MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Black substance on oak leaves, leaves turning light brown

Question: Noticed that several of the oak trees in my yard have leaves that are turning light brown. Upon closer inspection, noticed that the top of the leaves have a black substance on them. Underside of leaf is a little “fuzzy”. Some leaves also have small bumps on the top surface. Assuming these are white oaks with some sort of mold/fungus. What can be done to treat/eliminate this problem?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 14, 2023, 11:08 PM EDT
response: HI Emily, I'm not sure what the problem is. I'm going to send your pictures out to the group at large and get more input. My first response was that this is oak wilt, but it just doesn't look like that. I'll get back to you on this. Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 15, 2023, 9:13 AM EDT
response: Thank you! Interested to hear the groups’ thoughts! Emily

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 18, 2023, 8:11 AM EDT
response: Emily here are some links to look at; https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/tubakia-actinopelte-leaf-spot/#:~:text=Tubakia%20leaf%20spot%20is%20caused,are%20scattered%20on%20the%20ground. https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/ilriverhort/2017-04-05-help-my-oak-tree-has-weird-bumps-and-growths https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/tubakia-leaf-blotch I think what you are seeing might be Tubakia leaf spot. Look up images of it. If you think that is the problem make sure to rake up and get rid of all your leaves as they carry the fungal spores and will keep the disease going next year. If you are in a drought area you may want to give your tree a good soak twice a month, leaving the sprinkler on for a few hours so the water really soaks down. This will help keep the tree from getting stressed. I hope this helps, Sally Granath

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 10:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Sally. This appears to match what I am seeing on my oaks. I appreciate your help identifying the issue. We will be sure to rake up leaves and have plans to start watering our trees. Thanks again! Emily On Tue, Jul 18, 2023 at 7:11 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Troubled 20-year-old blue spruce

Question: Hello:  I planted two blue spruces in our front yard (next to the street) 20 years ago.  They have grown to approx 35-40 feet, and one of them appears to be distressed.  I've attached photos showing brown needles in a spiraling pattern around the tree.  One tree services said this was caused by girdling and another disagreed, and opined it may be caused by some herbicide.  I spayed a small amount of Roundup for lawns about 6 feet from the trunk early this Spring and doubt that this is the cause.  We had a tree service deep fertilize the spruce about 6 weeks ago, but the tree has not changed and may be getting worse.  Any thoughts would be appreciated or a visit by someone from the Extension for further analysis.  We live in Lone Tree.  Thank you very much.  Tom

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 13, 2023, 1:21 PM EDT
response: Hi Tom, I'm sorry to hear about your tree! The spiral pattern of damage is suggestive of a root issue.  The water- and nutrient-conducting tissues of conifers naturally grow in a twisting way as the tree gets taller; a spiral of damage on the foliage in the canopy usually does indicate some problem with the portion of the roots that feeds those branches. Root damage could be physical, chemical, or biological.  Physical causes could be something like a girdling root or damage from digging.  Did the company that suggested girdling see any evidence of this on the lower trunk to your knowledge? Another physical possibility is root-rot, if the tree roots were submerged or the soil was completely saturated for a long period of time this spring with all of the rain.  Not a typical problem in Colorado, but it hasn't been a typical spring, either! Roundup for Lawns does contain some herbicides that are soil active and have the potential to damage roots; symptoms of herbicide damage, though, are usually growth deformities rather than needle drop. Lastly, you could have a fungal or bacterial issues in the roots or trunk.  This are hard to diagnose, and usually are opportunistically pathogenic, that is, they take advantage of stressed trees but aren't issues in trees that have had stress relieved.  In Colorado, this usually looks like watering the tree.  For a tree growing near a green lawn, chances are it's getting plenty of water, but as temperatures heat up you might consider giving the tree a bit extra.   If you'd like to schedule a site visit or talk with someone on the phone, please call the Douglas County office directly, at<personal data hidden>. Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 1:49 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your prompt reply.   On Thu, Jul 13, 2023 at 11:21 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 13, 2023, 1:53 PM EDT
response: You bet.  Good luck!
Help identify

Question: What is this

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 13, 2023, 11:06 AM EDT
response: Without more growth or flowers it is difficult to tell, but Foxglove (Digitalis) comes to mind, especially if they feel soft/downy. It has some similarities to lemon balm as well. Rubbing a leaf and  smelling lemons will give you a quick i.d. if it's that.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 1:43 PM EDT
response: It has been growing for almost 3 months without flowering Sent from my iPad On Jul 13, 2023, at 11:06 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 13, 2023, 3:29 PM EDT
response: Foxglove is a biennial plant, so it sprouts foliage and grows a bit its first year, goes dormant in winter, and then matures with a fuller set of leaves and flowers its second year, dying that second winter. If this volunteer is Foxglove, it's likely only in its first year based on the size pictured, so will not bloom this season. If this plant does happen to flower (if you decide to keep it for now) later this summer or autumn, though, feel free to share photos here again for ID.  Miri
Pole Bean leaves pitted and pocked.....

Question: Several of my pole bean leaves (variety Selma Zesta) have become  pocked and pitted, turning yellow.  The undersides of these leaves have areas of a fuzzy, brownish-maroon coating.  I can't tell if these are insect larvae or fungal or ???.... Beans get full day of sun.  I don't over-water.  We've had rain but not excessive amounts in the last couple of weeks.  Before that, dry for an extended period and then I'd water maybe 2-3x/week.  
Thanks for any light you can shed on this problem, as well as any recommended treatment.

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 13, 2023, 11:52 AM EDT
response: Hi- your leaves are showing symptoms of two problems. The tiny white spots/flecks on leaf surfaces were made by a sucking insect pest- spider mites, thrips, or leafhoppers. The bigger issue is the yellow spots on the leaf surfaces and rust-colored pustules on the leaf undersides caused by bean rust.   It's too late to apply a fungicide, although Daconil is effective if applied as soon as symptoms are observed. Repeat applications are required to manage bean rust.  This is a widespread fungal disease with many races but is rarely seen today because of the availability of resistant cultivars. Selma Zesta is an heirloom and apparently susceptible to bean rust. The disease will spread and probably kill the plants over time. Pods will also become infected. We suggest pulling the plants out, bagging up all of the plant parts, and sending them to the landfill.   It's not too late to plant bush beans this year. Rotate to a different part of the garden if possible.  Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 12:05 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Jon.  That's bad news but it's better to know.     Marie

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 13, 2023, 12:13 PM EDT
response: You are welcome. Good luck! Jon
Peony covered in white film

Question: Hi, I have an old fashioned single peony plant that I moved from Iowa to Cleveland and now it is covered in a white film. Trying to avoid bad chemicals.

responder: Tom OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied July 16, 2023, 4:52 PM EDT
response: Suzanne,  Your peony appears to have a powdery mildew infection.  While it is unlikely to kill the plant, it is quite unsightly and, over time, may reduce the long-term health of the plant.  It is too late for treatment this year, but removing the foliage before disintegration will help reduce overwintering spores.  These articles each have some helpful advice for clean-up this fall and prevention next spring:  https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/diseases/powdery-mildew/powdery-mildew-outdoors  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/powdery-mildew-flower-garden  https://peony.mbgna.umich.edu/diseases/  As noted, copper-based fungicides can be organic and effective.  Be sure to follow all label directions.  If you'd like to read some deeper articles, these PDF's have more details:  https://americanpeonysociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Powdery-Mildew-DH.pdf  https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/buffalo/Yard/Peonies%20with%20Powdery%20Mildew%2010-15-2016.pdf  Please let me know if you have further questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 5:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!! Suzanne Zilber<personal data hidden> mobile <personal data hidden>Sent from my iPhoneOn Jul 16, 2023, at 4:52 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Why did my dayLililes  turn brown

Question: Daylililes turned brown on left side of yard entrance . Stella de oro Both sides were doing well, about to flower. No sprinkler system water them only if it’s dry for a few days

responder: Edward A.  Replied July 15, 2023, 10:02 PM EDT
response: Hello Kent, I zoomed in on the photos you sent, and I am not sure any of the day lilies are really thriving like I would expect them to be. The bunches on the right side of the walk have the same yellowing leaves but just not as bad as the left side. I can also see yellow leaves on the bunches on the far right. Have you applied any lawn care products recently (around the time the day lilies started to decline)? It might be possible a broad leaf herbicide (weed and feed) applied to the lawn could have caused the day lilies to die. Is it possible that the herbicide overspread onto the day lily leaves or was absorbed by their roots? Generally, herbicides cause foliage to dry and curl, but there is little data on how day lilies are affected by herbicide. That makes it difficult to suppose that it is herbicide damage.  What else could be causing this? Watering - either too much or not enough. Is it possible that any one of the three areas of day lilies either got much more or much less water than the others? Do the different clumps of day lilies get very different sun exposure? Do any of the groups stay in the sun much longer than any others? It may be too late now, but can you dig down into the rot zone of all three areas and see how wet it is in the root zone of each? Is the left side extremely dry or wet? As long as you are digging near each bunch of day lilies, can you dig up a root in each area? Is it firm or squishy? Are the roots white or discolored?  If there are any plants remaining on the left side, can you dig up a root and cut through it? Is it firm or squishy and rotted? If you dig up a root from the left side, take pictures before and after you cut through it. You can attach the photos to the response to this email. This may help in determining what is going on.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 10:34 AM EDT
response: More picturesAfter cut 1 before cut 2 after cut 3 before cut 4   Kent On Jul 15, 2023, at 10:02 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 10:34 AM EDT
response: Kent On Jul 15, 2023, at 10:02 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Edward A.  Replied July 22, 2023, 4:13 PM EDT
response: Hello Kent, The roots do not look like they are rotted or overwatered.  And the ground looks pretty dry and crumbly.  Is it possible that the day lilies were just not getting sufficient water during the drought conditions we have had and are still having?  The ground looks very dry considering the rain we received recently, so I can only guess how dry it was during the peak of the drought. Feel free to send these pictures to the MSU Diagnostic Lab -  <personal data hidden> and see if they have a differing opinion.
Rhododendron and Lugularia

Question: I have two problems:

The leaves on my rhododendron are turning red.

At least one leaf on my ligularia turned yellow and red.

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 13, 2023, 5:01 PM EDT
response: I think they didn’t get enough water on some of the hottest days. Both of them do best in moist but not wet soil. They also they are not native to climates with very hot summers. I think they are showing heat stress and will drop some leaves like they do in the fall when they stop sending water and food to their leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 2:59 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for your response! On Thu, Jul 13, 2023 at 4:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 17, 2023, 8:29 PM EDT
response: Thankfully it’s cooler this week.
What is the name of this flower?

Question: Before it blooms, it has a pineapple shape.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 12, 2023, 4:36 PM EDT
response: Perennial sowthistle, AKA a weed.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 4:41 PM EDT
response: It doesn’t look like that.  Am attaching a photo before it blooms.On Jul 12, 2023, at 3:36 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 12, 2023, 4:48 PM EDT
response: Second try using the "Picture This " app came up with Brown Knapweed, a species of Centaury.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 10:21 PM EDT
response: That’s it!! Thank you.On Jul 12, 2023, at 3:48 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Defoliation and death of Douglas firs

Question: Several of our very large Douglas fir trees have died or are dying. I see yellow frass on the bark, many tiny holes in the bark, and Wood Peckers have been attacking one tree in particular.
     I believe this is Douglas fir bark beetle damage. 
     We believe we may have some trees left that are uninfected, and I would like to use MCH to protect them. What do you recommend?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 4:27 PM EDT
response: I am wondering if anyone has had a chance to look at this question yet?

responder: Lauren Grand (she/her), Assistant Professor (practice) | Extension Forester   Replied July 18, 2023, 11:59 AM EDT
response: The yellow in these photos is pitch streaming. It should be sticky to the touch. It is a self-defense mechanism by the tree to flush out foreign bodies, like insects. It could be insects if it is spread out around the tree trunk, or a mechanical damage or disease if concentrated in one spot. The woodpeckers also suggest insects.   This doesn't mean there wasn't frass (orange sawdust) just that it may have blown away by now. The pitch indicates that the tree still has water resources, but the frass indicates total colonization by the insects (no more water left to push the insects out).   The thinning crown does indicate the tree has been under stress for quite some time. This is understandable considering the cumulative drought over the last 5-10 years. it is likely that you are right and there is an insect coming in to take advantage of your stressed trees. Unfortunately, I'm not able to tell exactly which insects as there are a few that attack Douglas-fir trees under stress. If it is Douglas-fir beetle, then MCH would be a viable choice to prevent colonization of your remaining trees. You would need one packet every 30 feet. The fact sheet linked above has more detailed directions. The packets are reasonably priced and can be a good preventative measure until the trees can recover. However, this would take quite some time and you would need to do it every year. These packets would also only work for Douglas-fir beetle. If it is a different insect, such as pole beetle or Douglas-fir engraver, etc. then the packets won't work. You can tell what insect it is by looking at the galleries' under the bark. If the bark is falling off one of the dead trees, send in a picture of the beetle galleries you see. That can help me identify it.   If these are yard trees, then you might consider doing a deep watering once a month in August and September if there are multiple weeks of temperatures over 90 degrees and there hasn't been any intermittent rain. This would help the trees' natural defense systems for pushing out the beetles.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2023, 2:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your thoughtful and lengthy reply! I will try to get a photo of the bark.Sincerely, BarbaraSent from my iPhone On Jul 18, 2023, at 8:59 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Transplanting raspberries

Question: Hi,
I'm considering transplanting some of my raspberries.  I'd like to move them to along side my garage.  This is a west-facing wall that will get warm to hot to the touch on sunny summer days.  Would this likely be a problem?  I can water them often if needed.  The area is between the trees in the attached photo.  The planting area would be about 4 feet wide by 16 feet long.
Thanks for any help you can give.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied July 12, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon Jeff and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. I don’t think it would be any problem to move the raspberries to the west side.  My only thought would be to be sure they are in some decent soil.  Sometimes around a garage can possibly be gravel, etc.  you may have to water them more, but I see no reason it shouldn’t work. I like to use a root starter when transplanting things.  It seems to give them a little help getting established. Good luck and happy eating!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 12:35 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the response.   Would it be OK to transplant in the fall or better to wait until spring?Also, we are having some landscaping done with wood chips.  I'd probably put in some good soil.  Would it be OK to then top with wood chips?  Thanks again for your help.On Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 12:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied July 17, 2023, 3:50 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon Jeff.  Yes you can transplant in the fall.  I would do it in late Sept and no later than about the 15th of October.  You want them to set down some roots before winter hits.   Keep them well watered until the ground freezes.  Yes you can use wood chips.  Try not to put them right on the raspberry canes, leave a little room.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 11:33 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the quick reply.  On Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 2:50 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Help identifying an heirloom tomato problem

Question: Hi - we have new raised vegetable beds this year and one of our tomato plants has leaves that are not looking healthy.  I’ll attach some photos.  The variety is Cherokee Purple from Wildcat Mountain Farm.  Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.  Robin

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2023, 1:10 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Robin.  The leaf curl is a disorder caused by inadequate (or uneven) watering, as well as soil nutrient deficiencies, described here:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/tomato-solanum-lycopersicum-physiological-leafroll   Consistent, deep watering can help solve this.   The irregular yellowing indicates a nitrogen deficiency.  I suggest that you get a soil test for pH and nutrient levels, and ask the lab for soil amendment recommendations.  This article has a list of labs:  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em8677/html This has more information about growing tomatoes successfully:  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12281/growingtomatoes0.pdf Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 5:59 PM EDT
response: Thank you!    Get Outlook for iOS    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 10:10:47 AM To: Robin Guariglia <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Help identifying an heirloom tomato problem (#0110191)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2023, 7:14 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
Haralson Apple Tree Question

Question: Hi-

We planted a dwarf Haralson apple tree spring of 2022. It seemed to do fine the first year, but last winter was tough on it. Part of the top broke off, bunnies chewed at it and it didn't do anything this year until I saw some leaves growing from the base of the trunk. Is the tree still alive? Should I cut it down further? Not sure what to do with it at this point. Thank you for your help.

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 13, 2023, 5:21 PM EDT
response: If the growth is above the graft union it is still alive. If the sprouts are from below the graft union it may not be. If the root stock is alive the stem should resprout. I am not positive from the picture but it looks like it is coming back. It is really important to protect it with hardware cloth, or other material a bunny can’t get through or leap over. Eventually it will need to be pruned back to one leader. https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/how-prune-and-train-young-apple-trees

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 9:52 PM EDT
response: Hi Evelyn,Thank you for this information. It sounds like it may still be alive. Will it resprout next year? Right now what you see in the picture seems dead, does it need to be cut back?I do have a white protector for it, I took it off for the picture.Thank you,AnnaOn Jul 13, 2023, at 4:21 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 14, 2023, 6:55 AM EDT
response: The tall trunk can be cut off below the rabbit damage on the trunk. You will want to protect the new growth at the base because the strongest will become the new main trunk. After the leaves fall off in the fall cut off all but the thickest and straightest to make a new main trunk.