MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Is this apple scab?

Question: I'm hoping you can tell me how to help my flowering crabapple tree. My tree bloomed flowers as usual this spring, but shortly after blooming, the leaves changed from green to yellow and brown before falling off the tree.
This is what my tree looks like today. As you can tell from my pictures, the tree looks very sparce.
Is this apple scab and what can I do to help my tree?

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied August 12, 2024, 8:35 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. I think you do have apple scab.  Are the fruits affected as well? If you go to extension.mn.edu and search for apple scab it will tell you about it and how to treat it. Another option would be to contact a certified arborist. I hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 9:14 PM EDT
response: Yes, the fruit is affected as well.On Aug 12, 2024 7:35 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied August 13, 2024, 12:18 AM EDT
response: Please read the article for solutions, or contact an arborist if it’s too much to handle yourself.
Name that Plant

Question: Hi, KCExt. I have a plant growing in my Edgewood backyard that needs identification.  Could you help me?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 27, 2024, 11:52 AM EDT
response: Today is August 27.  I’ve had no response to my previous question and picture.   Is this jimsom weed?  Highly poisonous?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 27, 2024, 11:56 AM EDT
response: Today is August 27.  I’ve had no response to my previous question and picture.   Is this jimsom weed?  Highly poisonous?

responder: Dr. Jacquie Jacob  Replied September 20, 2024, 1:32 PM EDT
response: If you don't hear soon, I suggest you contact your local horticulture agent. Contact information is below.Brandon George Extension Agent, Horticulture <personal data hidden> <personal data hidden> Kenton County Extension Office 10990 Marshall Road, Covington, Kentucky 41015-9326

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 20, 2024, 2:19 PM EDT
response: Hi Joyce, it is in fact Jimsonweed, Datura stramonium
Lawn disease - Spreading rapidly

Question: I need assistance solving a lawn disease that was a few brown spots last week to an outbreak this week.
i have had a generally healthy lawn this year. it has been watered either naturally or in the mornings.
i have applied a scotts step # 3 of their 4 step program ( lawn Food) about 35 days ago. i have good drainage and diecent sunlight. i believe this migrated from my neighbors ( untended ) lawn. i need help this week if posssible. its swallowing my lawn.

responder: Dick M.  Replied August 13, 2024, 11:27 PM EDT
response: I'm sorry but the attached photos do not provide enough detail to reach a definite conclusion of what turf disease has infected your lawn.  It could be dollar spot or pythium blight or ??  Because it seems to be spreading quickly I'm going to suggest that you contact MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics (Plant & Pest Diagnostics-MSU) for a positive identification.  But first you need to take some more detailed photos to help them in the identification process.  See the following article:  GRASS PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR ID-MSU You can contact them by email giving them more detail (amount of water applied, type and amount of fertilizer applied, weed killer used, etc.) so they can make the correct decision.  And attaching several detailed (& focused) photos.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2024, 7:41 AM EDT
response: Dick,Thank you for the response.I will follow your advice.Regards AndrewOn Aug 13, 2024, at 11:27 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Frangula ID

Question: Good afternoon,

I am doing a restoration project on a residential property in Union County. I've already removed a lot of honeysuckle and pear trees, but I have a species of buckthorn growing under a row of pines. I understand there is a native species, Frangula caroliniana, and I want to make sure it's not that before I remove it. Would somebody be able to help me identify it to species level? I am attaching three images: a close up of the leaves, one showing it's spindly habit, and then a crushed berry with two seeds.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 16, 2024, 10:20 AM EDT
response: Sounds like a lot of work, but it is a wonderful project!  It is really difficult to identify the exact species of your shrub.  I would agree that it is probably a buckthorn, but there are somewhere around 100 species of buck thorn.  You are correct in looking at the number of seeds in the berries.  However, other identifying characteristics include the presence or absence of thorns, bark color and flower descriptions. I have several articles to share with you to help in identifying your buckthorn.  https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=262390&isprofile=0&n=1 https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/frangula-caroliniana/  https://www.1854treatyauthority.org/images/IDComparisonsofInvasiveBuckthorn&HoneysuckletoNativePlantsinNEMN.pdf https://www.techlinenews.com/articles/distinguishing-invasive-buckthorn-from-native-alderleaf-buckthorn.html https://buckthornproject.org/buckthorn-identification  I hope these help!  Leslie EMG

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 17, 2024, 11:21 AM EDT
response: Leslie,Thanks for the information! I’ll keep working on an ID. Have a great weekend!Bests,DavidOn Aug 16, 2024, at 10:20 AM, Ask Extension wrote: ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 17, 2024, 7:14 PM EDT
response: wish I had the answer!
Mushrooms

Question: I would like to identify mushrooms growing in mulch under maple tree. They are becoming more numerous and mainly in morning hours.

responder: Judy Pfister  Replied August 15, 2024, 4:16 PM EDT
response: We don't advise eating either of these mushrooms. They won't taste good. They are doing their job and decomposing the wood chip mulch in your garden. You are seeing more mushrooms (fungus) as the decomposition process has been sped up by the very wet spring and the heat of the summer. The tall orangish one is known as a stinkhorn mushroom, and it will smell when it falls over and breaks down. That is why there is a fly buzzing it in your photo, they love stinky things. This has been a banner year for fungus in mulch. The small white ones are normal wood decomposition fungus. This link will help explain all the different fungi that can show up in mulch, some not so pretty as these two. https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/fact-sheets/artillery-fungus-mulch/

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 15, 2024, 5:02 PM EDT
response: Judy, Thank you so very much for the search for the Stinkhorn mushroom diagnosis!My husband is relieved to hear it is not the Deadly Poisonous Kaentake brain shrinking mushroom, I guess he is going to have to find another reason for his shrinking brain!  He says there is not mushroom for any more information but he thanks you so much for what you have sent. Elizabeth and Patrick DiCiccoOn Thu, Aug 15, 2024 at 4:16 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Mystery plant

Question: Growing all over the yard

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 17, 2024, 8:45 AM EDT
response: Hi Victoria,  The plants in the photo are poplar sucker growths coming from the tree in your yard. Poplars (Populus species) have a massive shallow, and invasive root system. The roots can become such a problem that the Carolina poplar, (Populus canadensis,) is now even prohibited by law in some areas. All Poplar species must be planted with caution. They should never be planted near paving or drains because of the invasive tendencies of the roots. The new little trees which sprout up are sucker growths coming out of the roots. The only way of destroying these little buggers would be a foliar herbicide application; BUT unfortunately, (aside from the environmental implications) the herbicide would eventually find its way back to the parent tree and destroy it also.  Thank you for using Ask Extension.  Pam MSUE Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 18, 2024, 9:02 PM EDT
response: Thank youOn Sat, Aug 17, 2024 at 8:45 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Is my redbud tree going to die?

Question: I have 2 redbud trees that we planted in the backyard 3 summers ago.  One of them is showing signs of heat and drought stress.  By the time I noticed it and started watering it, it probably was too late to make a difference.  The other tree looks fine.  They are planted in a horizontal line about 8 feet apart.  The yard gets the afternoon sun as it faces west.  I went to the garden center where I got the trees and they suggested adding mulch and using a fertilizer called Tree Zone, both of which I did.  I am worried that the tree is going to die.  I don't know if the recent rain from Debbie will help revive it or not.  Please advise!

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 12, 2024, 12:13 PM EDT
response: We don't think that you are going to lose the trees in your photos. The last couple of years of intense heat and prolonged lack of rain have been stressful on many of our landscape plants, including even large trees with more mature root systems.  You can prune out any dry, dead branches on the tree in your first photo. Depending on what you are left with you may need choose a new leader (top) and shorten one/more of the side branches. Here is our pruning page on how to do this and to make the best cuts:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-trees-home-landscape/  Watering when needed (if we don't get an inch of rain a week (you can put a tuna can out to measure) during the first couple of years of root establishment is important. Here is the best way to make sure the water is getting where it needs to:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/ We'd suggest widening the mulch ring out to the drip line of the trees. It should be no more than 2-3" deep and kept pulled back from contact with the trunk.  More on mulch here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mulching-trees-and-shrubs/ You should be able to see a gentle widening or 'root flare' of the trunk before a tree goes into the ground. If it goes in straight like a telephone pole it means it is either planted or mulched too deeply, which can stress/kill a tree in the long term, so remove mulch/soil until you can see the root flare.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 12:17 PM EDT
response: Oh wow this is just what I need!  Thanks so very much for having this service available.  It's good to know the tree can survive.   Dawn

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 12, 2024, 1:47 PM EDT
response: You're welcome, we are happy to help.
Dealing with Bermudagrass in Southern Maryland

Question: Hello,

I believe I have the beginnings of a Bermudagrass infestation. It seems to be more prevalent in areas where my lawn died off during the summer. I looked at this UMD page on advice on how to deal with it and it seems that killing all the grass in the area with glyphosate is the best option (there are already to many weeds to hand pull). But I was also considering just letting it grow where it's not to dense because when I mow the lawn I can't really see it anymore. My only fear is that it will slowly take over my lawn since it's fairly aggressive. I'm also afraid that when I overseed my lawn (Tall Fescue) in areas where my lawn died off, the bermudagrass will take over. Do you have any advice regarding this?

Thanks!
Eddie

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 August 12, 2024, 12:39 PM EDT
response: If the Bermudagrass patch doesn't bother you aesthetically, you could just mow it with the rest of the lawn and leave it alone, but be aware that (as you noted) it can spread aggressively, out-compete desirable turfgrasses (including new turf seedlings), and eventually invade any planting beds nearby. (Or perhaps invade a neighbor's lawn.) Therefore, while tedious, the recommended approach is usually to remove it entirely, through physical (digging it out) or chemical (herbicide) means. Grass ID can be quite challenging from photos, but the weed pictured does appear to be growing like Bermudagrass.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 8:10 PM EDT
response: Good Evening Miri! Thank you for the info! Makes me more confident in my decision to kill off the dense areas of Bermudagrass and see what happens in the areas where it's not as dense. If it looks like its spreading and getting thicker I'll just have to kill off the rest of the lawn. Grass is way more work than I expected. I thought after the first year the amount of time/effort I needed to put into the lawn would decrease. Boy have I been wrong so far! Thanks again! Eddie

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 August 13, 2024, 8:29 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Melon vines

Question: Hello I am sending photos of my Minnesota midget cantaloupe leaf and melon with spots. Also a small watermelon with spots. Both are being grown in container potting bags. I started with fresh soil and applied coco coir mulch on top 2 weeks ago during the hot spell. Im wondering if it will contaminate my soil and or spread etc. thanks so much,Carol

responder: MJ Replied August 13, 2024, 6:03 PM EDT
response: Hi Carol, This looks like alternaria leaf blight. With our wet summer, there are tons of fungal diseases out there. See this page: https://vegpath.plantpath.wisc.edu/diseases/cucurbit-alternaria-leaf-blight/ You should dispose of the soil and sterilize the bags before using them again.  https://learndirt.com/learn/how-to-clean-grow-bags/ You got unlucky - Minnesota Midget is normally a very easy plant to grow, and the fruit is delicious. Try again next year! Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 13, 2024, 8:47 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your help! On Tue, Aug 13, 2024 at 5:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied August 14, 2024, 10:09 AM EDT
response: You’re welcome.
Cedar tree suddenly wilted and browning

Question: Our cedar was looking healthy and had a recent sudden change, looking droopy and brownish. Photo attached. 
  It is a volunteer on our hillside
What can I do to help it recover?
Does have obvious bugs. 
Thanks for your help and time!

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied August 12, 2024, 5:26 PM EDT
response: Hi Joyce and thanks for your picture and question about your poor cedar tree. From your picture, it looks like it is too late to do anything but let it die and become a wildlife tree. There are many cedar trees that don't seem to be able to cope with our changing climate, for whatever reason. You will notice them all throughout Oregon and it's very sad.   If it is not a fire hazard, the woodpeckers and other birds may find the tree useful, but I wouldn't bother calling an arborist unless you want someone else to take down the tree. It looks like you have other healthy trees behind it, so at least you still have some shade!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 13, 2024, 2:18 AM EDT
response: I made a typo in the note I originally submitted. Clarification... There are NOT any visible bugs on the tree. It is just seriously wilted.With this in mind is your recommendation still to simply let it die? Thanks again! joyceJoyce Beedle RN BSNAlzheimer's Consulting Service6928 SE 108th AvePortland, OR 97266Fax/Office<personal data hidden>cell<personal data hidden>On Mon, Aug 12, 2024 at 2:26 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied August 13, 2024, 10:33 PM EDT
response: Hi Joyce- I guess I need to clarify my response too. I think it is already dead, or at least past hope of revival. If you want to have a certified arborist come look at it, you can find one at the following website: https://www.treesaregood.org/
Weed or Tree

Question: Just popped into my garden & is growing fast. What is this! Weed, tree, bush

responder: Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied August 12, 2024, 9:37 PM EDT
response: This looks like a horseweed. Manually remove it as soon as possible, or the seeds will give you a full crop next year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 13, 2024, 3:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you - will do.
Monarch larvae?

Question: I find these furry creatures on our milkweed plants.  They don’t look like the typical monarch caterpillar. What are these cute things?

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied August 11, 2024, 9:43 PM EDT
response: I believe they are ladybug larvae: https://www.thespruce.com/recognize-lady-beetle-ladybug-nymphs-1402696

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied August 12, 2024, 11:49 AM EDT
response: I believe they are ladybug larvae: https://www.thespruce.com/recognize-lady-beetle-ladybug-nymphs-1402696

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied August 12, 2024, 11:50 AM EDT
response: I was wrong in my ID of your bugs.  They actually are milkweed tussock moth larvae: https://hgic.clemson.edu/milkweed-tussock-moth-caterpillars/

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT
response: I think this one-inch long larva is much too large for a ladybug larva.  I’ve found a photo that makes it clear it’s a milkweed tiger moth larva.Sent from my iPad On Aug 12, 2024, at 10:49 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
is this a "murder Hornet" ?

Question: Could you please identify what type of "bee" or Hornet is in the phots attached.  It is about 2.5 - 3 " long and 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter.  This is a estimate as I wanted to keep a safe distance.  Two photos, one side view and one of the face with a yellow jacket in the foreground next tot it.  It did not seem to care that the other insects were near it all eating a pear that had fallen to the ground.

I have see several of these insects this summer.  Always just one, never more than one in one spot.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 11, 2024, 8:46 PM EDT
response: No this is not an Asian Giant Hornet. This is a European Hornet. It is very common in parts of Ohio. Here is an article about them: https://bygl.osu.edu/node/932

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 11, 2024, 8:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the quick response.  Never saw those Hornets before now  .    Thomas Klebe, PMP     On Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 08:46:47 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Seeking advice for removing bee hive

Question: Hi, some bees have moved into a box on our deck where we keep toys and gear for yard games.
What's the most humane and eco-friendly way to have the nest removed? 
Would rather not use pesticides unless that is the recommended method.
So far all we have done is open the lid and leave it open on the hope that that might cause them to abandon the location.
I have uploaded a photo. 
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 August 12, 2024, 10:14 AM EDT
response: These look like Yellowjackets, which have a reputation for being some of the most defensive of a disturbed nest compared to other social wasps. Keeping the lid off might be sufficient, though we can't say for certain. The nest population will grow as we move into late summer, though this nest appears small so far, so perhaps it was started late. The only options are physical removal, which likely entails the protection of a bee suit, or chemical, via wasp spray, which is a pesticide. If using spray, follow product label directions carefully. You could see if a pest control professional that could be hired has experience removing wasps, but even then, they will probably use pesticide themselves in order to knock down the worker population so fewer stings (sting attempts, at least) are likely. We are not aware of any other non-chemical means to have a nest removed, unfortunately. At the very least, though, it will not be re-used next year, since new nests are begun from scratch every spring.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 10:35 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Miri. That's very helpful. best Mike

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 August 12, 2024, 10:57 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Pear tree disease

Question: We have a pear tree that was planted in 2016. It is either a Parker pair or Summercrisp pear tree. It has been healthy up until now. It started out healthy this year, but within the last few weeks, it has developed some type of fungus or disease. The leaves look okay, but the fruit is all black spotted and several of the pairs are split open. Attached are a few pictures. Do you know what this could be? Also, do you know how to treat it? Lastly, do you know if it is contagious to apple cherry or plum trees?

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied August 11, 2024, 1:04 PM EDT
response: The bitter rot described in the first web page would be my guess. Note it says that apple trees could contract this disease also.  https://extension.psu.edu/apple-and-pear-disease-bitter-rot https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/pears.html https://portal.ct.gov/caes/fact-sheets/plant-pathology/disease-control-for-home-pear-orchards For a definiate diagnosis send a sample to the Plant Disease Clinic. There is a fee for this service. https://pdc.umn.edu/

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 9:21 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the quick follow up, Linda. I reviewed the websites you provided and completed some additional research. Based on the small black spots and cracking/scabbing fruit, I believe it is pear scab. It appears that a copper or similar fungicide will help to control it. Do you have any recommendations for organic fungicides containing copper or similar?   Thanks again for your help.   Regards, Brian   From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2024 12:04 PM To: Brian Baar  Subject: Re: Pear tree disease (#0150913)

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied August 13, 2024, 10:25 PM EDT
response: We do not get into making references by brand names. You will have to read the fine print on the containers to find which ones contain copper.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2024, 7:55 PM EDT
response: No problem.    Thanks again for the help!   Brian   From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 9:25 PM To: Brian Baar  Subject: Re: Pear tree disease (#0150913)