MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
fothergilla problem

Question: I have a Mt. Airy fothergilla shrub that I planted in the fall of 2022. It's been doing great and blooming the past two springs. Currently many of the leaves are curliing and the shrub looks like it might be dying. I gave it extra water yesterday,but I don't see any improvement. Any suggestions?

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 June 26, 2024, 11:36 AM EDT
response: This looks like heat stress/scorch. It has been very hot and very dry for many days. In addition, we had long periods of concerning drought last season which also stressed many plants. You didn't mention how you watered, but a.s.a.p. we would give the plant a good heavy watering and hope to see improvement. Make sure your mulch is only 2-3 inches deep and kept away from the stems/trunk of plants. After watering, use a screwdriver and your finger to feel 3-4 inches into the soil near the roots to see if it feels cool and moist when you are finished. Here is our Watering Trees and Shrubs page that explains more:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/  Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 2:22 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  On Wed, Jun 26, 2024 at 11:36 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 June 26, 2024, 4:08 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Butterfly ID

Question: Hi,
could you ID this butterfly? Thanks!

responder: MJ Replied June 25, 2024, 11:32 PM EDT
response: Hi Jay, I’m not sure. Perhaps a Sachem Skipper? A photo of the butterfly with open wings would help. This site may help you pin an ID down: https://www.insectidentification.org/insects-by-type-and-region.php?thisState=Minnesota&thisType=Butterfly%20or%20Moth Sorry I can’t give you a better answer. Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 6:27 PM EDT
response: Hi,   Poweshiek Skipperling is what I am thinking it might be. Quite endangered and pretty rare. It was in a tall grass area and on a yellow flower (Bird-foot Trefoil) in the Prior Lake area.  These are both descriptions prevalent to this butterfly. I don't have a photo of wings open though. I was actually photographing the flowers and saw this little guy. I know where this is and am going back to try and get some better photos. It is very similar to photos of the Skipperling I found online. ?? I can't let this go in case it's a sighting. Right?   Jay-    On Tue, Jun 25, 2024 at 10:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied June 26, 2024, 7:45 PM EDT
response: Of course! Hope you get confirmation of your sighting.
dead looking needles- calgary carpet juniper bush

Question: I am noticing dried out/ dropping needles, under green growth, within my young calgary carpet juniper bush, planted 8 wks ago.  I have others that show discolored (dying?) needles on tops of 5 yr old bushes. I metered & all are dry to 50 to 90% wet. I water 2 times wkly, 2 times at 8 min ea.. I don't see that I'm over watering with sprays. It's hot temps. here. I'm at a loss trying to keep my bushes healthy.  I am sorry but not enough sun/ they are 70% shaded with tall maples. My planting mistake. Any advice on dry looking needles in center or tops.

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied June 27, 2024, 2:53 PM EDT
response: Because our spring had whiplash weather, alternating between extreme heat and cool, wet weather, it could be that your 8-week old Junipers are still in the midst of transplant shock, dropping old needles to ensure that new needles can grow.  As you said, it's hot!  Even with shade, the new trees are struggling with the heat.  It's usually better to plant junipers and other conifers in the fall so that they can settle in during cooler weather and don't get cues from daylength and rising temperatures to put out new needles and instead put energy into roots.  Drying and dying needles on your established bushes may be winter desiccation.  When a conifer doesn't get enough moisture during the winter, the needle die back from the top down and outside in.  These are both water issues, but compounded by the dramatic fluctuations in weather.  Your watering schedule sounds fine in a steady state, but you may want to adjust to the intense heat with the new Junipers, watering more deeply during extreme heat.  Also remember to winter water once a month in the winter to help prevent the bushes from drying out.  https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fall-and-winter-watering-7-211/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 1:10 PM EDT
response: Q-#0144444  Dead Needles- Juniper Shrub I'm following up with a huge "thank you" for your reply.  I'll use the advice in the context of planting future shrubs; plant in the autumn for best results in thriving. Shayne Brady , Denver
80 year old cedar tree

Question: She seems to be thinning at the too

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 2:50 PM EDT
response: Hello Joan, It is very difficult to diagnose a problem in the tree. The sun is shining on the tree causing a glare and making it difficult to identify the tree let alone see a problem with it. To identify a problem, we need to identify the tree. Please take a picture in which there is no sun and a close up of the area that is thinning. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2024, 11:25 AM EDT
response: The cedar tree thinning at the top. New pictures

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 29, 2024, 5:16 PM EDT
response: Hello Joan, Thank you for the pictures. There are many factors that cause an arborvitae to brown, including improper planting, lack of water, too much water, environmental changes that could affect drainage and lead to root damage, insects, diseases and winter burn. Read more about Arborvitae diseases here: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/arborvitae/patchyyellowtobrowndiscoloration.html And here: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/arborvitae-needle-blight#:~:text=The%20best%20course%20of%20action,overwinter%20in%20the%20tree%20canopy. And here: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/arborvitae-thuja-occidentalis-root-rot Insects such as spider mites may cause damage to arborvitae. Check for mites by placing a white paper under a branch and give it a shake. The moving black dots that fall to the paper are mites. Read more here: https://extension.psu.edu/spruce-spider-mite Attached is another article about stress related evergreen dieback: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/id/id-477-w.pdf Finally, for a definite diagnosis, you can submit a picture or sample to MSU Extension’s Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/ . A certified arborist can properly assess your tree.  To find an arborist in your area, go to www.treesaregood.org, the website of the International Society of Arboriculture. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Hackberry Tree - dead Branches

Question: I am in a new development, and my hackberry was planted in late 2022. The first winter was the one where we had a TON of snow and after things melted, we noted that the voles or another critter had gotten to the bark and put a ring around 3/4 of the diameter of the tree. We put a plastic protector on the trunk.  The tree grew ok that summer, but this year was a bit late to leaf out and we have a good number of dead branches. I'm wondering if I should just trim these off and hope that the tree does better next year or if this is a lost cause and I should look into replacing it.  Thank you for any insight you can provide.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied June 24, 2024, 5:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. I would say go ahead and trim off the dead.  You won’t be out anything.  The tree may have been damaged enough that eventually it will die.  Let it grow this year and see what happens over the next year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 6:56 PM EDT
response: Excellent, thank you! Fingers crossed it survives. Sent from my iPhone On Jun 24, 2024, at 4:40 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Peony Sprout Wither?

Question: It looks like my peonies are sprouting withered or browned. There are two plants that I planted around the same time, one came to just fine and one didn't. I was curious if you had any solutions or problem-solving. I attached a picture of my plant to better show the problem. Thank you so much!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 7:22 PM EDT
response: Additional info…one of 2 plants had this happened to the flower buds the remainder of plant seems fine, leaves and stems look ok as well as the other plant which had blooming flowers all be it not many(5 to 8 years since I planted them

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 8:47 AM EDT
response: Good morning! Sometimes if a plant is stressed it will not produce blooms. It could be from lack of water (most likely) or the heat. If you planted these this year I would not worry because it could also be transplant stress and they will bloom next year! Based off your photo the rest of the plant looks very healthy! Here is a little more information on peonies for reference.  Thanks for reaching out!Rachel
winter burn or boxwood blight?

Question: My Buxus s.   has quite a bit of  damage.  Is it winter burn or boxwood blight?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 6:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.   I believe that it is neither, but wonder if you could take a photo of the entire hedge, so we can determine if there is a pattern.  It would also be helpful to know if any of the green leaves have any spots on them, top or underside.  Thanks for more information!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 6:41 PM EDT
response: The green  leaves are spot free.These box have been thriving for 20+ years until this winter. Attached is a jpeg of the hedge. Thanks,  John Eastman AA ornamental Hort  MHCC 1975   On Tue, Jun 25, 2024 at 3:20 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 6:50 PM EDT
response: Thanks, John.  I was afraid of that.  I believe this is the culprit:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/boxwood-buxus-spp-phytophthora-root-crown-rot  I assume your training equips you to understand the control mechanisms, as well as recognizing the only fungicide available to homeowners, Monterey Garden Phos.  Stargus is an organic, biological control, if you can find it.  I hope this helps.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 10:19 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the info!   On Tue, Jun 25, 2024 at 3:50 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 10:20 AM EDT
response: Welcome!
spots on Appletree leaves

Question: I have a McIntosh apple tree and a Honeycrisp apple tree. I noticed that they Some of their leaves have these brown patches on them. I don’t know what this is. Are my trees diseased? what should I do Thank you,

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 7:29 PM EDT
response: This does not look like a disease or insect problem.  I would guess stress from heat (branch close to building?), or water droplets on the leaves in the hot sun having a magnifying lens effect.   The lengthwise leaf curling is sometimes a sign that the plant had gotten a little dry at some point.   The tree looks relatively healthy.  Watch the watering. It looks like a support wire was used, perhaps in the nursery.  It should be removed so that it does not girdle the tree in the future.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 8:09 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your assistance.  In the response you stated watch the watering and a leaf is curling so it may have gotten dry at some point.  I’m I over watering  them?  Also you stated that they are close to a building and they had support in the nursery.  So, I will move them up some away from the house, stake them for support,  and make sure to not overwater.  I hope I have this right.  When I move them up some the sun is near by.  This is why they are close to the house.  Lastly,  should I remove the browning leaves or just leave them alone?  Thanks again,  I really appreciate this.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 8:57 PM EDT
response: More typically, lengthwise leaf curling is due to dry soil, however, soil that stay saturated for long (days) periods can cause leaf problems as well.  Just watch that leaves don't get too hot next to the building.  No need to remove leaves from the tree, but rake up the leaves for sanitation purposes.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 9:42 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much.
identifying mint

Question: A minty plant is growing in our yard. How can we identify what type of mint it is?  How can we determine if it is safe to consume?  See photos.

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied June 25, 2024, 5:07 PM EDT
response: It appears to be in the mint family. Rub the leaf vigorously and not whether it smells minty. I need it in flower to do a proper ID, so it might be quicker to take one to a nursery for ID.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 10:39 PM EDT
response: The plants have flowered, so attached is a photo.   Thanks.   On Tue, Jun 25, 2024 at 2:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied July 27, 2024, 11:48 PM EDT
response: This looks like a true mint. It should smell very minty when rubbed. Unfortunately this group of plants is quite diverse, so the final give-away is the scent. My Egyptian mint looks like this and has a very strong aroma, but other mints also flower in this pattern. It does belong to the edible mint group. These are used as condiments, jellies, syrups, herbals etc.
Fungus on leaves

Question: We are getting some fungus on our tree out front and also in the yard with some mushroom growth. What steps should we take to solve both issues. 

Thank you.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 25, 2024, 8:02 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Jon,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  With all the rain we've had and the high humidity, fungal diseases are appearing.  Please click on the following link about leaf spots on trees: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs#causes-of-leaf-spots-1156260 If you scroll through the information, it discusses management.  Here is a link to information on mushrooms in the lawn: https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/mushrooms-lawns Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 11:24 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Maureen!    Sent on the fly.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 7:02:47 AM To: Olson, Jon D <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Fungus on leaves (#0144375)    CAUTION: This e-mail originated from outside the Minnesota State System. Only click links or open attachments from trusted sources. Please report suspicious messages using the "Report Message Button".

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 26, 2024, 7:03 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!
spots on garden produce leaves

Question: All of the leaves in my garden: lettuce, beans, squash, snap peas, etc. have spots on them.  I can't seem to find a cause. We use only organic composts, sprays, etc. Is the lettuce in particular safe to eat? I've included three images of lettuce. If you want other leaf samples, I can send them to you.
The first image is lettuce (black seeded simpson) the second a variety that is both green and red (the spots are yellowish) and the third is a red leaf variety.
Thanks for your help!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 7:08 PM EDT
response: Hi Pat,  Sorry to hear about your lettuce challenge - the good news is that the damage looks really minor right now and it seems hopeful that the plants will be just find. There's a few potential sources that come to mind looking at the pictures you sent. Perhaps the damage is from: Hail - did you receive hail damage at your home recently? Herbicide drift - is there any chance an herbicide was sprayed in the area recently and perhaps small droplets touched the lettuce? Thrips - thrips are extremely small bugs that can cause similar looking damage on leaves. If the source is thrips, you'll know as the damage would get worse over time. Below is a website with more information about this pest and how they can be managed: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7429.html   Please let us know if you have any further questions!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2024, 12:04 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the information! I may send you a few more images that seem to not fit any of the suggestions.
Pat

> On Jun 26, 2024, at 5:08 PM, Ask Extension <ask> wrote:
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Central Leader Died on Espresso Kentucky Coffee Tree

Question: The central leader on my new espressos Kentucky coffee tree died from heat and under watering while I was away from home. Should I try to restore the central leader or just replace the tree?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 1:46 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon! Is the cut on the top of the tree from removing the dead central leader? I would suggest leaving it! The tree is young enough that it can create a new central leader.  Here is a great resources on pruning trees throughout their lifecycle.  Thanks for reaching out! Rachel

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 1:54 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon Rachel,  Thanks for your response! Yes, that cut is from removing the dead central leader. Okay, I will leave it!   Best, Joe On Jun 25, 2024, at 11:47, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Diseased black raspberries

Question: Hello,
This year some of my canes have wilting leaves. What is it? Is it going to spread? What should I do about it?
Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 2:22 PM EDT
response: Hi there! It's hard to tell from just pictures but it looks to me like it might be a nutritional deficiency. I'd recommend applying a complete fertilizer soon and then again in the spring. Cheyenne

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 3:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your answer. What kind of picture would help you better diagnose the problem?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 4:11 PM EDT
response: Things like this are hard to diagnose with just a picture in general. Ideally I'd see the whole cane, with pictures of both the top and underside of young and old leaves that look healthy and unhealthy as well as close ups of the fruits and any lesions on the leaves. If you want a for sure diagnosis you could send it in to the plant and pest diagnostic lab on campus. If you'd like to talk more about your raspberry plant feel free to email me directly at <personal data hidden>
Hosta diseased?

Question: Hi there question about one of my favorite hostas that started to deteriorate with all the rain we’ve had recently. I’ve ripped out about 75% of the leaves; a few remain and they are not perfectly healthy either; I’ve attached a photo. I have an autumn joy sedum nearby that also has some wilting gray leaves near where this particular hosta is. The hosta was a transplant of another hosta, which is about 2 feet away and is in perfect health. My photos are of one diseased Leif, an up close shot of the stems where I removed diseased leaves, and then a close-up of the autumn joy sedum. Thank you for any help you can provide

responder: Diane M  Replied June 24, 2024, 9:12 PM EDT
response: Your hosta may be suffering from petiole rot, for which there is no cure.  Read the attached links and compare the photos to your plant to see if they match what you are seeing.  If this is petiole rot, you'll need to remove the plant completely and clean all tools that you've used to deal with it.. You don't want the fungus to spread to other plants.  We're sorry for the bad news, but you can remove this hosta and enjoy the rest of your hosta bed.   https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/hosta-problems https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/hosta-petiole-and-crown-rot

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 9:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you! This seems about right! Sent from my iPhone On Jun 24, 2024, at 8:12 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Large black wasp

Question: I found this wasp in my pool skimmer in Bloomington. All black body, two white patches on the head, black and tan legs and antennae. Over one inch in length.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied June 24, 2024, 6:56 PM EDT
response: This is a White Horntail. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/53249-Urocerus-albicornis Thank you for writing.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 10:42 PM EDT
response: Can you tell what gender it is? I have never seen one before! Thanks for identifying it for me. Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS  On Monday, June 24, 2024, 5:56 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied June 24, 2024, 10:59 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. I believe the sex is male. https://bugguide.net/node/view/221260 Its gender would be classed as N/A because gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, expressions and identities of girls, women, boys, men, and gender-diverse people.