are very thin stringy vines that are abundant in one area of our woods. The vines are wrapping around other foliage and killing this area. Have not ever seen these in past years,

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 22, 2023, 8:15 AM EDT
response: Good Morning,  From viewing your photos, I believe the plant is dodder or swamp dodder (cuscuta gronovii).  Please click on this link from the MNWildflowers.org website: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/swamp-dodder This information states:  All dodders are obligate parasites, that is they must obtain all their life support from a host species to grow and reproduce. Dodders not only sap energy from their hosts but are also capable of moving diseases from one host to another. When a dodder seedling germinates, it must quickly contact a suitable host upon which it immediately begins to twine around the host plant's stem, invading its tissue via the haustoria, after which the initial seedling root quickly withers away. As the stems grow, they contact and invade more stems, even crossing over and connecting to other suitable host species. All species of dodder are on the federal noxious weed list, except some native species (including Minnesota's natives) as well as a few, now widespread non-native species. Still all dodders, including natives, are "regulated" requiring federal permits for importation or transportation of seed. Here is another link from the Missouri Botanical Garden that discusses how to control the weed:  https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/weeds/dodder Good Luck!
What's happening to this tree?

Question: I just noticed this on on of my trees. Tree was planted just over a year ago. Is it something I should be concerned about?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 5:29 PM EDT
response: I guess it's not as bad as the original pics. The spot got wet from the rain and looks black/charred .  Here is a updated pic from this morning.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 10:21 PM EDT
response: Hi Denis, This looks like a frost crack to me. They are fairly common. https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/1917 You could wrap your trunk in the fall and take it off in the spring to protect the bark. https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/frost_cracks#:~:text=Frost%20cracks%20are%20injuries%20caused,temperatures%20and%20cold%20nighttime%20temperatures.&text=Frost%20cracks%20are%20a%20winter,drop%20in%20temperature%20at%20sundown. Sally Granath St. Louis County MG
Bright yellow globs on prickly pear.

Question: What are these bright yellow globs on the prickly pear?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 11:46 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Ramona.  These appear to be eggs of one of several pests of cacti kept outdoors.  Remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, and monitor the plant to make sure you keep after them.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 12:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much. I thought it might be something like that.On Thu, Jul 20, 2023, 8:46 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 12:33 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
Pepper pests

Question: Our sweet bell peppers are just starting to ripen. But our ripest looking pepper started to show some damage. I see two issues: lots if tiny black dots, looks mostly cosmetic; and small sunken idents.  Its the latter I am more concerned about. Pest? Nutrient deficiency? Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 10:11 AM EDT
response: Hi, What your pepper is showing is called a "disorder", meaning that the symptoms have nothing to do with pests or diseases.  It is a physiological condition called "stip" a German word for color speck/spots.  It isn't really known precisely what causes it, but it is thought to be related to environmental stressors (light, temperature, soil nutrients present) and potentially the capability of the pepper's nutrient assimilation (causing imbalances)  being affected by those stressors --plus the genetics of the pepper.  It doesn't occur consistently year to year and some pepper varieties are not so susceptible under those conditions where stip could occur. It was noted that in varieties grown for large fruit in certain peppers, like the bells, that the open pollinated heirloom types were more susceptible to stip ( under conditions where stip could occur in a given year) than the modern hybrids developed for size. It had to do with a change in the vascular system of the hybrids that promoted transport of nutrients under what would be trying conditions for the open pollinated varieties of that type.  So, it's  something to consider in favor of choosing both OP and hybrid varieties --just in case.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 11:08 AM EDT
response: Fascinating!  I had never heard of stip.  But that certainly seems to fit the issue on our pepper. Looking online, some studies (see this link https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PP363) indicate it may have to do with excess N causing an imbalance of Ca, Mg, and K uptake.  I don’t think we used much N fertilizer, but I will pay attention to that.  Our variety is hybrid, so I don’t think that is the issue, or at least not as much of a cause.Thank you!-JoshOn Jul 20, 2023, at 10:11 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 July 21, 2023, 2:09 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Azaleas- is this a fungus?

Question: There is a strange white substance on my azaleas that were just planted this year.  There are also little tiny white jumping fuzzy bugs. Some of the leaves were getting rust spots as well. Are these related? We are curious as to what our next steps are to protect the azaleas.

responder: Answered by theHome 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 21, 2023, 9:32 AM EDT
response: Good news. That is the fluffy, waxy residue of a harmless insect called a planthopper. They are not of concern.  We think that your azalea leaves look great overall. The spots you are noticing look minor and don't look like rust, but you could pinch them off if you like.  Here is our page on Azaleas and the problems they may have, with lace bugs being the most common thing we hear about:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/azaleas-and-rhododendrons-identify-and-manage-problems    Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 9:39 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much! We have had the hardest time getting plants to take there.  The mountain Laurel all died, so we have been working hard at our azaleas.  I appreciate your response SandraOn Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 9:32 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by theHome 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 21, 2023, 1:17 PM EDT
response: You're welcome. Mountain laurels are much more difficult to grow than azaleas. I notice them in natural sites on rocky slopes and ledges but have rarely seen them doing well in home gardens. You should continue to have good results with your azaleas.  Christine
Problems with popcorn crop

Question: We are growing a fairly large plot (1 acre) of popcorn in a field where popcorn was grown for the first time last year. This year we are noticing ears that were formed without husks and some stalks that have distorted plant parts. I am attaching photos to hopefully help with id

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied July 21, 2023, 9:25 AM EDT
response: This is a disorder called tassel ears.  You can read about it in this Ohio State webpage: https://u.osu.edu/mastercorn/tassel-ears/ .  While there is no treatment for this year, there is some general recommendations in the article about culture for next year's planting.    You indicated on your form that you are from Isle of Wight.  You can also reach out to the local office there.  Here is their contact information page: https://isle-of-wight.ext.vt.edu/contact.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2023, 10:06 AM EDT
response: Thank so much for explaining this disorder to us. There is one additional thing happening as well in the popcorn. I wasn’t able to get the pic to go through initially. Can you Id this distortion?

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied July 31, 2023, 9:03 AM EDT
response: All sorts of weird goings-on with your popcorn.  This appears to be another environmental-caused problem.  It is called Crazy Top.  https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/encyclopedia/crazy-top-of-corn .  Caused by a disease organism that is favored by excessive moisture in the soil early in the growing season.  No chemical  control recommendations.
Kohlrabi being eaten

Question: Please help me determine what is eating my kohlrabi. Is it safe to eat if I cut the portion with the whole away?
Thanks. 
Jacqui

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 5:39 PM EDT
response: Please help id the culprit. Additional leaf photo for question #0111486.

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 20, 2023, 10:29 AM EDT
response: Hi- there are several caterpillar species that feed on all members of the kohlrabi family. The imported cabbageworm is the most common of these in home gardens. Late larval stages of these caterpillars bore into heads and stems. The kholrabi is safe to eat.  Next year, consider protecting your plants with a row cover or insect netting. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 4:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you.
Mystery bug and bug bites

Question: We have had a mysterious bug bite problem for 3 years. Apparently in our house and apparently mostly at  night.  Mostly waste band and croch  but this year neck, chest and arms also.  Mid Spring to early summer.   Have never seen the creature. Need to find and identify and exterminate the culprit.  Our dermatologist and gerontologist tell us to call an insect exterminating company.  If this is your recommendation - can you recommend a company or two or list?   Thank you, Randy Morrison.<personal data hidden>

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 8:32 AM EDT
response: I agree with the advice of your health care providers and am not able to recommend specific companies.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 12:29 PM EDT
response: The good news is that I got a quick response (and found it).   The very bad news is that apparently there is no expert that can examine a bite and hazard a professional guess as to the origin AND that I have to somehow find a sensible person expert even among all the fly by night exterminators.  Thanks but not helpful.