MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Wild geraniums leaves discolored

Question: My wild geraniums sitting under mostly pine trees are discolored and have not bloomed.

Others,  are not discolored.   Sometimes right next to each other. 

The only ones flowering are closer to a direct light source. 

Mostly want to address discoloration,  if it's a problem.  Then flowering issue.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 15, 2023, 8:46 PM EDT
response: The plants have otherwise seemed healthy.  Not drying up or appearing to die. Is it cucumber mosaic virus shown on MN website.  No other  plants are impacted.  Even many of the hardy geraniums are okay.  And they all came from the same source.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 15, 2023, 11:42 PM EDT

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 17, 2023, 6:13 PM EDT
response: This looks like your geraniums are suffering from chlorosis which is a mineral deficiency. It is the inability of the plant to take up the minerals necessary for its health.  You say they were all purchased together so it is unlikely that they had this problem previously. Planting them under a pine tree means that they are stressed for water and light. Even though they are shade plants, they still need regular watering and some amount of sun. That is why those that get more sun are flowering,  I would make sure they get regular watering. This drought has been tough on all of our plants but your tree is taking up most of the water you put down. Even a rainstorm will not get water to the plants because of the dense canopy of the pine. Also, you may want to do a soil test to determine the Ph of your soil. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/annualperennial/geranium/leavesblotchesorspots.html Below is some helpful information on nutrient deficiencies in geraniums. https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/50820500/Publications/FertilityManagement/trifold%20geranium%20deficiency.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 8:12 AM EDT
response: Thank you.  Should I remove the damaged leaves?On Mon, Jul 17, 2023, 5:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 18, 2023, 9:56 AM EDT
response: Yes you can remove the heavily damaged leaves. Only the green parts of the plant will photsymthesize.
Young caltapa lost all its leaves

Question: I have a 3-4 year old caltapa about 4 ft high. Leafed out and looked well until it's leaves wilted and fell off. There are still some struggling leaves at the top of 2 of its branches.  Sounds like the fungus your site mentioned. 
Will it survive? Or should I pull it and start over?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 1:39 PM EDT
response: Jennifer,  Would it be possible to send photos of your tree? It would help to see the whole tree, a photo taken from some distance away to show the entire tree, as well as shots of the leaves and affected branches. There could be many reasons for the tree to fail, most commonly the way it was planted. We also have a Tree Team available to make a house call, and for $25 the team will come to your home to assess the problem. If you work with a certified arborist, they should also be able to help you make an informed decision of a way forward.   Barbara K  Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 10:19 PM EDT
response: I did send photos but I can take more as you described. Thank you,JenniferOn Thu, Jul 20, 2023, 11:39 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 21, 2023, 11:58 AM EDT
response: It appears that your tree is likely to die back almost completely this year.  Trees are resilient and it is possible it will grow back from its roots, perhaps next year, but it is not guaranteed.  You can decide if you want to take a chance on it growing back, but you should also consider why it has died back, and whether it will do well even if it does have some growth next year.    It does not appear to have been attacked by any common fungus or insect that typically attacks catalpas, so our guess is that it has suffered more from one or more general factors that typically affect tree growth - improper planting, siting or watering.  A healthy tree can fight off most pests.   I would consider whether it is planted properly (see tree planting steps below) in a way that will allow it to develop a strong root system and whether it is receiving adequate light and appropriate water Catalpas like full sun and moderate water.     Catalpas grown into very large trees.  Is the site where it can grow successfully to its full size?   Another consideration is whether it will grow back in a shape that will be strong and long-lived with a single vertical trunk.       Microsoft Word - 636-PlantingSteps.doc (colostate.edu)  Best wishes,  Boulder County Master Gardeners
Potato leaves wilting

Question: Potatoes planted in May and June have stems and leaves that are wilting. The leaves turned brown on the edges first, then yellow.  I dug up a bag of them and a few of the potatoes were mushy. It looked like it may have been the seed potatoes, or potentially the first potatoes to form. All the other potatoes are small. The potatoes themselves look mostly unaffected aside from their size. I wanted to see if this might be bacterial or a watering/nutrient issue.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 15, 2023, 2:11 PM EDT
response: Here is one more photo. Thank you for your help.

responder: Shelley B.   Replied July 16, 2023, 4:48 PM EDT
response: Hello Amanda. Thank you for your question. My best guess is potato early blight which is caused by a fungus – Alternaria solani. It affects older leaves during this time period (July – August) when triggered by outdoor temperatures.  The spores of early blight spread via wind, irrigation, rain or even contaminated tools.  It can be treated with a fungicide and mostly prevented with a few plant management practices. Some controls include crop rotation, removing debris directly following harvest, and proper nitrogen levels in the soil.  Fungicides labeled for use on vegetables and containing copper or chlorothalonil may also provide control of early blight if they are carefully applied very early in the course of the disease. It’s also a good idea to have a soil test to rule out any nutrient issues. Below is a link with instructions for taking and sending a soil sample.  https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
Oak tree dropping leaves in summer

Question: My oak tree has started dropping green leaves in July. Some single, some in bunches. They look OK except some have irregular brown spots that look like maybe hail damage. The trunk has an orange deposit that doesn't come off with scraping. The tree is pretty old.  I've just bought the house last year so not sure if this happens every summer or not.  I live in Boulder.   See photos below. Thank you

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 1:33 PM EDT
response: Susan,  Overall your tree looks very healthy. I would not worry about some leaf drop as we have had years of heat and drought, and temperature extremes that will trigger some of that. Add in the high winds that we have in Boulder County, and leaf drop is to be expected. The orange on the trunk looks like dried out moss. If that part of the trunk faces north, that is probably it. Oaks are not a host for rust, and it really doesn’t look like a fungus. Keep an eye on it, and if it changes or spreads, you can contact us again, or call a certified arborist to check it out.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 1:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your prompt and informative reply.  We are relieved!One more question.  We have a large Willow Oak as well.  This spring the leaves were very late in coming out.  Probably 4-6 weeks after the other trees.  Is this normal?Thanks again for your helpOn Thu, Jul 20, 2023 at 11:33 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 2:00 PM EDT
response: Hi Susan,  I am unfamiliar with Willow Oak and I can't find anything about when they normally leaf out. However, this year's cool wet spring caused many plant to delay leaf out. I wouldn't worry about it if it's looking normal at this point of the summer.  Thanks, CSU Extension Boulder County Master Gardeners
Itasca Grape Vines & Herbicide Damage

Question: I have Itasca grape vines I planted in my back yard 2 years ago. My neighbor had TruGreen spray their lawn and the overspray damaged one of the vines which is now stunted and deformed. My question is two parts. 1. Should I cut the cordon back to the trunk this winter or will it recover next spring? 2. Will this make the vine not produce any fruit?

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied July 16, 2023, 1:35 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to your question.  The best you can do is wait and see.  There is no point in pruning out the damaged leaves.  Herbicides are systemic and so have been transported to the roots.  I would not expect fruit.  The severity of the damage depends on many factors:  how much herbicide, how often, how young are the plants (older plants are more resilient), what herbicide, grape variety, and so on.  Here is one reference: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/noticing-herbicide-drift-your-garden  This reference is more detailed.  I suspect 2,4-D is the herbicide in your case, but you should check with your neighbor to find out: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf2588.pdf  Here is another good reference: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/em8860.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 3:21 PM EDT
response: Thank you Dennis! This information and the links are very helpful. I recall when TruGreen sprayed the neighbors lawn in June it was very hot and dry. This would explain the explain the issues with my tomatoes as well. Thank you,BrettOn Sun, Jul 16, 2023, 12:35 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied July 16, 2023, 4:44 PM EDT
response: Oh yes.  Tomatoes are very susceptible to 2,4-D.
Ruby falls redbud stressed

Question: Hello,   We have a Ruby Resbud that has significantly declined.   It began long before the heat picked up.    We’ve watered them probably 4 times a week.    So not sure if it’s over watered,  under watered or something else.

responder: David Hillock  Replied July 14, 2023, 6:46 PM EDT
response: The first thing noticed is the stake and nursery tie (green ribbon-like ties) still attached to the tree. I can see they are beginning to constrict the trunk which will reduce movement of water and nutrients to the rest of the tree. These should be removed immediately. The stake serves no purpose anymore either and should be removed. The tree is small enough it shouldn’t need staking anymore but if you determine it does, follow proper staking installation as recommended in the following fact sheet Planting Trees and Shrubs | Oklahoma State University. There could be other issues resulting in the decline but I would start with removing the ties first and see how it does. If necessary samples could be submitted to the Tulsa County OSU Extension Center for submission to the OSU disease lab.  As far as watering goes, water the root area thoroughly to about 10 inches deep then don’t water again until the upper inch or so is dry or if the leaves appear to be slightly wilted. Too much water or frequent shallow irrigation may be adding to the stress of the tree.  For additional assistance please reach out to the Tulsa County OSU Extension Center.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 15, 2023, 8:46 AM EDT
response: Okay thank you.   I’ve removed the stake and green ties.    We’ll see if that improves itSent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Friday, July 14, 2023, 5:46 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Spotty yellow on clivia leaves

Question: My Clivia is showing some spots on the leaves...whats happening. Otherwise happy with lots of new growth. Has not flowered yet. TIA. PS Should I cut this off?

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 17, 2023, 9:56 AM EDT
response: Unfortunately, our group cannot answer your question because it doesn't serve your location. Please contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. A good way to find your local office is to go to https://extension.org/search/ and enter your county or parish name along with your state name. You might also use your favorite search engine and enter "cooperative extension" along with your county name.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 11:07 AM EDT
response: Well that's stupidOn Mon, Jul 17, 2023, 7:56 a.m. Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Tomato Plant Disease Management

Question: Hello, leaves of one of my cherry tomato plants has begun to turn yellow and brown. It seems to be spreading to nearby tomato plants, as well. Is this tomato blight or something else, and how do you suggest to best manage? 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 July 14, 2023, 3:46 PM EDT
response: Hi- the leaf lesions may be caused by one of the less common fungal diseases of tomato, such as gray leaf spot or target spot. The symptoms are not consistent with the two major diseases- early blight and Septoria leaf spot.  Diseases in vegetable gardens cannot be cured with fungicides once symptoms appear. Remove and dispose of the lowest 3-5 leaf branches (lateral branches growing at a right angle to main stems) to remove some of the symptomatic foliage, improve air circulation and hasten leaf drying, and slow the upward spread of the disease.  A liquid copper fungicide (allowable in organic farming) could be applied to prevent the spread to healthy tissue (Mancozeb and Daconil are synthetic fungicides that can also be effective.   Let us know if symptoms change or worsen (e.g., wilting, stem lesions).   Key to Common Problems of Tomatoes Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 6:12 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much, Jon!- LeslieOn Fri, Jul 14, 2023, 3:46 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Tomato leaves yellow and wilted

Question: Having a problem with 1 tomato plant, raised bed, drip irrigation. Middle River, MD zone 7b.

This plant had droopy leaves 2-3 days ago. I watered via drip for a half hour. 2 days later the leaves yellowed overnight.

I feel like this could be root rot, a type of wilt, mosaic virus, and am not sure which. Thoughts?

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 14, 2023, 1:59 PM EDT
response: Hi- lower leaf yellowing and, wilting stems and leaves (healthy green tissue going limp) often on one side of the plant, and discolored vascular tissue are fusarium wilt symptoms.   The disease blocks up the vascular system causing the wilt. If the wilting is progressive in this plant with nearby tomato plants grown similarly and not wilting, there's a good chance this is fusarium wilt.   You can get field confirmation by taking a razor blade and skinning back the epidermis of a stem that has wilted leaves attached. Fusarium wilt causes tan to brown discoloration of the tissues directly beneath the epidermis.   Let us know what you find.  The disease is soilborne and does not typically spread plant-to-plant. It will kill the plant that is infected.  Tomatoes grown adjacent to walnut trees will also wilt and decline. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2023, 2:20 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the speedy reply! If broke off a lower branch and did the razor blade test, and indeed, there was brown. I'll pull the plant and bag it.Pics - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/tnam0zkzmdhkmdklpe1n1/2023-07-14-14.10.58.jpg?rlkey=tr11585mxmb0t3h39tx6oqx4h&dl=0https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9t80qtcvdryxvs86thdtw/2023-07-14-14.11.07.jpg?rlkey=hqvp36uc1xku0uq1edqt52l93&dl=0---------------------------------------Nicole HaddockProducer, Editor, Motion Graphics<personal data hidden><personal data hidden>Vimeo  Instagram  LinkedIn"I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." -Vincent Van GoghOn Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 1:59 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 14, 2023, 2:29 PM EDT
response: Sorry to hear that- but good to know. Thanks for sharing the pic. Jon
Spruce tree disease?

Question: Can you please tell me what type of disease or bug is killing these trees?  We live by Huron Beach but not on the water.

responder: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension!  Replied July 25, 2023, 10:46 PM EDT
response: I can't tell from the photos what's killing these trees. Many of Michigan's trees have been under considerable stress over the past couple of decades, from periods of drought, flooding, winter injury, insect pests and diseases. Often several stressors come together, significantly weakening a tree and allowing it to fall victim to insects or diseases that it would otherwise have tolerated. Many of the symptoms of environmental stress, insects and disease appear very similar, requiring lab analysis to determine the definitive cause of tree decline or death. You can contact Michigan State University’s Plant and Pest Diagnostics for more information and to send samples for diagnosis.  You could consider getting a soil test, which would let you know the soil pH (acidic for pines) and whether there are any nutrients lacking: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/.  To find a certified arborist to look at your trees: https://www.treesaregood.org/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 2:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your reply and suggestions  Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Tab A, an AT&T 4G LTE tablet-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/25/23 10:46 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Dorothy Roth <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Spruce tree disease? (#0110588)
Why are my potatoes turning yellow?

Question: A couple of my potato plants have started turning yellow, aas seen in the photos attached
.
It doesn't look like curly top disease, both because it lacks the distinctive curling and it's starting on bottom branches, not the top. It also impacted - and seemed to start with - one branch emerging from the soil after I hilled them up. (Which I did a few weeks ago. The plants are in specially designed 16 inch deep raised beds.)

Any ideas? The rest of the plants seem healthy; there is some insect damage on a few of the plans, I suspect from slugs, but the plants that are yellowing seam unaffected by that.  As noted the plants are in deep raised beds, which should drain well, but I'm wondering if this is an affect of just too much rain recently.

I have cut off the yellowing parts and I'm hoping for the best. Thanks for any comments or suggestions you have!

responder: Gina, UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline Volunteer  Replied July 16, 2023, 12:26 PM EDT
response: Hello Gordon,  The yellow leaves at the bottom of your potato plants is most likely early blight. I can see some brown spots as well and that is what it looks like. It is a soil born fungus that starts at the bottom and continues up the plant. This is commonly seen in tomato plants as well. Removing the yellow leaves was the correct thing to do. All the wet weather we have had certainly contributes to this.  Mulching the potatoes might help as this will reduce fungus spores splashing up from the soil when it rains or when you water. If you choose, you could apply copper fungicide as a spray being sure to apply to the underside of the leaves as weel as the top. Continue to remove any leaves that are turning yellow. Here is a link from the University of Minnesota Extension that will provide you with more detailed information, specifically the section on management.  https://extension.umn.edu/disease-management/early-blight-tomato-and-potato  I hope this information helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 2:27 PM EDT
response: Thanks for this useful information! I do know how to manage early blight on tomatoes, I will treat it that way. Including clipping off the lower branches to prevent infection.And spraying the undersides of leaves... there's the trick!  Actually not so bad on potatoes, but haven't figured out yet how to do it on mature (sprawling, leaves on the ground) curcubits....Thanks again!Gordon Gordon Clark<personal data hidden> "There is more to life than increasing its speed." - Mahatma Gandhi"Be joyful though you have considered all the facts." - Wendell Berry On Sun, Jul 16, 2023 at 12:27 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Tree disease

Question: I believe the tree in front of my house is a sweet cherry tree. For the first time the leaves are curling up and turning black then falling off. There appear to be some lady beetles on the tree so I am guessing aphids? If so they are really hard to see. Just black spots. Should I do anything or let the lady beetles take care of it? Thank you!

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 14, 2023, 12:32 PM EDT
response: Hi Ann,  You are correct. The damage is from leaf curl aphids. The damage is done, but fortunately doesn't cause long-term damage to the tree. It just looks bad.   Yes, let the lady bugs and other beneficials do their work!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2023, 1:02 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!On Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 10:32 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: