MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Diseased maple tree

Question: Please see the attached photos. This is a tree on the side of my house in Littleton, CO. I believe it is some type of maple tree (?). I moved to CO 9/2023  and am new to this house and yard. Something is attacking my poor tree. I’m hoping you can tell me if it’s some form of disease or a pest and what I can do to help the tree recover; if possible.  Thank you for your advice and help,       Veronica Foley Wordle 1,134 4/6

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 9:08 AM EDT
response: Good morning! Thank you for reaching out! I have a few followup questions - when did you first notice this? Has anything been sprayed in the area? Can you send a few more photos - a close up of the spots and a picture of the entire tree?Thanks so much!Rachel

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 2:11 PM EDT
response: Hi Rachel, Thanks for responding so quickly. I’d say the poor tree has been like this since June (?). To my knowledge nothing has been sprayed on it. There are two different types of trees on either side of it that seem fine. Here’s the additional photos you requested.  Thanks for your help!  Veronica Foley Sent from my iPad On Jul 30, 2024, at 7:08 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2024, 4:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the close up! It looks like it could be a fungal infection - the round spots of dead tissue are common signs of a fungal issue. Would you be able to bring in a couple of leaves to our office so we can test if they are a fungus? I am thinking it could be Maple Tar Spot - which is a fungus that really is just cosmetic on the plant. But I want to confirm!  If you would be able to bring in some leaves that would be amazing - Ideally a bunch of different leaves where the spots look a different age. If it is Maple Tar Spot there should be some leaves with darker black spots on them and we would love to see them. Our office is located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds (15200 W 6th Ave Suite C, Golden, CO 80401) and we are open from Tuesday to Friday from 8-4pm. I would suggest bringing in a sample this Friday morning or next Tuesday.  Thanks so much! Rachel

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 4:39 PM EDT
response: I’d be happy to bring in some leaf samples on Friday morning! I have not seen black spots but I’ll take a closer look. Do I need an appointment? Thanks so much for your expert help. I really appreciate it; such a great community service!         Veronica FoleySent from my iPad On Jul 31, 2024, at 2:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 01, 2024, 10:29 AM EDT
response: No appointment needed! It is a 20$ fee to drop off a sample. Thanks so much! Rachel

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 23, 2024, 10:28 AM EDT
response: Good morning Rachel,I’m just checking on the status of my maple leaf samples I dropped off at your office on 8/2/24. It was sample # 240057. Haven’t received any results yet. Thanks,                   Veronica Sent from my iPad On Aug 1, 2024, at 8:29 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Tomatoes

Question: Hello,
I am trying to grow tomatoes.  I have a lot of growth but the tomatoes are soft and brown at the bottom of each.  Is it calcium deficiency and if so what do I do?  I appreciate your advice and expertise.  Thank you.
Best,
Pattie

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 5:08 PM EDT
response: hi Pattie, I'm sorry to hear about your tomatoes!   From what I can see, that is indeed blossom-end rot.  Though it is caused by a local (at the level of individual cells) calcium deficiency, adding calcium to the soil is not the solution.  Rather, making sure the tomatoes are evenly watered should allow new fruits to develop normally.  Water deficiency makes it impossible for the plant to move calcium to the rapidly expanding fruits, resulting in the brown spots.  Tomatoes growing in containers are especially vulnerable.  Make sure they are getting thoroughly watered at least once a day--in extreme heat, it might need to be more often.  You could also consider a light shade cloth to help them stay a bit cooler. I hope this helps! Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 5:50 PM EDT
response: Hi John,   I have been watering the plant religiously every day.  Should I water twice a day?  They are in a container, as we have wildlife around where we live.  They face East.  Is it too much sun.  Appreciate your advice.   Best,   Pattie Sent from my iPhone  On Jul 29, 2024, at 3:08 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 6:10 PM EDT
response: You could consider it in a couple of ways.  In (likely) order of ease of implementing:   The first is yes, "too much sun"--shading or moving the plants could help.  The second is "too small container"--potting the plant up into something larger could help.  The third is "not enough water"--you could add a saucer to the bottom to provide water for longer through the day to the growing medium, or water twice a day.   I hope this helps! John

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 6:18 PM EDT
response: It does John.  I’m so sad because this is my first attempt to grow tomatoes and it’s an abysmal failure. Thank you for your expertise!!   Best,   Pattie  Sent from my iPhone  On Jul 29, 2024, at 4:10 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 6:20 PM EDT
response: Don't give up yet!  You still have plenty of growing season to get some nice tomatoes, and even those affected by blossom end rot are edible and tasty.  Just remove the brown portion and proceed as normal.  I use them in sauce! Good luck! John

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 8:32 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much John.  I will do as you say.  Looks like we will have lots of sauce this year!! Have a nice evening!!   Best,   Pattie Sent from my iPhone  On Jul 29, 2024, at 4:20 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿
Privot issue

Question: Private looks like it is dying but all around it they look healthy started watering more because they don't get a lot of direct water quit pruning to reduce stress on the. South side lots of afternoon sun.

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied August 03, 2024, 2:11 PM EDT
response: Upping the water sounds like it is warranted given how relentlessly hot and dry our weather has been since mid-June.  You titled your email 'privet' but with those green stems, the plant looks to me like euonymus. When I magnify your photos, the leaves  appear to be covered with insects and they look like Euonymus scale. If I'm correct, I can tell you that euonymus scale can be difficult to control. Here is a link to a fact sheet from Wisconsin Extension that has some photos and management recommendation.  https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/euonymus-scale/

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 4:27 PM EDT
response: No I bought and planted they are Cheyenne Privots. Here is a tag still attached.  On Sat, Aug 3, 2024, 12:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 4:42 PM EDT
response: Here are some maybe better photos on the Cheyenne Privot.  On Sat, Aug 3, 2024, 2:18 PM William O'Brien <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  No I bought and planted they are Cheyenne Privots. Here is a tag still attached.  On Sat, Aug 3, 2024, 12:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied August 04, 2024, 11:58 AM EDT
response: Thank you for those; they are helpful. I recommend you bring a sample into the Denver Extension office at 888 E. Iliff Ave. and let the horticulturists take a look. Call first before you go down to make sure they are available:<personal data hidden>.  In any event, you definitely need to investigate the roots of that plant because, as you point out, the others are doing fine. It suggests to me that for some reason, the irrigation to that one plant is not the same as it is to the others. It could be a head out of kilter, a plugged emitter, a blocked nozzle - it's hard to know but I would put money on the fact that water is at the heart of the dieback and the mites or thrips (if that's what they are) are secondary.
Rabbit damage?

Question: I planted this crabapple tree a year ago when rabbits destroyed the last one. To prevent that from happening again, I put a collar (a plastic tube cut in half) around the trunk during the winter. I read that you should take it off for the summer, so I removed it. Now I am wondering if they are at it again. To be safe, I put the collar around again. A few questions: Does that look like rabbit damage? Could the smaller scar be from the trunk getting wider? Will the tree be ok? The tree isn't stripped all around the trunk like last time. Will the tree suffer from that much bark coming off? Does it heal in that area, and can I help with that? And finally, should I just keep the collar on the tree all year to be safe, and does the color of the tube matter?

responder: MJ Replied July 27, 2024, 10:37 AM EDT
response: Hi, Are both photos from this year, and are there two wounds (the wide one and the thin crack) or one? I’m unclear if the second photo shows the healed damage in the first photo. Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2024, 2:27 PM EDT
response: Two wounds from photos I took today  On Sat, Jul 27, 2024, 9:37 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied July 28, 2024, 6:27 PM EDT
response: Hi, I'm not sure of the cause; it looks almost like something collided with the tree. The photo with the big wound appears to show nicks on the tissue beneath the bark, and that could be from wildlife. If the narrow crack is on the south/southwest side of the tree, that could be sunscald. Leaving the tube on in summer is a bad idea, it can "cook" bark and lead to rot. Because the tree is not girdled, it may recover. The tree will close these wounds itself, you shouldn't paint it or seal it.  In summer and fall you should protect the trunk with a ring of hardware cloth (like chicken wire with small quarter-inch gaps in the wire; the holes are small enough that no rodents can get to the tree). When it gets cold, use the tube again to protect the tree over the winter. A white tube is fine. Remove once it's warm enough that grass starts growing.  I'm assuming the branches of the tree look healthy. If not, this page will help you figure out what's going on with the tree: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/crabapple/ I hope this helps. Good luck.
Growing cantaloupe

Question: Hello, I am growing a cantaloupe vine in a large container with a trellis. The variety is called Minnesota midget. I have about six cantaloupes that range between 4 to 5 inches in length at this time they all look healthy. There are some new babies coming on that are yellow I’m wondering if I should snip those off or if they will develop into normal fruits? There is also one fruit about 3 inches wide that has a shriveled appearance. Should I remove that? Thanks so much for your help. The photos below include one healthy Large fruit, the other two pictures are of the yellow baby and the shriveled growing one.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 28, 2024, 9:06 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Carol,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Yes, you can pick the shriveled and unshapen fruit off the vine. They are fruit that was not pollinated, so they shrivel up.  Here is a link about container gardening from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website:  https://extension.umn.edu/managing-soil-and-nutrients/fertilizing-and-watering-container-plants It is important to water your containers as your fruit expands! Here is another link about growing melons: https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-melons-home-garden Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2024, 10:19 AM EDT
response: Thank you!   On Sun, Jul 28, 2024 at 8:06 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 29, 2024, 7:54 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Lawn weed identification

Question: Trying to identify this annoying weed in my lawn.   Have been spot spraying with Trimec mixed up in a 4 gallon sprayer.  Pretty sure I got the mixture connect. Trimec is not doing much.

responder: John Emerson Jr.University of DelawareTurfgrass Nutrient Management Extension AgentEmail: jremer@udel.edu Replied August 04, 2024, 9:53 PM EDT
response: Hello This looks to be lespedeza. A 3-way herbicide that includes any combination of 24-D, dicamba, MCPP, triclopyr, or clopyralid will  control it.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 13, 2024, 9:04 AM EDT
response: Hi - hoping you can identify this weed.  It kind of looks like crabgrass but does not spread out like crabgrass.  It seems to grow faster than the surrounding grass.  I know there is Goosegrass and Dallas grass.  On Sun, Aug 4, 2024, 9:53 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: John Emerson Jr.University of DelawareTurfgrass Nutrient Management Extension AgentEmail: jremer@udel.edu Replied August 15, 2024, 10:07 AM EDT
response: Hi, This is dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum). It is a perennial warm-season grass. Glyphosate is about the only chemical control option for this weed. Spot treat with glyphosate and re-seed is your best plan of attack.  .
What!s this glower

Question: Hi
My friend sent this pic. Any idea of what this is?  She lives in NYC. I’m here in VT.

responder: Chase Novello, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied July 29, 2024, 5:02 PM EDT
response: Hi Ann, Thanks for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline. It's a bit tricky to tell without a photo of the leaves and full plant, but this appears to be some variety of canna lily. To learn more about canna lilies, check out these resources: - https://extension.umn.edu/flowers/calla-and-canna-lilies (bottom half of the page) - https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/Cannas-for-Home-Landscapes-PDF Canna lilies do best in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Many canna lilies are about 3-5 ft tall, and they typically have large, glossy leaves. Happy gardening to you and your friend! Best,

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 5:20 PM EDT
response: Thank you!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 29, 2024, at 5:02 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Happy Gardening!  Replied July 30, 2024, 10:24 AM EDT
response: Thank you for contacting the Helpline!
Wild mint or pennyroyal?

Question: Hello, this is so great that I can ask a professional about a local plant. Thanks in advance! My daughter and I was wondering if this is wild mint and edible or if it is a toxic look a like. Thank you!

responder: Chris Rusch Replied July 26, 2024, 11:21 PM EDT
response: Yes. It is pennyroyal. Mentha pulegium, commonly (European) pennyroyal, or pennyrile, also called mosquito plant and pudding grass, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Crushed pennyroyal leaves emit a very strong fragrance similar to spearmint. Pennyroyal is an extremely toxic herb that has caused multiorgan failure and death in several people. Pennyroyal is a flowering plant that was used in folk medicine to induce abortion, alleviate menstrual symptoms, and to treat inflammatory conditions and minor ailments.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2024, 12:17 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the information!   On Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 8:21 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Chris Rusch Replied July 28, 2024, 10:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you for contacting ask an expert
White Pine Weevil - Leader Branch Cut

Question: Hi, I had to cut the leader off of a Pine Tree in my yard to knock out White Pine Weevil.  I ﻿was looking for help in confirming that I ﻿cut off enough of the Leader?  Want to determine if I ﻿need to cut more.  Can you tell by looking at the pics of the leader (the inner branch surface?  Please see attached pics.
The tree is a Norway Spruce, and it stand about 25 ft tall.  I have more pics if needed.  
Thanks!
Mike

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 30, 2024, 10:58 AM EDT
response: Hi Michael,  It looks like you did cut off enough of the leader to eliminate the white pine weevil. Best practice at this point is to keep a close eye on the top of what is left behind to be sure no more exit holes appear.   As time passes, one or more of the side branches will begin to take over as the leader. You can trim back competitors to choose the best new leader - it will be apparent when it's time to take that step.   If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.   Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 3:27 PM EDT
response: Hi Julie, Thanks a lot for the follow up, good information.  I will keep an eye on it.  Tough to get up there at 25 ft to watch for exit holes, but good to know and will monitor it best I can.  I will also plan to spray as well...do you think I should do that this Fall, or wait and try to time it correctly in the Spring next year?  Thanks again! Mike   On Tue, Jul 30, 2024 at 10:58 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 30, 2024, 3:34 PM EDT
response: Hello, again!  Yes, monitoring at 25 feet could be tough. It certainly looks like you cut it off low enough to prevent issue next year.   The article at the link below mentions use of a systemic insecticide in early spring for full coverage against the weevil.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/control_white_pine_weevil_in_early_spring That might be easier than trying to spray the weevils as they emerge in the spring. And imidacloprid, the recommended pesticide, provides coverage that lasts a couple of years.   Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 3:45 PM EDT
response: Awesome, that's great to know...thanks very much for the guidance!  Appreciate all the help.  I will reach out if needed, but sounds like I have a plan :)  Thanks Julie! Mike   On Tue, Jul 30, 2024 at 3:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Magnolia tree trunk and branch

Question: Wondering if this is something that can be treated or at least identifed

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 26, 2024, 3:25 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. That is classic magnolia scale.  It is killing magnolias all over MN.  https://northerngardener.org/magnolia-scale/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 8:31 PM EDT
response: (empty)
English Walnut leaf drop

Question: We have two English Walnut trees that are experiencing a large amount of leaf drop. The leaves show signs of some sort of disease or insect problem. See pictures. Can you tell what the issue is? Thanks

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 30, 2024, 10:52 AM EDT
response: Hello, This looks like an anthracnose infection of the leaves, which is common in walnut.  https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/why-are-my-walnut-trees-dropping-their-leaves/  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev2_043706.pdf  Because the disease generally affects only the leaves, no treatment is recommended. Picking up and disposing of fallen leaves off-site (like the garbage) and maintaining air flow in and around the trees is recommended. Because the infection is fungal in nature, most cultural recommendations involve creating conditions where leaves can dry quickly after a rain or morning dew event.   If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.   Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 1:09 PM EDT
response: Thanks!  On Tue, Jul 30, 2024, 10:52 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Bug id

Question: This beauty was on my cucumber.  Hoping it is beneficial.

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 26, 2024, 1:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question and the terrific photo. This is a type of leaf-footed bug. Leaf-footed bugs are related to stink bugs and give off unpleasant smells when handled, but they are not dangerous in any way to humans or pets. They can, however, damage certain fruits and vegetables in a home garden, such as squash and tomatoes. If you are finding several around your cucumbers or other vegetable plants, then you may want to remove them as you see them. You can do this by picking them off affected plants and dropping them into a container of soapy water.   Here are two links with more information about leaf-footed bugs in the garden, including more details on their feeding habits.  https://bugoftheweek.com/blog/2019/11/4/leaffooted-lovers-leptoglossus-spp  https://durhammastergardeners.com/2015/06/25/whats-that-bug-leaf-footed-bugs-in-the-garden/  Thanks for keeping an eye on the insects around your garden and especially for considering which ones might be beneficial!  Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 6:35 PM EDT
response: What a great common name, but bummer that this beauty wants to mess with my meager garden.  Thanks.  On Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 1:39 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Sick Hydragea

Question: Sick Hydragea

Problem occurs mid- summer annually.
New growth not affected as much as the older leaves.

No visual pests seen.
Any recommendations. 

Plant is about 25-30 years old

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 2:32 PM EDT
response: There are at least a couple of common things that can cause the symptom that is shown in your photos. There are insects that feed at night, that chew holes in that pattern on our plants in the landscape. There could also be a disease affecting them. A common called disease called Cercospora caused leaf spots that can become brown and dry with age. When the leaf spots coalesce and the dry sections fall away, it can create the pattern that is shown in your photos. Cercospora is favored by moisture, especially droplets of moisture on the foliage. Try to avoid wetting the foliage of the plants while watering. Fungicides can be used to lessen the severity of the disease, but they must be used before symptoms begin. Cercospora cannot be cured by the use of fungicides. This year, it might help to remove the most affected leaves and burn them or send them to the landfill.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 5:20 PM EDT
response: What can be done about night feeding insects? Most of my hosts every year, and this year, all of my elephant ears have holes in them as well. Very disheartening. Can seeing garden dust help?  On Mon, Jul 29, 2024, 2:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 8:09 AM EDT
response: To manage night-feeding insects, it is really important to identify them first, so that an effective approach can be taken. This article from MSU Extension might help: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-bug-chewed-on-my-plants-last-night If the insects attacking your plants are beetles (order Coleoptera), then an insecticide containing the active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. galleriae, is an option that will pose less of a threat to pollinators and other beneficial insects. If you choose to use any insecticide, read the product label carefully to ensure that you are applying it in compliance with the label directions. Many insecticides labelled for use on ornamental plants are toxic to bees and other pollinators and they should not be used on blooming plants.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 10:52 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the info.   On Tue, Jul 30, 2024, 8:09 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: