MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Line of insect eggs?

Question: Hello! I am new to gardening. I have found lines of what looks like tiny white eggs on the main vein of some of my tomato leaves (see photos). I have only found them on a few leaves. So far I have not found any insects. A few leaves have some dried brown edges, but overall the plants are very healthy looking and are growing well with good fruit. Can you identify these? How do I take care of this? Thanks so much!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2023, 9:22 PM EDT
response: Hi there,   Is there anyway you can take a more clear photo? I am not able to zoom in well.  Let me know, thanks, send if you can, Mel

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 10:41 AM EDT
response: Hi Mel!Thanks so much for getting back to me. I have been removing any leaves I find that have these things on them, but this morning I did find a few random white things. They are not in a row as before, but I think they are the same. If these photos are not good, I have someone with a much better camera that can come and try and get better photos. All I have right now is my phone. Let me know if these will work for you. On Jul 25, 2023, at 7:22 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2023, 8:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Deborah,   I am so sorry but I will need better photos. I cannot tell if this is an insect related problem or if it the plant leaking fluids (plant exudates). A more crisp photo of the white "stuff" would be so helpful.   Thank you for your response and I look forward to following up with you with a diagnosis Mel

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 8:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you! I will send one as soon as I can spot a new outbreak. DebbieOn Jul 26, 2023, at 6:51 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2023, 4:32 PM EDT
response: Hi Debbie,  If you're located in Mesa County and can bring in a sample (if you see the issue again), we can take a look at it at our office and try to figure out what is going on. I'm glad to hear your tomatoes are looking good and producing!  If you see this issue again or if something changes with your plants, please bring in a sample to our office and/or contact our master gardener help desk. We are located within the Mesa County Fairgrounds and are open 8am-5pm. You can also reach out to master gardeners directly at <personal data hidden> or<personal data hidden>. Thank you. Mollie

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2023, 5:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much! As of now, there are no more issues showing up. Glad to know I can bring in a sample if needed.  DebbieOn Jul 31, 2023, at 2:32 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Advice on cucumber

Question: I started and transplanted Summer Dance cuccumbers this spring.
They produced several beautiful cukes, but then this "wilt" happened.
They seem to recover a little bit overnight, but I realize they are ""done".
What can I do organically/mechanically to prevent this from happening again?
Should I declare them a loss and remove all parts of the plants to the garbage?

I have some Suyo cucumbers in another part of the garden that don't seem impacted (yet).
Thanks for your suggestions.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 22, 2023, 11:27 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. Try the test in this article and write back. https://www.thespruce.com/cucumber-problems-bacterial-wilt-1402985

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2023, 2:51 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the prompt response.Here are photos of the stem cut off at ground level.  I did NOT see any gooey discharge - even when I squeezed the stem. Next photo shows the stem cross section a bit higher.Next photo shows a side branch that has collapsed and deadened - yet there seems to be growth even above the "collapse".The only leaves I found with eggs on the bottom side is in the next photo.In any case I have removed the three plants.I will try row cover next year, but it snags so easily on my cages.  (Ill have to work on that challenge.)Thanks for your help! On Sat, Jul 22, 2023 at 10:27 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 22, 2023, 4:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the much better pictures.   Aphids are sucking the sap out of the plants.  https://extension.usu.edu/vegetableguide/cucumber-melon-pumpkin-squash/aphids The bad news is that these may be too far gone.  The good news is that you can plant on this site again.
Identification

Question: Can you please help me identify this plant. 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 July 24, 2023, 3:42 PM EDT
response: Hi,  American Burnweed - https://extension.umd.edu/resource/american-burnweed . It is a native plant but also can self seed easily and overrun garden beds. Not usually something that is desirable in a planned garden area.  Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 4:09 PM EDT
response: 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 July 25, 2023, 11:33 AM EDT
response: you're welcome
What's on my fescue grass?

Question: I've never seen these white puffs on my no mow fescue grass. We regularly have the grass fertilized and treated for weeds. It's everywhere in the grass.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 22, 2023, 2:11 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the question.  I think I know what these "puffs" are.  But first a question to you.  What kind of trees do you have growing in your yard?  Do see anything white on them. Looking forward to your response.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2023, 3:00 PM EDT
response: Pretty much everything, we live in Minnetonka, so the natural trees are oaks, basswood, Aspen, and ash. The planted trees are redbud, magnolia, pine, spruce. The magnolia currently has scale, which I'm treating, but it's not directly near the fescue. On Sat, Jul 22, 2023, 1:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 22, 2023, 3:28 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your question. I believe that you are having woolly aphids (Paraprociphilus tessellatus) falling down to visit you.  It has nothing to do with the magnolia scale. These aphids are called “woolly” because they secrete a white, waxy substance that covers their bodies, giving them a fuzzy or wool-like appearance. In Minnesota, woolly aphids are a common pest.  They will not harm your yard. They are probably falling down from one or more of your trees.  These aphids are very harmless and there is not much you can or should do about them.  They will be gone in a few weeks.  Just run your mower over them.   See the following for further information including control measures. http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/woolly_and_gall-making_aphids_Eriosomatinae.html - :~:text=Overview,-Photo by Greg&text=Eriosomatinae is the subfamily of,Eriosomatinae are plant parasitic aphids. https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/there-are-white-fuzzy-objects-branches-my-maple-tree-are-they-harming-tree - :~:text=The white, fuzzy objects on,are produced in the colonies. https://blogs.k-state.edu/kansasbugs/2020/06/19/woolly-aphids-on-maple-trees/ Interesting critters. Thanks for asking us.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2023, 3:46 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the info! On Sat, Jul 22, 2023, 2:30 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 22, 2023, 3:51 PM EDT
response: Glad to have been of assistance.  Thanks for using our forum.
Patchy lawn

Question: This year we talked our townhome HOA into organic lawn care. We even spent a couple days early this spring spreading compost on our lawns. It looked fabulous for a couple months…  But now it seems to be dying in patches! Help! We really want organic lawn care, but no one will want to continue if our lawns look bad! Any ideas what’s happening? I’m guessing it’s a fungus or something like that, as it is really defined parches…It also looks like the lawn mowers might be spreading it as we’re also developing dead streaks that follow the path of the lawn mower wheels.
Thank you for your advice!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 24, 2023, 1:33 PM EDT
response: Hi, we use Organo Lawn in Boulder and our lawn is great. Do you have the watering correctly distributed? Most lawn browning is due to watering issues. Mowing too short can cause problems too. I am attaching a lawn care fact sheet. I know when we started with our organic lawn program we were told we were mowing too short and did not have the proper watering schedule set.  It will also depend on the variety of grass that you have planted in the yard.  Please review the lawn care instructions and try out some of those techniques.   Please reach out if things get worse.    Thanks Patty  CU Extension Office  Master Gardner

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 1:59 PM EDT
response: Hi Patty,Thanks for the lawn information sheet.  I'll see if there's anything we haven't thought of. I have a neighbor who says he thinks the lawn service used too high nitrogen on the grass (he said 28?).  He thinks it gave us a really nice green lawn early, but that when the heat hit, the tender growth burned up.  So disappointing after my husband spent 3 days spreading compost on the lawn this spring!  We'd love to switch to Organo Lawn, but our HOA won't spring for the cost.  We have to make do and figure out what we can on our own and with a low-bidder lawn service...Thanks!Kristen  On Monday, July 24, 2023 at 11:33:43 AM MDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 24, 2023, 2:10 PM EDT
response: I would think if it was too much nitrogen it would be more consistent throughout the lawn. With all that composting, maybe it just needs to be aerated? Check out the organo lawn watering suggestions:    https://organolawn.com/lawn-care-tips/watering/
Rose of Sharon issue

Question: Hello!  I am a Garden Designer who recently came across a Rose of Sharon in a customer's courtyard that has leaf curling and bud disfigurement as well as many brown buds. 
So, far there have only been a few successful white blooms.  Upon further examination we found an "army worm" looking caterpillar inside the bud and one in a flower. The ground under the plant seems fairly moist and she said she's been giving it extra water on top of the regular irrigation. This is normally a drop dead gorgeous Hibiscus that has flowers as big as a hand.  I do not know the specific variety.  I personally think there are 2 issues going on but we would like some additional input and remedy if there is one.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 24, 2023, 11:56 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Rachel.  OSU has no information on this species, but Illinois Extension lists these issues:  https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/PlantDetail.cfm?PlantID=400&PlantTypeID=8 Of the two insect pests, the Japanese beetle chews during its larval stage, but we would need a photo to confirm.   I suspect that the leaf issues are water and/or soil related.  I would suggest that the soil be tested for pH and nutrients (https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em8677), and that your client get a soil water probe to prevent over-watering. I hope this is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 2:24 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your help.   Rachel Joy Garden Creations by Rachel LLC <personal data hidden> gardencreations.net      From: Ask Extension Sent: Monday, July 24, 2023 8:56 AM To: Rachel Joy Subject: Re: Rose of Sharon issue (#0111881)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 24, 2023, 2:52 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
Peach Tree Pruning

Question: We planted a peach tree this spring. When it came, it had branches, but none of those original branches have sprouted leaves (including the center stem). However, it has sprouted about 10 new branches from the trunk that do have leaves. Is it okay to prune the old branches and some of the new ones at this time of year?  And should we try to prune the center stem to try to establish an open center pruning pattern?  The tree is about 9-10 feet tall.

Thank you for your help!

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 23, 2023, 6:53 AM EDT
response: Dead branches can be pruned off anytime. Wait until the tree is dormant to do any shaping. Also the weather is much to hot now to do any pruning of live branches. An open form is best and see the link for directions.  https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/how-to-grow/fruit-trees/peach-trees/pruning Your tree looks very good! It is recommended to mulch under a tree out to the drip line. Grass is a big competitor for water. Obviously, you are watering correctly and not giving it too little or too much.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2023, 9:58 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your reply! That is very helpful!Malka On Sun, Jul 23, 2023, 5:53 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 23, 2023, 6:45 PM EDT
response: You are welcome, thanks!
Oak leaf hydrangea fungus?

Question: Hello,
Wondering what might be going on with these oak leaf hydrangeas- please see the large brown spots on the leaves. It’s not the type of fungus I have seen on past oak leaf hydrangea plants or in pictures of usual funguses to which they are susceptible. These were planted two years ago on a west-facing side of the house with lots of “woodland” tree cover and have not yet flowered. We recently removed some of the overhead tree branches we thought were keeping them too shaded, and now I am wondering if this is burn from too much sun or a different fungus? What should we do to rescue and enable them to flower?

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 24, 2023, 2:43 PM EDT
response: We agree that scorch ("sunburn," essentially) is responsible for these symptoms as they do not match any disease common to hydrangeas. The recent reduction in shade that you mention was probably the trigger, though once the plants acclimate (like they will next spring upon leaf-out), they can handle a fairly sunny exposure just fine. If your shrubs were not receiving much direct sun in recent years due to that shade, the increase in light from  now onwards should help them flower, since overly-shaded hydrangea don't bloom well even though they grow just fine. Since oakleaf hydrangea shrubs bloom on old wood (growth produced the prior year), make sure they are not trimmed between late summer and next year's flowering season so buds for next year's blooms are not accidentally removed.  Since this is not a disease or pest issue, no treatment is recommended, and otherwise the foliage appears to be in great shape. You can continue to monitor them for watering needs but otherwise no intervention should be needed.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 3:40 PM EDT
response: Wonderful. Thanks 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 July 24, 2023, 4:21 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Green ash or buckthorn?

Question: Hi there,

Can you please help me identify whether these seedlings are critically endangered green ash tree or buckthorn? We recently had to take down a green ash tree that wasn't doing too well and I was super sad about having to do that. The green ash tree wasn't very far from where I found these seedlings—maybe about 50-75 feet away. But, I know that, in our city, buckthorn is pretty prominent, and looks pretty similar to green ash when young, so wanted to get some input from a master gardener. 

If, in fact, these are two green ash tree seedlings, would the U of M have any interest in adopting them to properly care for them and ensure that the emerald ash borer doesn't kill them, like it has to so many other ash trees in our country?

Thank you in advance for your help!

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 21, 2023, 3:04 PM EDT
response: They appear to be Green Ash. See web sites below. Try contacting the Hennepin County Extension Master Gardeners to see if anyone wants to take the trees. https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/common-buckthorn https://trees.umn.edu/green-ash-fraxinus-pennsylvanica https://hennepinmastergardeners.org/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 3:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you so very much!Warmly, Stephanie HansonSent from my iPhoneOn Jul 21, 2023, at 2:04 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Does this entire tree have to come down?

Question: HI, and thanks for any input you can provide. 
This has 2 trunks coming out of one root, and in the area where they part is a small pile of wood dust. 
The left side has only one section of leaves towards the top. 
The right side is thicker, has many large arms, each with lots of leafy branches.
On the right side about 10 feet up is a sort of a knot/indentation about 9" in diameter and a few inches deep.
The left side would not be missed, but the right full and very leafy.
I have CR trees coming out on the 28th to take them down.
Are there other good alternatives?
Thanks.
Bob Kraver<personal data hidden>

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 4:18 PM EDT
response: Some more pictures, if I got them attached.

responder: Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP  Replied July 23, 2023, 9:54 AM EDT
response: It is very hard for me to assess this tree from the photos. From your description, it sounds like the left side should be pruned out and you might be able to keep the right side if the tree is providing benefit in your landscape. I would listen to the arborist, though and if he/she recommends taking the whole tree down, it might be necessary if it is a safety hazard.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2023, 2:24 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your quick response.  It does confirm our thoughts. There would be significant damage if either side came down.  I think we will err on the side of safety. On July 23, 2023, at 9:54 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
How can we get rid of pests on Elm before they kill our Elm tree?

Question: How can we get rid of pests on Elm before theY kill our Elm tree?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 10:21 PM EDT
response: What is the pest and how can we save our tree?  See photo of bug and tree.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied July 22, 2023, 11:17 AM EDT
response: The photo did not show the true colors. It made the insects appear black with white spots.  We believe your pest are the infamous Japanese Beetles.  They should soon be leaving.  Your tree will survive.  There isn't anything you can do to prevent them except try to catch the early ones and drop them in a bucket of soapy water.  Do not crush them as that just signals more to come.  There are some chemical alternatives that can be used on the beetles and/or the grubs.  Our article on these products are very thorough: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/japanese-beetles
What tree is this?

Question: I took this picture on my phone and had to magnify it 3x to try to capture the leaves, berries, and trunk.  Cat birds and cardinals seem to especially like it.

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 21, 2023, 1:21 PM EDT
response: It is difficult to see any clear detail in your photo but  we think the tree appears to be some type of native wild cherry (Prunus).   There are several species that grow here and birds love them.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 1:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you! That makes sense.   Pat

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 21, 2023, 3:03 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Unknown plant life.

Question: Can you identify this plant/tree/weed? The purple ones. It’s growing right in the middle of a couple rows of Norway pines. Probably acidic soil.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied July 21, 2023, 11:38 AM EDT
response: Good morning Nicholas and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. According to my identifier, that is a chokecherry.  I’m not sure if this is correct, but it does look like a member of the prunus family.  It looks like it is spreading pretty quickly.  I would suggest trying to dig it out and get the roots because that is how it will spread.I can’t find that it is an invasive species, but it looks as if it is spreading.  It’s very pretty, but I think if you didn’t plant it, get rid of it.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 11:50 AM EDT
response: Sounds good thanks for your help!     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 10:38 AM To: Nicholas C. Usselman <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Unknown plant life. (#0111746)     You don't often get email from <personal data hidden>. Learn why this is important       CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Wright County. Do not click links or open attachments unless you verify with the sender and know the content is safe.