MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Mottled leaves on tomato

Question: Can you please help me identify what is going on with this husky Cherry and what I can do about it?  This has been a very hardy plant and is a great producer - I would hate to lose it!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2023, 1:48 PM EDT
response: Marida, The yellowing of the leaf margins and between the veins is likely to be potassium deficiency. What type of soil are you growing in? have you provided any fertilization and if so, what and how often? The other possibility is magnesium deficiency, but I highly suspect potassium.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 2:19 PM EDT
response: Wow! I didn’t even think about a nutrient deficiency. I have melorganite in the soil at planting and every 4-5 weeks after. My soil is a mix from a local nursery but I mixed icompost and worm castings into the top 12 inches in the beds and 3 inches in the containers. Every 2 weeks or so-  starting in May - I  use a liquid quick release - starting the season w a 10/10/10 and once flowers and fruit are coming on I switch to Morbloom- only increasing nitrogen if I see yellowing.  I also add more compost and worm castings when I plant.  My containers may get liquid a bit more frequently.  All my fertilizers are organic

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2023, 3:42 PM EDT
response: the biggest issue with organic fertilizers is that they are not always immediately available to plants, especially if you have a deficiency. Deficiencies can also be caused by improper pH. You may want to consider having your soil analyzed by our soils lab. You can turn it in at your Beaufort County Extension office here: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/co/beaufort.html More information about soil sampling here: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/soil-testing/
Abnormal tree growth

Question: What is growing on my fir trees?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 28, 2023, 11:03 AM EDT
response: 'Thank you for your pictures; however they are a little too blurry for me to ascertain exactly what these growths are. Are they on the tips of limbs, or somewhere along the limb? Only two options come to mind...one is cone development. These do not appear to be that as they would be on the tips of the limbs.  The other is some sort of insect developing a gall formation; however, most galls on conifers are also on the tips of the limbs.   Can you possibly get a clearer, more close-up photograph? And can you let me know approximately how many of these growths you are seeing on your tree(s)?  Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 08, 2023, 12:48 PM EDT
response: Hi Paul, It's been awhile since we asked for clearer pictures. Without them we are unable to provide a solid identification of the growths on your spruce tree. We hope to hear from you soon so we can give you the information you need.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2023, 7:05 PM EDT
response: Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/8/23 12:48 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Paul Young <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Abnormal tree growth (#0107775)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2023, 7:05 PM EDT
response: Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/8/23 12:48 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Paul Young <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Abnormal tree growth (#0107775)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2023, 7:05 PM EDT
response: Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/8/23 12:48 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Paul Young <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Abnormal tree growth (#0107775)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 09, 2023, 4:03 PM EDT
response: Hi Paul, Thank you for the great pictures. These are baby spruce cones. Perhaps you've never seen them before, because a spruce tree has to be several years old before they are produced.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2023, 5:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you. What a relief. The only tree out of six forming cones.Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/9/23 4:03 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Paul Young <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Abnormal tree growth (#0107775)
Lantern fly

Question: Is this a spotted lantern fly

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: This is not a spotted lanternfly. It appears to be a Red Admiral butterfly.  https://butterfly-conservation.org/butterflies/red-admiral  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/hungry-pests/slf/spotted-lanternfly

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 4:48 PM EDT
response: Thank youSent from my iPhone On Jun 27, 2023, at 1:23 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
alder buckthorn volunteer

Question: Hello - I found an alder buckthorn (identified by "seek" app) sapling growing under my tree - it looks like a tree version, not a shrub, just one trunk.  It's been there 2-3 years.  Currently about 6' tall and 1" diameter trunk.  I've read good and bad things about it, but it's got to be moved from there, I think.  I read it's invasive, potentially toxic, and needs a lot of water (which is weird because it's growing in a xeriscaped yard).  Is it worth replanting or should I just get rid of it?  Or leave it there?  
Thanks for your advice - K

responder: Cassey Anderson   Replied June 29, 2023, 11:51 AM EDT
response: Hi Kristen,  Thanks for your question. This does look like a buckthorn, which is a common "weedy" plant spread by birds after they've eaten the seeds elsewhere. It's not going to be problematic for your landscape, but due to the proximity to your chokecherry it will be competing for resources. So really, it's up to your preference whether you would like to keep it or remove it. I would not recommend transplanting as it's not sufficiently desirable and transplant shock can kill a plant anyway.  I hope that helps you make a decision.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 2:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  That helps so much.     On Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 09:51:21 AM MDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Can you please tell me what this is

Question: I think week of tree. One person thinks part of her ivory halo dogwood shrub. They start out as seedlings (hers is around 7-8 feet tall. They are 'taking over' the townhome community. Thank you
I hope the files open. When I double check its right files, it opens back to my download file. I've never had that happen.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 6:55 PM EDT
response: sorry it was to see weed or tree

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 8:29 PM EDT
response: sorry it was to say weed or tree

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 30, 2023, 6:15 PM EDT
response: These are not dogwood which have smooth leaf edges.  They are more likely elm or ash tree seedlings which both have toothed edges. And both, especially elm seeds, easily grow plants.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 9:52 AM EDT
response: Thank you !
Golden Privet disease

Question: Hello, my golden privet plants are rapidly being affected by a white/grey powdery substance. The leaves are drying up and falling off the plant. These plants are 30+ years old and have been healthy until the last two years. FWIW, I had crab apples removed from this part of my yard 10 years ago because they were affected by black leaf spot. Is there anything I can do to save them? They begin the season looking beautiful, but now look awful.

Thanks

responder: Carolyn E  Replied June 27, 2023, 5:17 PM EDT
response: Not having first-hand experience with privet problems, I have done some searching and found the following links to research-based information.  The first provides a lot of details on privet care and culture with illustrations that may be helpful for you.  Your photograph looks a lot like powdery mildew, so I also looked for information on identifying that problem, and dealing with it.  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/ligustrum/  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/powdery-mildew/  You may learn more by calling or visiting your county's office of The OSU Extension Service, at: 580 Calumet Lane Dayton, OH 45417  Phone:<personal data hidden>   Staff members there may give you advice or refer you to local resources for assistance.  Thank you for your question.  I hope this information is useful for you.  We wish you success.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2023, 10:47 AM EDT
response: Thanks,A local garden center employee familiar with privets also came up with powdery mildew. He recommended spraying Daconil in early spring. Thank you for your prompt reply.Brian KunkelSent from my iPhone On Jun 27, 2023, at 5:17 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Carolyn E  Replied June 28, 2023, 12:30 PM EDT
response: You are most welcome.  I am happy to hear that you found confirmation and advice on treatment.  Garden center staff are often very well informed!
Orchid in my garden?

Question: I suddenly noticed a unassuming looking flower under my azaleas that I’ve never seen before. Can you identify this plant for me and how to take care of it? I live in Takoma Park,

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 27, 2023, 10:37 AM EDT
response: This is an orchid but it's a non-native invasive species and so should be removed. It looks like Broadleaf Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine), which has been found growing in the natural areas of several counties so far in Maryland and may be spreading. We have several native orchids in Maryland so it would be ideal to remove their competition, though to be fair, this species tends to appear in disturbed habitats that native orchids would probably struggle to thrive in.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 11:20 AM EDT
response: Hi Miri, thank you for your reply. Even though it’s non native, I think I’ll just enjoy it for the time being.SusannaSent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 10:37 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Apple trees yellowing leaves

Question: Why are leaves turning purple, yellow, showing necrosis spots and dropping. Nutrition? Underwatering/overwatering? Trees are fed in early spring with 15-15-15, and watered regularly via an irrigation system.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2023, 10:49 AM EDT
response: What variety? Is it Honeycrisp? If yes, this is normal. For some reason this variety has yellow leaves and weird mottling. However, it really doesn't hurt the trees.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/honeycrisp_leaf_yellowing_showing_up_on_michigan_apples Your nutrition and watering seem good to me.  Nikki

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 11:00 AM EDT
response: It started with our gala reds, it is now happening to the honey crisp and zestars.  The gala reds seem to be suffering the most.     Get Outlook for iOS   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2023 10:49:26 AM To: Jason Buchanan <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Apple trees yellowing leaves (#0107685)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2023, 1:01 PM EDT
response: Hmmmmm.... we don't see it often in Galas. I don't think there is anything you can do to correct it now. I think your fruit will be okay.
Replace this kousa dogwood?

Question: Last year we had a 2.5” caliper Kousa Dogwood planted in a spot with good drainage and sun / light shade. It exhibited transplant shock in the heat last summer and we tried to water it well. This season it appeared to be leafing out inconsistently before the mid-May killing frost. Another dry spring, with lots of watering, and a general tree fertilizer applied at time of planting last year and again this spring. The few flowers that opened this year were small. Some of the branches that have not leafed out are showing some growth low and closer to the main stems. Leaves are also now starting to show color we did not see last year. Our landscaper recommended cutting out the branches without leaves, and looking into mineral imbalance based on the leaf coloration. Are we better off simply replacing this tree?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2023, 10:53 AM EDT
response: Hello Jaimie:  Per the UVM Plant Pathologist, here is her response:   It does not look so bad to me. I would probably give it another season. Prune out any dead wood and water if it becomes hot and dry. No fertilizer should be added. Fingers crossed, it will continue to grow good roots and look better next year!  Ann

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 8:34 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for the advice. Surgically pruned the tree and will ensure it is well watered during dry spells. Have a great summer,JaimieOn Jul 3, 2023, at 10:53 AM, Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Rust on fruit tree

Question: We’re not sure of the tree but we are thinking a plum tree has orange and some black spots on all of the leaves! How do we treat this tree that is also next to other apple and another fruit tree.

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied June 29, 2023, 5:29 PM EDT
response: Hi Lynne and thanks for your question and pictures of the mystery tree with orange spots. This looks like pear trellis rust, and I have it on my pear tree too. I remove any leaves that I see with the disease and am trying to convince my neighbor to remove her juniper, which is the alternate host to this rust. You see, the spores alternate between the juniper and the pear, so removing only the leaves or spraying affected parts does not solve the problem.   As this looks like a pretty serious infection and you don't seem to need the fruit of the tree, it might be better to remove the tree and then look for junipers or incense cedars in the area to see if you can figure out where the other host is. I'll attach a bulletin sent to us when it first appeared (I'm the person mentioned in the 1916 first sighting in Milwaukie) from which you can get more information.  http://osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs.dir/2080/files/2017/10/nwsltr-2017-10-pear-trellis-rust-PDFcol-1.pdf  Good luck in stopping this disease from spreading!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 6:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the helpful information!  We have a giant cedar tree in the neighbors yard that I don’t imagine they would cut down.  We do have about 10 other fruit trees in our yard.  Will the spores affect other trees as well?  Thank you again for your help! Lynne

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied June 30, 2023, 12:36 AM EDT
response: Hi again Lynne- The rust fungus seems to affect rosaceous trees such as cherry, apricot, plum, pear and peach as well as ornamental pear trees. It is highly suggested that you remove all the affected leaves if you have any of these trees, although it doesn't sound like you will be able to completely eradicate the problem if the cedars are within 1,000 feet of your trees.  I have plums which are farther away from my affected tree (by about 30 yards) and have never seen the rust on their leaves. This year will be a great one for fungus, however with our alternating heat and moisture this spring.  I hope you get best results from destroying the affected leaves!
Basil pest

Question: I have grown basil for years but have not seen this sort of damage at this scale before. An ideas on what it is and how to address it.
The basil is grown in several raised beds, spread out in pairs, and proximate to a variety of other vegetables. I use an irrigation systems on timers.
I am not using any chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pestisides.

responder: Stephen Oldfield  Replied June 28, 2023, 5:44 PM EDT
response: Judging from the picture, I’m assuming this is a purple basil variety and it looks like the cause of the damage is a creature with chewing, rasping or tearing mouth parts. We can’t treat it appropriately if we can’t identify the culprit and you didn’t mention seeing visitors in the raised beds. Some more pictures might be helpful in identifying a pattern to the damage.  It will take some work to see what’s going on. Check the soil surface for slime trails to see if slugs are the culprits. Go out at night when they might be more active – if your raised beds have wooden edges, slugs like to hang out there.   Turn over some leaves at different times of day to see what might be lurking underneath. Caterpillars can skeletonize a basil leaf and they have nowhere to hide except under the leaves. Flea beetles will also eat basil, but tend to create shot holes rather than neat edges. Japanese beetle is also possible, but it is rare in Oregon and should be reported.  Aphids or leaf miners would be all too obvious if they were around. Given the neat damage along the midrib and edge along the veins, this could be tearing damage. Wild birds will sometimes develop a liking for a particular plant and could easily pick on the basil in different beds – again it’s a case of monitoring the plants.   Once we have a culprit, we can explore the options for control.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 2:10 PM EDT
response: Hi Stephen,I removed all the damaged leaves in my previous harvest and these picture are from today.-TEDTed M. Coopman   On Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 02:44:01 PM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Stephen Oldfield  Replied July 06, 2023, 1:02 PM EDT
response: Something with chewing mouthparts is clearly enjoying these basil plants, but I don’t see anything in the picture to identify the culprit. There are no slime trails from slugs and the damage is not systematic on lower leaves. There are no insects or larvae clinging to the leaves and stems, but raised beds often provide plenty of damp shade and organic matter to shelter pests.  Since you’re not seeing any insect activity in the daytime, my guess would be a night feeder. European earwigs are common pests of vegetable crops and ornamentals. It takes a nocturnal visit with a flashlight to see them at work (and it’s not a pretty sight), or you could leave pieces of corrugated cardboard or hollow bamboo cane in the bed and check these for insects in the morning.  Let’s find whatever is doing the damage and then we can explore controls.
Hail / cold damage, mosaic, or something else?

Question: Backyard garden in Portland.  All of a sudden, leaves on our fava bean, pea, and cucumber plants all have white-yellow spots, lines, and/or bruises -- along with torn leaves and holes. On 6/18, we had an intense hail storm (which even left ice on the ground overnight in some spots!). I left town the next day and didn't look carefully at anything in the garden again until today (6/26). Surely some of the physical damage is the hail, and it's been pretty hot since the storm too, but does that explain all of it?  Looking at various pests/diseases, mosaic virus seemed like it could be an explanation. Related: our blueberry bushes are also suddenly poor as well -- which I'll submit as a separate question, but mention here fwiw. Thank you.

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied June 30, 2023, 12:26 AM EDT
response: Hi Bill - Yes, it's me again. And yes, it's hail again. It will be interesting to see if new growth, which should be coming soon, will be able to rise above the stress the hail storm seems to have caused your plants. If you start to see browning or gray leaves, you might want to remove those, but I don't think there is anything else to do right now except wait and see how the plants recover. Give them water in this heat and shade if it gets really hot and I think they will eventually be fine.   Oh, and cross your fingers we don't have anymore such storms!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 10:16 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much!On Thu, Jun 29, 2023, 9:26 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Camellia Leaf problems

Question: I transplanted a camellia from my old yard in Raleigh to a new yard in January. It seemed to be doing well. Then I just recently noticed the leaves are turning shiny brown to almost the entire shrub. Can you tell me some options for the possible cause of the problem? Attached are photos. Thanks

responder: Louise RomanowEntomologistMaster Gardener VolunteerExtension MG Program, Wake County Replied June 27, 2023, 12:18 PM EDT
response: Those are dead leaves.  I suspect that your transplant managed through a cool, wet spring, but even w/ sufficient watering, in the hot, sunny weather we have been having the compromised root system of a substantial plant that has been replanted cannot pull enough water through to maintain all the foliage.  You do not show pics of new growth.  Do you have any?  If so, the plant will probably pull through.  It is often recommended that a transplanted shrub like a camellia be drastically pruned back when transplanted to reduce the need for water to the leaves.  I recommend that you prune out dead branches and trim back larger branches to reduce the need for water to leaves.  And, of course, keep it well watered in hot weather.  For roots to grow, they need to have air spaces as well as water, so don’t overwater. Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 12:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the quick response! I will try your suggestions. Hopefully I can it to come back.Have a great day,Bill Griggs On Jun 27, 2023, at 12:18 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
My old oak tree is losing a lot of sap

Question: My old oak tree is losing a lot of sap - should I be concerned?
It is most likely 100 to 150 years old and is close to 100 feet high.

responder: Melody Replied June 28, 2023, 6:01 PM EDT
response: Hello!  Your problem may be due to bacteria entering through old wounds above or below the soil line. Oaks, elms and maples are the species most often affected by this process often referred to as  slime flux. The fluxing or oozing of sap is a result of bacterial activity at the wound site, which may be deep within the tree. If it is, you should have an alcoholic smell.  Have you noticed any unusual smell like this or something sour?    The good news is that, just because this problem exists, it does not mean that a tree is in jeopardy of dying. If your tree is maintaining vigorous, healthy growth it will probably be fine. When possible, water trees during drought and do not let the trees go through any undue stress such as soil compaction from heavy equipment or other root disturbing activities. You may want to conduct a soil test to determine soil fertility needs of mature trees.. Here is the link for the Agronomic Department that does free soil test for Wake County residences; https://www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/uyrst.htm  Lastly, if you see that your tree is declining in any way you may want to have an arborist evaluate it.    Good luck and please let us know if you have any other questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2023, 6:20 PM EDT
response: it does have a sour smell to it but the tree otherwise seems healthy On Wed, Jun 28, 2023 at 6:01 PM Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote: