MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Formerly prolific flowering hibiscus is in a slump; only stunted flowers

Question: Something happened to my hibiscus this year.  I've had it for three years, and the first two were overwhelmingly beautiful growing hundreds of blossoms over those two seasons.  This year, nothing happened - the stems and leaves looked healthy, but no buds at all.  I read that a potassium deficiency could result in lack of blooming, so I bought some potassium nitrate and gave the plant a healthy watering with the solution.  A few weeks later it began to produce some buds, but they are very small and only put out a few very scraggly petals.  The entire plant is like this, now with hundreds of non-productive buds that appear, then wither after a few days.  I've attached three photos of the plant showing these stunted flowers. I'm hoping you can give me an idea of what is going wrong, and how to remedy the situation. Thanks for your attention!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 7:55 PM EDT
response: Something happened to my hibiscus this year.  I've had it for three years, and the first two were overwhelmingly beautiful growing hundreds of blossoms over those two seasons.  This year, nothing happened - the stems and leaves looked healthy, but no buds at all.  I read that a potassium deficiency could result in lack of blooming, so I bought some potassium nitrate and gave the plant a healthy watering with the solution.  A few weeks later it began to produce some buds, but they are very small and only put out a few very scraggly petals.  The entire plant is like this, now with hundreds of non-productive buds that appear, then wither after a few days.  I've attached three photos of the plant showing these stunted flowers.
I'm hoping you can give me an idea of what is going wrong, and how to remedy the situation.

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 26, 2023, 3:30 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This appears to be herbicide damage to us. Was anything applied nearby before symptoms appeared, or might a neighbor have sprayed on a hot/windy day? Applying the potassium fertilizer and watering wouldn't have caused these symptoms. You could trim off the damage and wait to see if it recovers. Beyond that don't add any additional fertilizer and water it as needed.  Emily
Marigold

Question: I thought it was just different than the other starts but I think something is wrong.  Any ideas?

responder: Leo Sherry  Replied July 31, 2023, 2:04 AM EDT
response: Hello! I see three things in the marigold: yellowing of the entire plant, misshapen leaves, and brown/gray spots on the leaves. I also see slightly misshapen leaves on the marigolds right behind the yellow one. Are the misshapen leaves on the others only on the parts facing the yellow one? There are a few things that could be going on, I have some questions to try to narrow it down. Has this marigold been fertilized recently? Is it receiving the same amount of water and sunlight as the others? I assume so because of the close proximity, but I have to ask.When it is watered, are the leaves kept dry?Was there any application of pesticides or other chemicals nearby?Do you see any insects on the leaves?Has anything happened recently that could have stressed it? Is this soil reused from previous years? If so, what was grown there in the past?  It may be a fungus that is affecting the leaves, but I am not sure yet. Cultural control for this is to remove the affected leaves (put them in the trash, not the compost), and to be sure to keep the leaves dry when watering. I would also separate it farther from other plants to avoid spreading anything. I do not recommend application of a fungicide until the problem is narrowed down more. Resource about fungi causing leaf spots: Marigold (Tagetes spp.)-Leaf Spots | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks Regards, Leo Sherry OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2023, 2:50 PM EDT
response: I used the slow release fertilizer on all the plants.     It gets some overhead water the same as the others and I hand water because they are in pots.     No pesticides.     No insects visible.     No stressors except transplanting.     I did reuse soil from previous year.     I took samples to Master gardener but have heard nothing from the.     TIA        On 07/30/2023 11:04 PM PDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Leo Sherry  Replied August 03, 2023, 4:11 AM EDT
response: Hello again, My best guess is a fungus that overwintered from last year, but I am not sure. Since marigolds are annuals, I wouldn't be too concerned about it. However, separating it from the others will help ensure that if it is a fungus that it stays localized to that one plant. Another possibility is that there is a genetic mutation that caused the leaves to look different, like you were thinking. When it flowers, it will be easier to diagnose what is going on. Regards, Leo Sherry OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Plant ID

Question: Hi,
Would you be able to help me? See pictures

I don't know what kind of plant this is-I think it may be an elderberry but there are lots of plants that look like it which are poisonous to eat or to the touch like water hemlock.

If you can't help identify it, do you know who I can ask?

I very much appreciate it!

If unsafe I need to get rid of it.

Thank you

Alex

responder: Thank you for contacting us.  Hope this information was helpful.  Replied August 01, 2023, 9:25 AM EDT
response: Hi Alex The plant in the photos looks like an American Elder (Sambucus canadensis) shrub.  Here are some links for more information. https://extension.psu.edu/elderberry-in-the-garden-and-the-kitchen https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/cs_sanic4.pdf Thank you for your inquiry. Hope this information is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2023, 9:55 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much. As you probably know, there are 3 or 4 shrubs
that look like it including what killed Socrates. So important.

Best,
Alex

On 8/1/23, Extension Foundation <ask> wrote:
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dissapointing corn

Question: Hi, folks. This year, I tried planting corn in my full sun yard and it was quite the disappointment. I've attached photos. The tomatoes are doing well as is the spaghetti squash in this small "intensively farmed" area of my yard. I planted seeds I'd purchased for planting this year, planted in the spring and waited during our very dry earlier part of the summer. I did not irrigate; I wanted to see what could develop without my intervention. When few of the seeds germinated, I replanted and waited. By that time, we had more rain and more of the seeds germinated, but not all. Now I'm seeing that the plants themselves are not very tall though some of them have begun their tassels. 

I'm wondering if the soil is too acidic for corn. I use mulch made of ground up yard debris, lots of wood fiber in it. It's available free from the City of Greenbelt and "free" works for me!  

The lack of corn productivity is not a veggie garden "deal breaker" for me. If corn is not to be in this area, no worries. Tomatoes and squash do well and I'm happy with that. But it would be helpful to know why the corn did not fare well.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2023, 1:20 PM EDT
response: Hi, It looks like your corn is awfully close to the hedge which would be competing for water and nutrients with the corn. Corn needs the right amount of nitrogen to do well which may be more than what suits your hedge and your soil may be lacking in that spot for what is needed for corn. Also, you'd want at least 3 feet  of space between that  hedge and other herbaceous plants. As far as acidity, corn can grow in 5.8 to 7 (neutral) soils.  If corn seed is over wetted, it can rot in the soil. If too dry, it takes long time to germinate. Birds also will eat the kernels.  Our corn in north central MD is late and shorter than it would normally be for this time of year due our drought conditions, even though it looks green and healthy in the fields.  Sweet corn from local vendors is late arriving. To be successfully pollinated, in the future try growing your corn in blocks rather than a couple of rows, As a wind pollinated plant you will have better kernel filling in the ears with denser plantings (if possible for you given available space).

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 2:43 PM EDT
response: Thanks very much. This is really helpful in my first year experimenting with corn. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 26, 2023, at 1:20 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Plant identification

Question: I found this plant growing under my table in the garden and I am not sure what it is.  So far I think it’s Lobelia inflata, but no idea where it would have come from.  I don’t have any seeds for it.  The flowers are pale pink or purple and 5 petals. The leaves are soft and stem is fuzzy.  Thanks!

responder: Taffy Replied July 26, 2023, 5:48 PM EDT
response: Janice, this plant sure does look like Lobelia inflata.  It's native to North America.  It's an annual that seeds around. The Illinois  Wild Flower site sates seeds may be spread by wind, so that may be the answer for your plant.  It seems to grow in disturbed areas.  One of the horticulturalists at U of Md Extension has had it seed in her garden in Montgomery County.  It's used in homeopathy. but is toxic if eaten. Interesting plant!  Here is more info: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/indian_tobacco.htm  https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LOIN

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 7:37 PM EDT
response: Thank you! It so exciting when a native plant just shows up amidst a bunch of weeds.  I will try to save seeds to transfer to other areas of my garden.Janice  On Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 05:48:05 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Taffy Replied July 26, 2023, 8:06 PM EDT
response: Good luck!
Digitalis mutation

Question: One of my digitalis red-bloomed this year, and came back with multiple stalks of three-petaled flowers. While i know digitalis mutations are not uncommon, its my understanding that it's typically seen on the topmost flowers in bellflower form. I have never seen this before and cannot find anything online. What causes this?

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 25, 2023, 6:08 PM EDT
response: It's a mutation. The articles I found on mutations were of blooms with a larger number of petals not a smaller number than usual. As to what causes mutations, you would need to consult a botany expert. These questions are answered by U of MN Extension Master Gardeners and your question is beyond our/my knowledge level. Sorry.   http://www.gardenfundamentals.com/foxglove-digitalis-purpurea-monstrosa-forms-peloric-flowers/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 7:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your email! I have definitely seen information on the monstrosa peloric mutation, but that is a far different mutation from mine. This mutation affects every single flower on the stalk, and has three petals as opposed to the typical single petal of the digitalis. I'll continue searching, and thank you!AnnieOn Tue, Jul 25, 2023, 5:08 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Moles, voles, or some other critter

Question: Hello, there is a problem in the yard that might or might not be mole or vole related. We see areas that have been dug as well as a large area of grass that is now brown. Any help would be greatly appreciated, especially if someone could personally look at this. Thank you!

responder: Loisr1  Replied July 25, 2023, 3:40 PM EDT
response: https://bioadvanced.com/signs-summer-lawn-stress https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/sites/woodlands/files/imce/0011.pdf Based on your photos it looks less like voles or moles and more like a grass or turf related problem.  We had a month with no rain in June4 and many lawns were affected. The first article describes some things you can do to determine what might be going on with your turf.  The second article is about moles and might also be of help. There is an excellent program online called “Turf grass Times” out of OSU. Every other week or so they do a podcast in which they discuss all things turf. There is other information from this team online but you might be interested in hearing one of their broadcasts.   There is a lot of information online which could supplement what I have given you. If you do a word search add “extension”  to get university based information. See if any of these ideas are useful. If you need more please get back to us.

responder: Loisr1  Replied July 25, 2023, 3:52 PM EDT
response: https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/2202 Here is the site I mentioned.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 7:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you!On Tue, Jul 25, 2023 at 3:52 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Loisr1  Replied July 26, 2023, 7:17 AM EDT
response: You are welcome.
Bark beetles

Question: What should I do about a very large pine tree that is infested with bark/boring beetles? In the first storm of the season a bunch of branches fell from a large pine... I finally got a chance to cut and stack them and noticed a weird noise coming from the stack and piles of sawdust. I believe to the best of my knowledge that they are a kind of bark beetles. But also is there any help for treating this. We are a low income family and while I want to help stop the spread of this pest I cannot afford tree removal services or pesticides

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2023, 9:04 AM EDT
response: Hello,  Can you please send me an image of the whole tree?  Is the tree in danger of falling over?  Prevention and management (For the dead wood) (Inexpensive things you can do now) The best management for bark beetles and borers is prevention. Healthy trees are able to withstand most bark beetle attacks. Trees should receive adequate water in times of summer drought. Many trees, especially white pines, succumb to bark beetle attacks during drought years. Trees that are infested but not yet showing symptoms will probably die the following year. Insecticidal sprays will not kill the beetles or larvae inside the tree, and sprays will not reverse the damage that has already occurred. Dead or dying trees should be removed to eliminate breeding sites for additional beetle generations. Trees that are to be used for firewood should be striped of the bark or tarp the logs with the bark left on. Sprayed logs should not be used for firewood. From the article: Conifer Bark Beetles on Trees and Shrubs - University of Maryland Extension at this link: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/conifer-bark-beetles-trees-and-shrubs

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 6:59 PM EDT
response: No I don't believe it's in danger of falling over.    Just the huge branches keep falling off of it. After reading more about the insects it's possible that they showed up after the branches fell in response to the sap. I don't see holes in the branches that are still on the tree ... So hoping destroying the brush and fallen tree parts will be sufficient.... But I am not positiveOn Wed, Jul 26, 2023, 9:04 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 27, 2023, 8:49 PM EDT
response: Hello,  Destroying the brush and fallen tree parts should be sufficient. Have a great day!
What are these?

Question: Hi, We recently parked our car in our garage. When we moved it, we found two piles of these. Could you please help us identify them? Thank you!

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 25, 2023, 10:01 AM EDT
response: These are cockroach egg casings.  Check under your car hood. You may find more.  See the website for more details on how to get rid of them.  https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/cockroaches

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 3:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you. We have set up some motels to try to capture a live one for identification. I am having trouble identifying which type it might be based on the photos. Is one of the experts able to tell the type of roach based on the casings? So far we only have seen casings in the garage, not in our home. Thank you.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 25, 2023, 4:38 PM EDT
response: It looks most like a German cockroach casing to me.  But photos can be deceiving which is why I sent you the website link.  Based on the photo color and shape and  without a size comparison, I think it is a German Cockroach casing.  Once you find a live insect send a picture and it will be easier to make an identification.  The treatments to get rid of them are all the same no matter which type it is.
Plant ID request - dichondra-like weed

Question: Hello, I am looking for some help identifying this weed, which is growing in my shady Houston back yard. It seems to favor the deeper shade where the St Augustine is very thin.

I think I have narrowed it down to some type of Dichondra or Asarum/Hexastylis, but it's not an exact match for any of the species I can find pictures of (you can see it dwarfs the regular dichondra in one of the pics). I plan on planting a native shade garden where this is growing and am trying to decide if it should stay or go. Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2023, 12:38 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  I would have to agree with you that this plant appears to be dichondra which is a very common type of turfgrass weed in St Augustine, I don't believe it to be a type of ginger or hexastylis plant. I wish you the best of luck on your shade garden! https://aggieturf.tamu.edu/turfgrass-weeds/

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 29, 2023, 9:43 PM EDT
response: Hi, just an update - these have sent up a few flowers, which has allowed me to make an ID. I am fairly confident that this is Lycianthes repens, a nightshade native to Brazil. Given that they are invasive, toxic, and spreading in my lawn, I figured the extension might want to know (perhaps they are not new arrivals, but I had never seen them before moving into this house). I will probably try 2,4-D on them once our weather stabilizes at an appropriate temperature.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 29, 2023, 11:52 PM EDT
response: I believe I now have a better ID - Lycianthes asarifolia, aka gingerleaf. It appears on a list of known invasives published by the Houston Parks and Recreation department.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 31, 2023, 3:41 PM EDT
response: It is great to hear from you again. Do you have any images you could send of the weed with the flowers?

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 01, 2023, 2:55 PM EDT
response: I was not able to find any more flowers in good condition, but I was able to find some spent flowers and buds. One of the colonies in my yard had a number of flower buds, so I will hold off mowing and check in a couple days.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 01, 2023, 3:34 PM EDT
response: Seeing the flower really does make all the difference! I would agree with you it looks like  Lycianthes asarifolia I will share this with other agents to be on the lookout for this particular weed.
Maple tree leaves with brown spots and withered

Question: I planted a large leaf maple about a month and a half ago and it was doing just great and all the sudden overnight it developed brown spots on the lower leaves in the upper leaves, curled up and dried. It was being watered at the same time I was watering my grass which I was watering almost every other day for about 45 to 60 minutes because it was not turning green the  grass, in fact, was dry and crispy.

Attached are pictures of the tree after the problem. the third picture is what I look like before.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2023, 11:41 AM EDT
response: This is a difficult one to diagnose.  But one common disease that has similar symptoms is Verticillium wilt.  Here is a description of the disease and possible management.  It is very difficult to manage.  Check out this description and see if you think this is the possible cause.  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/maple-acer-spp-verticillium-wilt

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 5:01 PM EDT
response: I sprayed a vine about 10 feet from the tree with crossbow three weeks ago. Can crossbow leach from the roots of one plant and spread in the water to others. If it can, how long will the crossbow be active?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 27, 2023, 2:08 PM EDT
response: Hello, apologies for the delay in responding quickly.  Yes, crossbow can cause these types of symptoms, so that is a possibility.  I believe the issue would have been spray drift as I don't think this persist well in soil and the toxic effect is to portions of the plant where the chemical directly hits leaves.  Spray drift is a big problem and happens very commonly.  The solution is to tough it out and see how the tree does.
oak bracket fungus

Question: Hello,

In the last few years I’ve planted three young bur oaks in my yard. This morning I found the fruiting body of what may be an oak bracket fungus at the base of my oldest and largest tree, which I planted in November 2019. My guess is that the tree is now eight to ten years old. Although the tree otherwise appears very healthy, what I read online this morning made me despair. For example, that the presence of this fungus indicates that the lower portion of the tree has been weakened. And, that there are no available fungicide treatments.

Is there anything I can do? Is it fatal? Can I trust in the strength and vitality of this young tree as I have trusted in others?

Many, many thanks for everything that you do.

responder: Thank you for allowing us to help you with your question.  Replied July 24, 2023, 9:18 PM EDT
response: Hello,  I can’t say for sure but this fungus looks like it originates in the mulch rather than the base of the tree. This type of fungus is known as creeping slime mold. If this identification is correct, this type of fungus will not harm the tree. You can rake out the mulch to break up the fungal growth and improve the appearance.  This article has more information on these types of fungus.  If you need further assistance or your tree show signs of distress, I recommend contacting your local extension office. They may be able to do a site visit to evaluate the issue in person.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 7:30 PM EDT
response: Dear Katharin,   Thank you so much for responding so quickly and for the good news. (The very good news—I so love this tree.) The article you linked to in Buckeye Yard & Garden Online has almost certainly convinced me that you’re right. I haven’t had time yet to go through the other resources you linked to (thank you as well for those), but I will.    Thank you for your knowledge and for being there.    All the best, Madeleine On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for allowing us to help you with your question.  Replied July 25, 2023, 7:32 PM EDT
response: You’re most welcome!