MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Nostoc colony

Question: Hi, in the last few days we've had a Nostoc colony pop up on our flat, stone covered roof at our church.
I've read a bit online about the cyanobacteria, but can I get rid of it?  If so, how?

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 October 03, 2024, 11:45 AM EDT
response: Although it's neither an alga nor a moss, an algae and moss-killing herbicide might be effective, but you would have to see if Nostoc is listed on the label, or ask the manufacturer if it works on that organism. Herbicide active ingredient options may include potassium salts of fatty acids or pelargonic acid, the latter of which might damage other plants if it comes into direct contact with them. As the linked page notes, this is not a complete solution because, while it may kill existing Nostoc, it won't keep it from coming back if the conditions supporting its growth are not addressed.  Nostoc thrives in areas with poor drainage and a bit of nutrient availability, so perhaps organic debris (maybe from nearby tree leaves that land on the roof and disintegrate) is building up between the stone, as it can on the ground in nurseries and similar locations. Since the roof is flat, it might not be easy to improve its drainage, but that could be something you could ask a structural engineer about. Even if there was a type of herbicide that could be applied almost like a pre-emergent to prevent Nostoc regrowth or colonization of the roof, its use would be discouraged over non-chemical prevention methods since residues running off in stormwater could potentially pollute surface or ground water or impact the surrounding landscape. Physical removal of the Nostoc is the most immediate approach, though admittedly more tedious and not foolproof, since pieces left behind could regrow.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 03, 2024, 12:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the information, Miri! Have a wonderful day!

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 October 03, 2024, 12:11 PM EDT
response: Thank you, and you're welcome!
White Oak bugs

Question: In June 2024, lightning struck a white oak in our front yard. Tree was taken down,  but we left 8 foot of trunk to have a carver work on it. Parts of the trunk still have bark, other areas bark came down. Now we have something boring holes and leaving saw dust at bottom. How can we treat this to preserve the trunk?

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 October 03, 2024, 11:33 AM EDT
response: This is a natural part of wood decay that can't be treated, as no pesticide (not that we would recommend applying one) would affect the insects inside the wood. (The same applies to fungi that will eventually colonize the weathering wood, if they haven't already, even if mushrooms are not yet evident.) Applying some sort of water-resistant sealant or stain when the wood was fresh-cut might have helped, but we don't think trying that now will have much benefit, though it may slow further deterioration if you wanted to attempt it. Any wood-boring insects (likely beetles in this case, given the hole type and size) already in the wood once it is sealed might still emerge and would create new holes as the adult insect leaves the wood. Wood borer tunnel holes are a valued resource for many solitary cavity-nesting native bees that pollinate many of our wildflowers and even cultivated plants, so it's a good habitat element to provide, if possible.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 03, 2024, 3:04 PM EDT
response: Thanks Sent from my iPhone On Oct 3, 2024, at 11:33 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Strange growth in our historic beech tree

Question: Attached is a photo of this growth or fungus, or something in our beech tree, which is quite old and apparently qualifies as a historic tree.

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 October 03, 2024, 9:58 AM EDT
response: The pictured fungus is a type of wood decay, so while it cannot be treated or cured, it doesn't necessarily doom the entire tree. We recommend having a certified arborist (or two, if you want to get a second opinion) evaluate the tree in person. They may be able to determine where the branch can be pruned off to slow or halt the decay while also making sure the eventual fall of that branch doesn't cause more damage.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 03, 2024, 6:45 PM EDT
response: Many thanks!Sent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Thursday, October 3, 2024, 9:58 AM, Ask Extension 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 October 03, 2024, 6:50 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
What's gestating on my radish leaves?

Question: I have what looks like eggs on my radish leaves. What are they? Thank you very much!

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 October 02, 2024, 4:34 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This looks like the frass of a cabbage looper. You can actually see the culprit in the right side of the first photo in the leaf vein. You can search for them and hand pick off then if they seem to be decimating the greens, you can resort to Bt or neem oil. In the future you can use a row cover to protect crops.  The link provided will give you more guidance.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 02, 2024, 5:20 PM EDT
response: Oh wow, you're right. I can't believe I didn't see them right away. I grabbed a handful off my plants, hopefully all... Thank you! Severin On Wed, Oct 2, 2024, 4:34 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 October 03, 2024, 10:05 AM EDT
response: We'd like to correct the link we sent you earlier, as this is the Imported Cabbageworm (also called the Cabbage White butterfly), not Cabbage Looper (a moth). The distinction won't make much of a difference in how they are controlled, but there is management information in the linked page for that other caterpillar as well.  Miri
Health and treatment for Rose shrub

Question: Hello I have a Rose shrub and it has been healthy until this year it looks like leaf’s are dying, although some buds continue to grow, can you tell what to do, and when to prune this shrub.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied October 06, 2024, 7:03 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the question.  You didn't say what kind of roses you are growing but this looks like powdery mildew. It is very common this year. We had a lot of rain early this spring and then hot, dry weather. Contrary to how it sounds, powdery mildew thrives in hot dry weather.  Your best course of action now in October is to do good fall clean-up. Bag up all of the leaves and put them in your municipal compost.  Pruning is good in the fall but since we have had such warm weather, I would wait for a couple more weeks. You can then prune it for the size and shape you want.  If you don’t prune this fall, you can prune in the spring. Again prune for size and shape, or start at the top and prune down until you find live stems. I usually prune about 3 inches at a time where I see browning. https://northerngardener.org/how-to-grow-roses/ https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/annualperennial/roses/leavesdiscolored.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 06, 2024, 8:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you very helpful
please identify (grass)

Question: what kind of creeping grass is this?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 04, 2024, 9:41 AM EDT
response: Hi Stephen, thanks for the question. This appears to be smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum). It can be controlled with a well-timed preemergent. To get the timing right, MSU provides information on their Growing Degree Day Tracker.  Check out the following links for additional information: Smooth Crabgrass - Turf (msu.edu) Crabgrass Control in Home Lawns - MSU Extension Raise the Mowing Height for Weed and Grub Defense (msu.edu) Grass photography tips for ID: Help us help you! - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu) I hope this is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 04, 2024, 12:27 PM EDT
response: I can't thank you enough for info provided. This crabgrass is becoming significantly increasing in Harrisiville MI area On Fri, Oct 4, 2024, 9:41 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Aster yellows?

Question: I just noticed this on the end of a row of purple coneflowers. Please tell me it isn’t aster yellows! If it is, would the entire row of flowers need to be pulled up?

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 October 02, 2024, 11:52 AM EDT
response: Hi,  We can't determine if this is aster yellows yet. It could be damage from mites which can look similar to beginning symptoms to aster yellows.  You can monitor the plants to see if they progress into more definitive signs of aster yellows. If the symptoms change, feel free to send us additional photos. If we determine it is, you don't need to remove the entire row, just the plants that are showing symptoms. It is transmitted through aster leafhoppers though, so additional plants may exhibit symptoms next year.  You can compare photos on the links we sent and monitor symptoms. Let us know if you need further assistance if things change.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 02, 2024, 1:09 PM EDT
response: Emily,Thank you do much for your prompt and thorough reply.I shall research the mites and asteroid yellows disease more thoroughly and keep an eye on that plant. I’ve got a loupe, so that’s good might help to see more evidence. Best,Elle McGeeAACO MG On Oct 2, 2024, at 11:52 AM, Ask Extension 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 October 02, 2024, 4:23 PM EDT
response: you're welcome! Happy to help further if need be.
Scottish Pines

Question: I have noticed the Scottish Pines in my area (Lakes Region) needles are turning brown.  Is this a sign of demise or will they return back to health?  Thank you.

responder: Thank-you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension.   Replied October 02, 2024, 11:40 AM EDT
response: Hi Jane,  Thanks for contacting the UNH Extension Infoline.  I have not yet heard of any common diseases of Scotch pines in New Hampshire. There is a 'pine wilt' that is common in eastern Nebraska that is killing Scotch pines, but hopefully it is not in NH! Certainly, our white pines have been severely stressed in the last few years both by extreme weather conditions and needlecast diseases, leading to premature needle drop.  I assume from the general nature of your inquiry, that the trees are not on your property but in the lakes region. I will forward your inquiry to our State Forester.  Below I have included some additional information. I hope this is helpful! https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/35fe378b58984cfc847bc4bd1d36b46dhttps://www.dncr.nh.gov/news-and-media/last-summers-wet-weather-affecting-nhs-white-pineshttp://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/cyclaneusamneedlecast.pdfhttps://nfs.unl.edu/publications/pine-wilt-nebraska

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 04, 2024, 12:20 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. I live in Laconia and we have an association beach which is where the trees are. I also have a neighbor who has the same issue with her Scottish pine. Thanks again,Jane LaRoche On Oct 2, 2024, at 11:40 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Thank-you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension.   Replied October 09, 2024, 9:21 AM EDT
response: Thanks Jane!  Currently we recommend using NH Bugs for all reporting of pests or disease on our trees. They provide a  simple form for reporting (https://www.nhbugs.org/). These reports all go directly to forest health agencys in New Hampshire.  If you want to contact your county forester directly with questions, contact information is below.  Belknap County Lindsay Watkins 64 Court Street Laconia, NH 03246<personal data hidden><personal data hidden> Hope this is helpful!
Forsythia pruning

Question: I transplanted this forsythia 2 seasons back. It's very erratic and leggy but super healthy. How or should I prune this? & When? Should I tie it up to try and shape it somehow? 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 October 02, 2024, 9:56 AM EDT
response: This is a typical growth habit for Forsythia, but they can be pruned somewhat to keep errant stems more even and to restrain growth a bit, though any non-dwarf Forsythia varieties can easily reach 8 to 10 feet high if allowed. They need full sun (6-8 or more hours of direct light in summer) to thrive, bloom well, and stay dense (though pruning helps with this also). The time of year to prune is right after flowers have faded, which will be about mid-spring. If pruned now or during winter, any flower buds that may have formed for next year's display will be lost, and the plant cannot regrow them for spring. This won't cause the plant much damage in terms of health, but it will lower the shrub's aesthetic value for that season. If you don't mind losing flowers next year, you can prune the shrub around February or March. If you want to see whatever bloom it can produce, wait until those flowers are falling off to prune. Forsythia don't really respond much to staking to restrain growth, because it's in their nature to have long, arching stems; staking wouldn't really contain them very well while letting the shrub keep a natural look.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 02, 2024, 10:04 AM EDT
response: Thank you so very much! I won't prune until after it blooms in the spring. I so appreciate this resource. Sincerely Mary Jane

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 October 02, 2024, 11:03 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
strange thing on blueberry leaf plus leaves turning black

Question: Hi, I have two blueberrybushes, one patriot variety and one bluecrop. On my patriot blueberry I noticed something strange on one of the leaves. It almost looks like a Virgin's Bower seed which is a plant that's nearby. Some of the leaves on the patriot bush are also turning black and I'm really worried. The bluecrop one has leaves turning brown-ish. Is this a fungal issue or something?Anyways I'd love to know what this is and how to treat it. Thanks in advance!  (It wouldn't let me upload more than one picture so here is an Imgur album of all the pictures; https://imgur.com/a/UtNV5Tn )

responder: Gary Gao, Ph.D.  Replied October 02, 2024, 9:58 AM EDT
response: Hi Robynette,  Good to hear from you! The white material on the leaf looks like a seed of some kind. It is not a fungal disease.  The black or brown leaves may be from the last drought. I would prune them off. The leaves on the bush have yellowing between veins. This is an indication of iron deficiency, which can be corrected by lowering soil pH with elemental sulfur.  Refer to this fact sheet for more inforamtion: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-1422

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 02, 2024, 12:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much .   Also, do you have any idea why my blueberry's leaves are curling downwards? I thought this was natural so that rain falls off easier but I guess it could also be over fertilization?

responder: Gary Gao, Ph.D.  Replied October 03, 2024, 8:14 PM EDT
response: The leaf orientation looks okay to me. The yellowing between veins is caused by insufficient iron uptake due to high soil pH. You can lower soil pH to 4.5 with elemental sulfur.
Sooty Mold

Question: This Crapemyrtle seems to have sooty mold and scale. All surrounding plants are covered in black. Can you please advise?

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 October 01, 2024, 2:10 PM EDT
response: Sooty mold will weather off on its own in time once the honeydew that is supporting its growth is also weathered away or reduced by control of the insects producing it. Mainly, this is probably the Crapemyrtle Bark Scale you noted, but also could have overlapped with a population (earlier this summer) of Crapemyrtle Aphid. Efforts to manage the scale (if they entail using insecticide) will probably also manage the aphids at the same time, though this can depend on the pesticide chosen. Scale population reduction usually involves the use of insecticide, though options exist as to which types and methods are used. Hiring a certified pesticide applicator (which most landscaping companies have on staff) might be required for certain pesticide usage. Management options are included in the scale web page linked above.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 01, 2024, 3:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you Miri! The homeowner is so pleased we have you for information! On Tue, Oct 1, 2024 at 2:10 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 October 01, 2024, 3:36 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Growth by oak trees - is it harmful

Question: A fungus type growth is showing by my oak trees.  What is it?  What, if anything, should I do about it? We are located in the very SE corner of Clinton Co.

responder: Julie Crick  Replied October 01, 2024, 1:53 PM EDT
response: Hi Dave, While I would double check, that does look like a hen of the woods, or Grifola frondosa wild mushroom. Use the site at the link below to double check: https://gallowaywildfoods.com/hen-of-the-woods-identification-edibility-distribution-ecology/  Grifola can be parasitic on oak roots; that said, they also provide protection to the roots from more damaging fungal agents like armillaria. There is no way to treat the tree to eliminate the fungus, rather, it's best to ensure the tree is free of stressors like drought or soil compaction.  The article at the link below goes into great detail about the relationship between Grifola and oak roots.  https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/root-butt-rot-caused-by-grifola-frondosa-hen-of-woods  If you have any questions after reading through the material, please feel free to reach out.   Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 01, 2024, 6:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you, I will check into this information.DaveFrom: "Ask Extension" To: "David Hamilton" Sent: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 1:53:59 PMSubject: Re: Growth by oak trees - is it harmful (#0156760)
Peach issue

Question: I have a black goopy looking substance on the ends of some of my peach tree branches. Is this a fungus or something I need to treat? I would only look for organic solutions. Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 11, 2024, 4:17 PM EDT
response: Hello Tom, When did this appear? Were there any symptoms on fruit? Peach gummosis is a pretty common stress response that comes from the tree. It can be caused by a few different things and can occasionally host secondary infections like fungal gummosis. A summary of fungal gummosis from Florida can be found here: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/hs1265 Excessive gumming often indicates that the trunk cambium / phloem is messed up due to cold damage, herbicide, or other stress when the trees were young. That being said gumming is usually lighter in color so this may have some sort of secondary infection like fungal gummosis. I would suggest pruning out the affected areas 5-6 inches below the tips and sanitize tools in between (use a bleach wipe or other sanitizer). You should follow up in the spring to see if there is additional gumming. Clippings from pruning should be burned. If you haven’t done a soil test in a while you could get one done and see if there are nutrient deficiencies that may cause the plant stress. https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-startedOther than that make sure to make time for winter pruning and keep weed pressure down around the the trees especially in the early months of the season.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 13, 2024, 5:40 PM EDT
response: I didn’t notice it until after I got all the fruit off the trees. The fruit had some clear gummy stuff here and there that I was under the impression was caused by bugs. I applied a couple rounds of neem oil when the fruit was growing as the only thing applied. This was the first year I got fruit on the peach trees as they are young. I will check out the link and make those pruning cuts. ThanksOn Fri, Oct 11, 2024 at 4:17 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: