MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Deformed Alder Leaves

Question: Hi There Folks!
I have several young alder trees, otherwise healthy, suddenly showing a small number of these curled, deformed leaves. It seems to be just one or so per branch and near the new growth tip. Any idea what it might be and if I need to do anything about it ? (Located along the Applegate River near Provolt.)
Thanks, 
Liz

responder: marjorie n. OSU Ext. Master Gardener Replied July 10, 2023, 7:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the photos, although it is difficult to actually see what is happening. The first photo looked a bit like it might be insect rolling the leaf around eggs; the other photos seem to indicate heat scorch and thus, rolling or curling. Alders are sensitive, as are many deciduous trees to contamination from water run-off, especially water from a lawn or garden area that has been treated to "weed and feed" products.We have had some very hot days "all of a sudden" after a long and drizzly spring. You may want to take a sample of the damage to the Plant Clinic, 5569 Hanley Rd.(Rte. 238) near Jacksonville. Please telephone to check open hours, 541-776=7371.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2023, 10:48 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much, Marjorie, for taking the time to respond to my inquiry. I will try to bring a leaf in to the clinic for assessment as impacts from a weed/feed product are not a possibility. Appreciate the work you folks are doing  Cheers Liz     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, July 10, 2023 4:42 PM To: Elizabeth Shen <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Deformed Alder Leaves (#0109621)

responder: marjorie n. OSU Ext. Master Gardener Replied July 15, 2023, 6:50 PM EDT
response: You are welcome. I'm sorry I can't make a diagnosis wwithout actually seeing the damage. Leaf curl is almost always a case of herbicide damage or caterpillars.
Weed ID help needed

Question: Hello.  I live in Plymouth and have a backyard that is partially natural timber/forest.  I need help identifying this weed as I can't find a picture of it anywhere in the guidebooks.  
The weed is short, less than 12". It grows in clusters.  I have never seen flowers.  The unique aspect of this weed is the growths along the stem between the leaves.  These are slightly prickly or hairy but the stem itself is smooth and so are the leaves.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 09, 2023, 10:19 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Matt,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  I believe this weed is Parietaria, a flowering nettle plant. Please click on this link from the MN Wildflowers website: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/pennsylvania-pellitory Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2023, 1:49 PM EDT
response: Maureen Yes, that's it!  As an agronomist myself I was looking in the wrong guides for this plant.I've lived at my current address nearly 14 years and this was the one weed I couldn't identify.  Thank you very much for the help.MattOn Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 9:19 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Raspberry Plant Disease Management Advice - White Fungus

Question: Hello, I purchased two raspberry plants a couple of weeks ago from Sun Nurseries in Clarksville, Maryland, and planted in a sunny, well-drained location in my back yard (varieties: red heritage raspberry and fall gold raspberry). They are both showing signs of a white fungus on the canes and some leaves. Is this botrytis, or perhaps something else? Do you have a recommended way to manage and save these plants?
Thank you,
Leslie

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 10, 2023, 10:20 AM EDT
response: Hi- the white fuzz is a protective covering produced by planthoppers, a relatively minor insect pest that sucks plant sap. You can handpick them or knock them off with a stream of water. Insecticidal soap can be applied but may not penetrate the woolly mass to control the insect.  The discolored areas of the lower stems could be one of several fungal pathogens that infect raspberry.  If so, the disease cannot be cured at this point with a fungicide. Monitor your stems and leaves to see if the symptoms change or progress. Prune out any dying or dead canes. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 4:22 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the quick reply, Jon!Best,Leslie On Mon, Jul 10, 2023, 10:20 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 10, 2023, 4:48 PM EDT
response: You are welcome. Good luck! Jon
peppers are spoiling

Question: Why are my green peppers spoiling on the vine before they mature?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2023, 11:17 AM EDT
response: I'm sorry to hear about your peppers! From what I can see in the photo this looks like it could be either sunscald or blossom-end rot, a localized calcium deficiency that is caused by water-stress.   If you can rule out sunscald, the next strategy will be to make sure that the plants are watered evenly, that is, don't let the soil around them get too dry.  This can be particularly challenging if you're growing in a container (I can't tell if you are or not from the photo).  You may see recommendations to add calcium to fix blossom-end rot, but it's usually a water problem, not a soil fertility problem--so I doubt if extra calcium fertilizer will be required.   I hope this is helpful! Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 11:40 AM EDT
response: They are growing in a patio pot but are usually on a drip line.  The rains have made it a bit more sporadic and even over watered I think.  Could it be too much water, or just inconsistent watering?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2023, 12:40 PM EDT
response: Unless they are staying so waterlogged so as to cause root-rot (and thereby limiting water to the canopy), underwatering or allowing the soil to dry out too much between waterings is more probable.  You might consider checking the containers for water by weight--it gives a more holistic picture of water conditions throughout than just checking near the surface.  Even with the rain, a sunny day can dry things out quickly in a container. Cordially, John
Red spots on my Rhubarb leaves

Question: I've been seeing more and more leaves affected by red spots on my otherwise healthy looking rhubarb. What is this and is this something that a requires destroying the plants, a treatment, etc.  Can the stalks be safely harvested?

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 08, 2023, 6:38 PM EDT
response: You are seeing a common fungal disease of rhubarb. Harvest the stalks that aren't spotty. Stalks with spots will not keep well. It is ok to eat the rhubarb. Dispose of infected leaves in the organic waste not your compost pile if you have one. https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-rhubarb#diseases-923465

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 7:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your response. As a nurse who loved my microbiology classes, my curiosity begs me to ask the name of this fungus.Also, I have been pulling out and tossing the stalks that have the spotted leaves, but didn't realize it was ok to use the stalks without spots. Great news! Thanks! I think this fungus started late last year, and is worse this year. I assume I will need to make sure and discard all the stalks and leaves after the first freeze to minimize any fungus remaining on the ground and affecting next year's plants. Should I pull all the mulch and replace the mulch? Is there a safe organic treatment for the fungus, the ground?Thanks again!  Linda AndersonOn Sat, Jul 8, 2023 at 17:38 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 10, 2023, 9:41 PM EDT
response: There aren’t any good fungal treatments for soil other than solarization and that will kill your plants. Sanitation (discard stalks and leaves) , reducing leaf splash from watering, letting the soil dry between waterings and no overhead watering will reduce the infection rate. Fresh mulch each year is a good practice and this years mulch should be broken down by fall. Bark mulch is one of the few mulches to last a season unless the mulch is put down too thickly.  Each year brings its own challenges because the weather changes. Some years promote fungal diseases and others don’t. Makes gardening always interesting.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 3:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for you time and the very helpful response. Your time and expertise is greatly appreciated!!Sincerely, Linda AndersonOn Mon, Jul 10, 2023 at 20:41 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 11, 2023, 9:52 PM EDT
response: You are welcome. Enjoy your harvest.
Pin oak tree disease?

Question: My pin oak doesn't look good this summer.  Losing leaves and some leaves curling up. Some branches lost leaves. Some branches have curled up leaves. Is this from drought or something else. Tree about 15 years old.

responder: Answer Line answer@iastate.edu Iowa 800-262-3804 and Minnesota 800-854-1678  Replied July 10, 2023, 11:07 AM EDT
response: Good morning Jess,  Thank you for contacting AnswerLine. We shared your message with our horticulture specialist and here is their response:  Photos suggest herbicide injury, but other factors may be in play. Additional photos of the entire tree and site would be helpful. But foliar symptoms are rather incriminating.  Bottom line, there is nothing to be done for the tree. Leaves eventually will fall off, and you might even see a few new leaves form before the end of the growing season.  Has anything has been applied to the tree or in the vicinity of the tree? If you have additional photos of the entire tree, please share and I will pass them on to our specialists.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 6:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you for responding! I've attached more pictures of the tree. No spray has been used in the yard but their is a corn field adjacent to the property. On Mon, Jul 10, 2023, 10:07 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answer Line answer@iastate.edu Iowa 800-262-3804 and Minnesota 800-854-1678  Replied July 17, 2023, 11:22 AM EDT
response: Hi Jess,   Our specialist has a question about photo 163547:   What is the little building on the right hand side of this photo?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 11:56 AM EDT
response: A wood stove On Mon, Jul 17, 2023, 10:22 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answer Line answer@iastate.edu Iowa 800-262-3804 and Minnesota 800-854-1678  Replied July 17, 2023, 12:33 PM EDT
response: Our horticulture specialist believes that is likely the cause of the issue - it is not ideal to have the wood stove near your tree.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 12:41 PM EDT
response: Ok, thank youOn Mon, Jul 17, 2023, 11:33 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Snake skin identification

Question: This snake skin is hanging out of my dryer vent. I'm assuming it is now in my house. Can you tell if poisonous?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 06, 2023, 5:21 PM EDT
response: shed skins do not carry the pigments and patterns so it is hard to say. If I had to guess it would probably be a rat snake which are not poisonous.  Aside from coral snakes, which would not be that large, nor occur in Spartanburg County, all the rest of the venomous snakes would have much fatter bodies in the middle tapering at both ends. non-venomous would be the same width for most of their length., only tapering close to each end.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 5:27 PM EDT
response: This one does taper but I'm guessing only at the end of tail. Would any other pictures help? I have several. On Thu, Jul 6, 2023, 5:21 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 07, 2023, 8:14 AM EDT
response: Is the head area still intact? That would be helpful. Rat snakes are so named because that is one creature they are prone to hunt which means crawling into holes to find prey. If your dryer vent is connected, then I doubt it could possibly be in your house.  Copperheads are the most common venomous snake in the upstate of SC. They still have a pattern visible on the skin. https://www.reptilefact.com/copperhead-snake.html 3 species of rattlesnakes can be found in the state, but they are usually not found in populated areas. The tail of the skin would be blunt where it ended at the rattles.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2023, 5:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you for answering my questions. On Fri, Jul 7, 2023, 8:14 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 11, 2023, 1:07 PM EDT
response: I learned something new watching a recording of a recent Making it Grow episode where a naturalist was on the show with two snake skins. Near the tail on the underside behind the "anus" non-venomous snakes will have split ventral scales venomous snakes will have single ventral scales. You can watch this episode S2023 Ep14 | June 27, 2023 found here. https://www.scetv.org/watch/making-it-grow. The segment showing actual snake skins and telling the difference starts at about the 46:20 minute mark in the show which is near the end.
Large pecan tree 4423 Colony West Dr., Richmond

Question: I have quite  A large pecan tree on my property that appears to be rotting or being eaten by an insect at the base. Wonder if you would know what I can do to stop it.  The foliage in the treetop seems very healthy at this point .

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 07, 2023, 5:22 PM EDT
response: Bruce, thanks for contacting us about your pecan tree.  To try and diagnose from a single photo would be folly but, as you stated, it does appear to have some damage. The damage is often due to extreme weather conditions such as extraordinary freezes and/or drought conditions resulting in cracks in the bark.  These cracks are often inhabited by ants, beetles, fungi, bacteria, you name it. If the crown is healthy as you state, you seem to be in the clear. Rotting roots, bacteria in the circulatory system or sever insect pressure would result in poor leaf and twig growth. If you want to insure your tree is healthy, you would want to contact a certified arborist to make and evaluation. Here is a link that will help you with that,   ​​​Texas Arborist | ISA Texas | ISA Texas Chapter  Hope this has been helpful, Deborah FBCMG

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 07, 2023, 5:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your response and information Deborah! On Fri, Jul 7, 2023 at 4:24 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 08, 2023, 4:35 PM EDT
response: welcomed
identifying bugs and eggs

Question: I found a cluster of bugs and eggs on the underside of a Rosa palustris leaf. Definitely not ladybugs.

responder: Ann Sheldon  Replied July 07, 2023, 6:21 AM EDT
response: Hi Lynn,  Because of the size of the picture, it is really difficult to exactly identify the beetle. At first I thought it could be a Japanese beetle, but they typically lay eggs in the ground and the markings are wrong. Then I thought it could be a swamp milkweed leaf beetle based on the black marks, but the eggs appear to be the wrong color. The best way to identify the bug is get a close up picture and use a bug identifier app. Your phone might actually have something built in. My iPhone has a feature that will allow me identify certain things by pressing the i button on the picture itself. You can also google various apps that you can download.  Regardless of what the beetle is, you will want to remove them either by hand or by spraying them with neem oil, or if you don't mind an insecticide, something like Sevin. Here is an article which talks about the various issues that plague roses and what you can do about them: https://mastergardener.osu.edu/sites/mgv/files/imce/RosePests_Shetlar2021.pdf.  I hope this points you in the right direction.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2023, 4:11 PM EDT
response: We have id'd the eggs and bugs and I thought I would pass the answer on to you for future questions (I'm a retired Delaware County MG). They are brown marmorated stink bugs. LynnOn Fri, Jul 7, 2023 at 6:21 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Ann Sheldon  Replied July 10, 2023, 4:23 AM EDT
response: Thank you for updating me! I looked up the picture of the stink bug eggs, and it does look like your picture. My advice is still the same. You will want to remove these eggs and emergent bugs either manually or with Neem oil, a soapy solution, or something like Sevin. Here is a link to more information about stink bugs, which can be a nuisance both inside and outside of the house:  https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-90
Deformed leaves on tomato plants

Question: The new leaves on all of my tomato plants are curled and twisted.  I thought it might be an insect problem so I sprayed with Neem oil but it does not seem to have made a difference.  The plants are in raised beds so I think the drainage is ok.  Would appreciate any help.

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 06, 2023, 7:21 PM EDT
response: Hello,  Unfortunately this appears to be herbicide damage - we see this sometimes when the soil is mixed with manure. The composted manure doesn't break down the herbicides that were sprayed on the grass or hay. The herbicides that commonly do this are the aminopyralids (Milestone).   Did you add manure to the garden this year? If so, do you know the source?  The plants are unlikely to recover from the damage if left growing in the area - leaves will continue to be curled and the plant probably won't set fruit. Tomatoes are exceptionally susceptible to the aminopyralids - as are other plants in the solanaceous family (peppers, eggplant). Beans and cucumbers may also be affected.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 07, 2023, 11:18 AM EDT
response: I did not use any manure directly.  We let some neighbors use our pens and sheds for calving spring of '22.  Last fall I added some of the manure and old hay to my compost pile.  I top dressed the raised bed with compost this spring.  That leaves me with a couple of questions. 1) Will the herbicide eventually break down in the compost or should I load the remaining compost in the manure spreader and spread it on the pasture?2) How long will it take for the herbicide to break down in the raised bed.  I rotate my plants through the raised beds so it would be 3 or 4 years before I had tomatoes in that bed again.Thank you so much for your helpSue ReedOn Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 5:21 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 07, 2023, 11:25 AM EDT
response: Hi Sue,  It's hard to answer these questions, because of the unknown contaminant level. It may last a season...or longer.  I wouldn't use the manure in the garden - so spreading in your pasture is a better idea. As for the current garden, we see it last generally a year or two (again, it could be longer). Water to try to leach it out.   Also, composting the manure doesn't eliminate the herbicide residue, which is why this can be such a problem.   That's great you're doing crop rotation! What you can do in the future is a "bioassay". Collect some of the soil and start seeds - beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, and radish. See if you notice any deformities as the seeds germinate and mature.
Yellow star thistle?!

Question: Growing pot on deck, not planted. The spines don't look nearly large enough compared to Star thistle I've seen online and it is not growing close to the ground in a dense patch just a single long stem

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 06, 2023, 2:12 PM EDT
response: My PIcture This program identified it as Safflower, a species of Distaff thistles.  AKA False Saffron, rouge plant, Saffron thistle, Fake Saffron.  https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/safflower.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 2:32 PM EDT
response: What program?   Get Outlook for Android  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Thursday, July 6, 2023 1:12:29 PM To: David Wymore <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Yellow star thistle?! (#0109210)

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 06, 2023, 3:06 PM EDT
response: Its called "Picture This."  There is a free version and a $20 a year version. Its not 100% but fairly good.
Marigold Help!

Question: Not sure why my marigolds seem burnt on top. Also I noticed some white coloring on some of the leaves?

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 July 07, 2023, 10:58 AM EDT
response: The flower with the blackened top can just be pinched or cut out. This will happen from time to time, particularly when the flowers stay wet for long periods and is a type of disease. The faint spotting on the leaves could be minor damage from tiny insects like mites, thrips or hoppers.  It doesn't look concerning at this point, but if it gets a lot worse you could try shooting the leaves (inc. undersides) with water.    Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 07, 2023, 11:59 AM EDT
response: Thank you!! Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android  On Fri, Jul 7, 2023 at 10:58 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

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 July 07, 2023, 12:38 PM EDT
response: You're welcome. Enjoy your weekend.