MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Bugs on rhubarb

Question: Hello, little red bugs are all over my rhubarb.  The stand looks wilt-y, even though it has been watered well, and there are holes in the leaves.  Photos attached.  Will appreciate any advice.  Thank you.

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 09, 2023, 2:51 PM EDT
response: These appear to be Boxelder Bugs, and they are a very common native insect that won't cause notable damage to the rhubarb. They don't need treatment and, if bothersome and abundant, can be plucked- or swept-off into a pan of soapy water to drown. Insecticide use is not needed. The holes in the foliage are unrelated and might have been caused by minor environmental stress while the leaf was expanding or by a passing chewing pest like slugs or snails. You can inspect the foliage after dark with a flashlight, including the leaf undersides, if you want to try catching the culprit in the act, especially if it's on a day during which you just watered the planting.  The overall wilting could be drought stress (how relieved they get from watering will depend on how much water is being applied and how often) and/or heat stress as rhubarb doesn't thrive in our mid-Atlantic conditions. A part shade exposure can help keep the plants a little cooler, but our hot and humid summers do tax them. (Granted, we haven't been too hot and humid yet, but the heat is building and the current drought isn't helping.) For testing for watering needs, feel the soil several inches deep and water thoroughly only when it's becoming somewhat dry to the touch at that depth. Over-watering by keeping the roots too consistently soggy or damp can also cause wilting, so it's best to judge watering needs with a soil check instead of just going by foliage symptoms.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 5:46 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  This is all very helpful information.On Jun 9, 2023, at 2:52 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 June 09, 2023, 5:58 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Can you identify this wildflower outside Golden

Question: We saw this wildflower blooming on the Clear Creek trail west of Golden and I can't seem to identify it. Thanks for your help.

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied June 12, 2023, 11:41 AM EDT
response: Hi Susan, Very cool photo! I believe this is Virgate Scorpion-weed, Phacelia heterophylla. Here is a resource with more information: https://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/White%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/phacelia%20heterophylla.htm. The last photo features the flowers uncurling, similar to the stage you found the plant in.  Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 1:24 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much, Hania! I appreciate all the info. Susan From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Monday, June 12, 2023 9:41 AMTo: Susan Ramsey <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Can you identify this wildflower outside Golden (#0104668)
Stump mushrooms died

Question: I have a stump in the corner of my backyard that had mushrooms and fungi on it, that I was leaving that way so the mushrooms would help to decompose the stump. I went out to my garden the other day and noticed that everything on the stump was dead. I looked like it had been treated with something. I am on the pesticide sensitive registry, so I was horrified to think that a neighbor might have reached over the fence and applied something toxic. Can this happen in nature- that suddenly the mushrooms just die off? And is there a way to get the stump tested to see if someone did something to it?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 14, 2023, 9:24 PM EDT
response: Hi Catherine, Yes mushrooms can die quickly. When they don't get the moisture they need/the humidity level drops, they can dry out quick. As for getting it tested, we do have soil testing, but we do not test for pesticides or herbicides.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 17, 2023, 10:37 AM EDT
response: Hi,So given the amount of daily moisture we have had the the mushrooms growing in other places in the yard, I would assume that something external happened. Can you point me to some places where I could get testing for pesticides done? I could send in soil samples from around the stump and samples from the stump if there is a place to do this. Thank you,CatherineOn Jun 14, 2023, at 7:24 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2023, 1:05 PM EDT
response: Hello Catherine,   I've done some research and not come up with a place that test for pesticides for private individuals. Not to say there aren't any, but it's not been obvious which organizations/companies provide this service. There were many companies providing that service to farmers and other mass growing facilities.  I would highly recommend you call the CSU soil testing https://agsci.colostate.edu/soiltestinglab/ and see if they can suggest testing resources for you. I just called them and would have needed to leave a message and wait for a call back. Because this desk is worked by different volunteers every day of the week. It's best if you reach out and get a call back directly.   Best wishes,   CSU Extension Master Gardener
What is this plant?

Question: Over the last couple of years I’ve watched this long skinny plant/shoots strangle the bush. What is it? How do I get rid of it? Please help!

responder: Chris Rusch Replied June 10, 2023, 11:33 PM EDT
response: This an Oregon Native plant called Snowberry. It is easily controlled by cutting it out of your desired landscape. However, it is an attractive landscape shrub that requires little or no water and stays green all summer into the fall.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 1:15 PM EDT
response: I was referring to the straight sucker-like shoots, not the bush. I fear these shoots have killed the bush

responder: Chris Rusch Replied June 15, 2023, 12:11 AM EDT
response: The invasive plant is an equisetum, also called horsetails. The only permanent way to rid a garden of horsetails is relatively simple, but takes time and effort. You must improve the drainage, raise the pH, and increase your soil's fertility. Here is a publication explaining this complicated plant: https://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_E/Equisetum.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 2:00 PM EDT
response: Very helpful. Thank you!     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 9:11 PM To: Cat Eli <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: What is this plant? (#0104653)

responder: Chris Rusch Replied June 30, 2023, 12:23 AM EDT
response: Thanks for contacting us.
Tick identification request

Question: Hiking in mountains south of Cascade Locks I picked up 2 of these.  Just wondering what type.  Looks like dog tick?

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied June 09, 2023, 2:02 PM EDT
response: That is an adult male tick from the genus Dermacentor. I can't tell which Dermacentor species that is from the photo though. Since it is from the Cascades, it’s most likely a Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) or a western dog tick (Dermacentor similis).  Luckily, ticks in the genus Dermacentor cannot transmit Lyme disease. Only ticks in the genus Ixodes can do that. Dermacentor ticks can transmit other diseases (Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia), but cases of these disease being transmitted by tick bites in Oregon are extremely rare. If you get a fever or other symptoms in the next 2 weeks, you can go to your doctor out of an abundance of caution, but otherwise you should be fine.  Yours,

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 3:38 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  Hope you have a great weekend.  I’ll definitely be a little more cautious in the futureSent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Friday, June 9, 2023, 11:02 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Peony Pests and Shrub rose issue

Question: Hello,

I have two issues in my garden this year:

1) I have a white peony plant that I have had for many years and this year I noticed that when the buds started to open, they quickly browned and died. Upon close inspection I see very small bugs, almost microscopic. I have attached two photos. 

2) I have a very old shrub rose that for the past few years, when the buds appear, the quickly shrivel and die. This year I put a rose fertilizer before buds appeared and the first few opened up beautifully, but unfortunately all the subsequent blooms (there are many), didn't open and quickly shrived. (Photo attached) It looks to me like this bush might have some sort of fungus.

I do not want to use any insecticides in my yard. Yesterday when I asked an "expert" at Bachmans, I was told to use Rose Rx 3in 1 that is "certified for organic gardening" and that it isn't harmful to people or pets. They said this product would take care of both problems. Upon reading the insert, it says the product is toxic to bees and sounds pretty toxic to humans as far as I'm concerned. My questions to you are:

1) Should I dead head both the peony and rose blooms completely?
2) Is there a natural remedy, such as peppermint oil, that can be used to treat these plants?
3) I have another peony bush on the other side of the yard, but it doesn't look like it has been infected as of yet. Should I treat that one prophetically?

Thank you in advance for any and all of your help!

Regards,

Madeleine Hart

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2023, 12:05 PM EDT
response: The good news is the diagnosis is straight forward in both cases: thrips damage.  The bad news is these tiny but destructive insects are difficult to control.  Information in the following publication explains why: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/flower-thrips  Deadheading buds and blossoms that seem to be affected is recommended.  Rose Rx 3in 1 is a multi-purpose product--fungicide, insecticide and miticide, a tall order for the sole active ingredient: neem oil. Go here to learn more about neem oil: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/01/what-should-neem-be-used-plants  Although some beneficial insects might protest the designation, neem oil is considered a "soft" insecticide certified organic by the Soil Association and COSMOS.  Spinosad, another soft insecticide, also boasts organic credentials. It's labeled for use against thrips.  Go here to learn more:  https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/spinosad-the-first-selective-broad-spectrum-insecticide/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2023, 9:54 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your prompt reply and for sharing your expertise. I greatly appreciate it! I’ve dead-headed everything and will attempt to treat my plants!Gratefully,Madeleine HartOn Jun 9, 2023, at 11:05 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Flying beetle on annuals making brown

Question: I have a beetle that is going crazy for my coleus, annual salvia, and even sweet potato vine. They may have also completely defoliated my huge mint crop. It does not seem to of made the description or match the photos of the beetles on the Yard and Garden site. Neem oil isn’t working so far.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2023, 10:57 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your question. This is a four lined plant bug (Poecilocapsus lineatus). For whatever reason it has become quite prevalent this spring (2023). The black spots on the leaves represent areas where the bugs have been feeding. One of its very most favorite foods is mint. This you have discovered. Here is some more information about it including remedial procedures that might be taken: https://vegedge.umn.edu/insect-pest-profiles/fourlined-plant-bug - :~:text=Fourlined plant bug, Poecilocapsus lineatus,such as mint and basil. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/four-lined-plant-bugs http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/four-lined_plant_bug.html https://horticultureforhomegardeners.ca/2022/05/23/four-lined-plant-bug/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0V_f-1wIkQ Good luck. Please get back to us with any additional questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 12:26 PM EDT
response: Bless you! Thank you!  On Fri, Jun 9, 2023 at 9:58 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 1:14 PM EDT
response: Bless you! THANK YOU! The Infestation is HIGH at my place with a huge mint patch nearly dead.  On Fri, Jun 9, 2023 at 9:58 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2023, 1:20 PM EDT
response: Glad to have been of assistance.  Thanks again for using our forum.
Diseased tomato plant?

Question: Hi there, what might be causing the bottom leaves of my tomato plant to yellow and die? (See attached pic). Does it need to be ripped out? Thank you!!

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 09, 2023, 3:12 PM EDT
response: Most of the foliage appears to be in good condition so far, but you may want to trim off a few of its lowest leaves (nearest the ground) to help maintain good air circulation as the plant matures and to reduce the likelihood of an infection working its way up to higher growth. We don't see symptoms in the photos pointing to a specific disease just yet but you can explore our Key to Common Problems of Tomatoes page for examples of typical tomato ailments and how to manage them. If symptoms change or worsen, feel free to send us new photos of the damage for assessment.  When watering the plants, try to avoid wetting the foliage as wet leaf surfaces are more vulnerable to infection by fungi or bacteria, and if you can't help but get the leaves wet, then water early enough in the day so that the foliage can dry by nightfall. Given our current drought, check the plants regularly by feeling the soil a few inches deep to see when they need water. If helpful, we also have a page about general tomato care and harvesting: Growing Tomatoes.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 3:11 PM EDT
response: Got it, thank you Miri! We do drip irrigation, so we’re good there, but I will do my best to prune back any remaining diseased leaves. From the Common Problems page, it looks most like early blight? We’ll see how it goes, but I won’t rip it out. On Fri, Jun 9, 2023 at 3:12 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 June 13, 2023, 3:16 PM EDT
response: There might be a bit of early Early Blight if you see lesions containing the bulls-eye pattern of browning that this pathogen is known for; we can't see enough detail clearly in the images to be certain. It's such a common tomato disease, though, that its appearance at some point is not unexpected.  Miri
Tree disease

Question: I believe my large maple tree has a disease or is dying because of mushrooms continuously growing on it the past few years and have increase in growth a lot in the last year. I hoped to save the tree but am not sure if that is possible.

responder: Julie Crick  Replied June 12, 2023, 5:10 PM EDT
response: Hi Samantha, unfortunately, the presence of mushrooms, such as these, indicates the fungus is actively growing inside the tree. This is likely weakening the tree's structural stability. It's not good that they are growing just below where the trunk splits. If high winds arise, the tree could split. If it's near structures or high traffic areas, you should probably think about having it removed.  Sorry it isn't better news. Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 6:31 PM EDT
response: Do you have any suggestions on affordable removal? I know large trees can be expensive and since it’s right next to our house and very close to the street I would like to take care of it soon but we can’t afford a large expense right now. Sincerely,Samantha Rios On Jun 12, 2023, at 5:10 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Julie Crick  Replied June 13, 2023, 12:26 PM EDT
response: Best advice is to shop around. And ask for proof of insurance from everyone. Some people have less overhead and can do the job for a lower cost. You can also ask about payment options. It might add some cost, but some tree removers may be able to help you with time.  I know your struggle well as I've had several trees taken down over the last few years. With hopes you find a good price. Thank you, -Julie
Why does Ivory Silk Tree have deformed leaves?

Question: This Spring my established Ivory Silk Tree developed normal leaves and flower bud heads on half of the tree but only small deformed leaves on the other half. What might be causing this and how could it be corrected?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2023, 10:41 AM EDT
response: From the image it appears that part of your tree has not leafed out and may be dying. The side facing your decking looks bare and this can sometimes indicate that a section of the tree has damaged, or that the roots under that section are dead. Roots can be damaged by construction, pests, or disease, and may take years to become fully apparent. With this being a dry year and some areas experiencing drought, existing issues with trees are becoming more apparent.   It might be best to have an arborist inspect the tree if you plan to keep it. Or you could consider replacing it with a different plant since the space at your site is rather restricted.  treesaregood.org is a site that we suggest for finding an arborist in your area.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 8:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the information and advice.                                       From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 10:41 AM To: Donna McLean <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Why does Ivory Silk Tree have deformed leaves? (#0104585)
Plant Identification

Question: I found this plant that I am assuming to be a weed, but wanted to make sure.  I don’t believe I have seen it before.  It was beside a dogwood in a pretty dry shady area.  Right now though everything is drier than usual.  It’s low growing.  Thanks!

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 09, 2023, 1:55 PM EDT
response: Both of the candidate species for this plant's ID are considered weeds, and they are both non-native, but since fine details are needed to differentiate between them, we're not certain which this is: Black Medic or Hop/Field Clover. The linked pages provide galleries for each, plus a few ID tips. The main key will be looking at the seeds, when they form (if you keep the plant that long), as they will be fairly prominent and black for Black Medic but inconspicuous and brown if Field Clover. Removal and discouragement options for Black Medic in lawns are given in our linked page for this weed.  To relieve any drought stress on the dogwood, as they are vulnerable to several serious secondary conditions when stressed, we recommend it be checked for water and irrigated periodically as needed if you are not already doing so. Feel the soil about six inches deep in the root zone and water thoroughly if it's becoming somewhat dry to the touch at that depth. (If damp when checked, then the tree probably has enough moisture as-is for now.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 7:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you Miri!  The Black Medic and Field Clover do look very similar.  I pulled the plants out, but kept them in the fridge so will see if I can identify it.Thank you for the advice on the Dogwoods. I do water them regularly in summer and just started yesterday. I can’t believe how dry it’s been.Janice Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Friday, June 9, 2023, 1:55 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Plant identification

Question: Can you tell me what this plant is? Plant is currently about 4 ft tall and individual leaves are about a foot.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2023, 2:21 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  I believe that this is a Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) described in this article:  https://cals.cornell.edu/weed-science/weed-profiles/pigweeds I hope that this is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 4:04 PM EDT
response: Is this pigweed considered invasive in Portland or - should I dig it out?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2023, 4:10 PM EDT
response: It is a weed--a generally unwanted plant--and it is not native to the PNW.  However, this variety of amaranth is not considered invasive, in that it spreads so widely that it supplants native species.  You might want to check with your local government to see if there are laws about its removal.  If not, it's up to you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 7:26 PM EDT
response: Is this pigweed considered invasive in Portland or - should I dig it out?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2023, 7:29 PM EDT
response: I have answered your question already (at 1:10 pm).  Can you read it?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 8:17 PM EDT
response: Yes, thank you

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2023, 8:17 PM EDT
response: Good!