MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Butterfly bush leaf damage

Question: I would like to know what is eating the leaves of my young butterfly bush.  To me, they look like japanese beetle damage but we have not seen any yet this year in our yard or in our neighborhood. I check the leaves in the morning and late afternoon and I don't see evidence of any insect at all.  I don't see this kind of damage to my other plants.

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied June 25, 2024, 2:28 PM EDT
response: Japanese beetles have just shown up in my yard this week.  This is definitely insect damage, possibly caterpillar of some sort.  Without a picture, its hard to identify the culprit.  Caterpillars are sometimes very well camouflaged and easy to miss.      There is no permanent damage, just unsightly.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 2:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you for getting back to me on this.  I apologize – I thought I was sending a photo.  New computer and new email at the same time is not a good idea.   If it is a caterpillar do you have a suggestion for a safe way to spray or dust the plant to deter them?   Christine      From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 12:29 PM To: Christine Scanlan <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Butterfly bush leaf damage (#0144149)

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied June 27, 2024, 3:55 PM EDT
response: Japanese beetles are starting to emerge now, but based on your description, you probably would have seen them at the times of day you were looking. Another common insect are earwigs. They are flat, red-brown insects that are about 5/8 inch long. They are notable for their cerci -- long pincer-like structures at the tail end of their body.  Earwigs are usually found under objects or in natural settings, under bark. They are nocturnal scavengers but will attack some plant species by chewing irregularly shaped holes in the petals and leaves.   Without being able to confirm what insect, it is difficult to suggest an appropriate treatment/deterent.  But here is a good general guideline: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/insect-control-soaps-and-detergents-5-547 and https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/european-earwigs-5-533/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2024, 1:54 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much – I really appreciate your help!  Of all the insects out there those earwigs really get to me. ugh   Christine      From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2024 1:55 PM To: Christine Scanlan <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Butterfly bush leaf damage (#0144149)
Plant or weed identification

Question: Please help ID the picture. Should I pull it or keep? Is it invasive?

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 23, 2024, 8:14 PM EDT
response: That is liatris or Blazing Star.  It is not considered invasive  https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LISP

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2024, 8:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  So it's OK to keep in the yard or garden?  Katie       Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone   -------- Original message -------- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>  Date: 6/23/24 7:14 PM (GMT-06:00)  To: Katie Simon <<personal data hidden>>  Subject: Re: Plant or weed identification (#0144142)

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 23, 2024, 9:06 PM EDT
response: Yes, it is just fine.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2024, 10:51 PM EDT
response: Thank you Barb.   Katie    Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone   -------- Original message -------- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>  Date: 6/23/24 8:06 PM (GMT-06:00)  To: Katie Simon <<personal data hidden>>  Subject: Re: Plant or weed identification (#0144142)
respberry bushes

Question: My raspberry bushes fail to produce berries year after year.  Lots of flowers but only one small nub of fruit on an occasional plant.  The plants have plenty of water and sunlight

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2024, 10:41 AM EDT
response: Older raspberry plantings can sometimes experience a drop in productivity due to a variety of reasons. It would help to understand more about these raspberries and your management practices. How long have they been in the ground at this site? How and when do you perform annual pruning? When do you fertilize them and what is the analysis (N-P-K) for the fertilizer?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2024, 10:52 AM EDT
response: I appreciate the response.   Brace yourself, your answer may be to simply send me the paper on how to grow raspberries.   I had no idea that they needed to be managed I took some from Saline MI and planted them in Cass City MI in 2001.  No pruning, no fertilizer, no sail tests, no thinning.  they are in full sun, loam soil, not in rows and take up an area 20-30' Thanks for your help. They are just for enjoyment - not commercial.  Thank you

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2024, 2:18 PM EDT
response: Ok, no problem. I have attached a book that you might find helpful. We also have an online class called backyard fruit 101 that has a section about brambles. You can register for that class here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/backyard-fruit-101 If you enjoy the no (or low) management approach, one simple thing to do this winter, would be to just go through with sturdy clothes and leather gloves, and prune out all of the old dead canes from the patch. Any cane that is older than 1 year can be removed. You should be able to identify the 1 year old canes by their color in the winter. The attached book will have illustrations and photos that will help too.
Should I replace perennial rye by overseeding tall fescue?

Question: I purchased a home 3 years ago with a small rye grass lawn that is increasingly being covered by a growing river birch tree. As a result, for roughly 2/3's of the day, the majority of the lawn is in the shade. The yard is also regularly used by neighborhood children for soccer. Regular attempts to overseed and core aerate in the spring and fall seem to help but the rye grass has persistently getting thinner and patchier except for the corner that continues to received full sunlight (even though it's dead center of the soccer "field"). 

Reading that your department generally recommends tall fescue, and given that it seems to have both high foot traffic and shade tolerance, I started overseeding tall fescue into the lawn this spring and I'm planning on continuing doing this twice a year for a few years. That said, I've also read that rye grass is allelopathic and that overseeding tall fescue into it could make the lawn vulnerable to disease. Do you have any thoughts on how to reconcile these pieces of advice? Is overseeding tall fescue into thinning perennial rye a reasonable solution?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 12:44 PM EDT
response: Hi Alan, In researching our resources it appears that blending tall fescue and perennial rye could achieve a lawn that thrives in both sun and shade conditions.  Attached are some articles from the UMD Extension that provide good details about grass seed blends and growing in shade conditions you may find helpful. The pdf link provides specific seed cultivars and blends recommended for specific conditions and maintenance requirements that should help narrow down seed choice for your lawn. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-grass-shade/ https://extension.umd.edu/resource/grass-seed/ https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/2023-08/TT%2077%202023%20.pdf Thank you for your question, Cyndy

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 2:08 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the response, though I am a bit confused. When I expressed concerns about mixing perennial ryegrass with tall fescue, I was referring to page 7 of the last link you shared that says "Perennial ryegrass should generally not be mixed with turf-type tall fescue due to increased disease problems.". Is this advice still valid? If so, it seems to say that mixing perennial ryegrass and tall fescue should not be done.  On Tue, Jun 25, 2024 at 12:44 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2024, 11:04 PM EDT
response: Thanks for sending in your lawn questions, and following up! These are great questions, will research & get back. Kate
Mature catalpa tree.   . No blooms. That has bloomed for 20 years  at least put on buds Mature but they all fell of in my yard with out blooming. I live in Denver. What happened?

Question: I live in Denver. My Kopit tree which is about 40 years old has been blooming every year that I’ve had it. That’s about 20 this year. It put on buds and then they all dropped off. Dead tree did not bloom what happened?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2024, 3:55 PM EDT
response: The tree is not dead . but I am getting a lot if small branches fallingoff as well as all the buds. I was out of town for 2 weeks and it should have started blooming  just before I left. When I got back my yard was littered with dark red dried up buds. This is in Denver. tree looks ok except for the  little branched that held the  buds. they are dead looking. Thanks so much for your help. Teresa Jensen

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied June 25, 2024, 1:58 PM EDT
response: A frost during budding will cause this phenomena.  I have very few apples on my trees because of a frost during budding. I suspect that has happened here.  The tree is fine and should be experiencing new growth, just no blooms this year.  Next year, your tree should be back to what you are used to.
Apple tree problem

Question: What is wrong with my apple trees

responder: Ask Extension Question Wrangler Pronouns: she/her/hers  Find your local Extension office here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/county  Find an expert in a specific topic here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/experts/experts-by-topic-area   Find home gardening information here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/  Order a soil test kit here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension   Mold questions? We don’t have an expert in mold, but we do have a few resources below or contact the  Michigan health department. Molds in the Home  Indoor Air Quality May be Hazardous to Your Health    Mushroom questions? We can’t identify, but we do have these three resources to help you: Identifying  Morel  Poisonous  MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg, Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The University resides on the land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.     Replied June 22, 2024, 9:28 PM EDT
response: Good evening, Paula. Thank you for reaching out. Would you be able to also attach a couple photos of the entire tree?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2024, 9:46 AM EDT
response: Here are more photos. The trees are miniature.

responder: Lindsay Brown  Replied June 24, 2024, 1:45 PM EDT
response: Hello Paula,  This looks like cedar-apple rust. This article goes into more depth on the topic (https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-tree-10).  This is a fungal disease that circulates between cedars/junipers and apple trees. If you have cedars or junipers on your property, they are most likely exhibiting disease too. Their fungal growths look like weird, squishy apples with small horns emerging from them. Unfortunately, the spores that cause this disease can travel over fairly long distances (a few miles). As such, removing the alternative host trees may not be an option to stop this disease.  If you cannot remove the host tree, you could also treat your apple trees with preventative fungicides every seven days from bloom until the fungal growths in the cedar or juniper trees shrivel up later in the summer.  Best wishes,
I have a weed growing in my yard that I would like to know how to get rid of.  Can I send you a pict

Question: How is the weather

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied June 22, 2024, 3:48 PM EDT
response: It looks like horseweed: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/canadian-horseweed The photos on minnesotawildflowers are all of older plants. Here you will find photos of a young plant: https://vegcropshotline.org/article/horseweed/  Hand pulling is most effective.  Read here for other control methods: https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1090

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2024, 5:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you, we have 5 acres so hand pulling won't work.Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer  On Sat, Jun 22, 2024 at 2:48 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied June 23, 2024, 3:54 PM EDT
response: Here are some links to agricultural websites on dealing with horseweed.  You might find the information there useful. https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/weeds/weed-of-the-year-files/horseweed https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/gwc/gwc-9-w.pdf
fall webworm in June

Question: I have a fall webworm eating raspberries on my raspberry bushes.  Is this normal in June?

responder: Timothy McDermott DVM  Replied June 23, 2024, 7:02 AM EDT
response: Greetings,   It can be seen as early as June, even as early as May.  CLICK HERE for an OSU article on the topic.   Tim

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2024, 9:34 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Elaine  On Jun 23, 2024, at 7:02 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Black eyed Susan

Question: Please see photos below and let me know what is wrong with my black-eyed Susan.

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 24, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT
response: The symptoms suggest either Southern Blight or Verticillium Wilt, both of which can occur on Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia). Unfortunately, the plant will not recover, and should be removed before the pathogen potentially spreads to neighboring plants. You can try to determine which infection was the culprit by looking for the characteristic spore capsules of Southern Blight, though it's possible they would not have manifested yet, or may be hard to detect. If Southern Blight is responsible, then removing a bit of the top few inches of soil around that root ball when digging the plant out is a precautionary way to make sure spores are removed.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 1:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  Did I do something wrong to cause this? Should I wait before planting some thing in its place? Are there certain types of plants that I should avoid?   Andrea  Sent from my iPhone  On Jun 24, 2024, at 11:13 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 24, 2024, 2:54 PM EDT
response: Not necessarily, plant scan succumb to these opportunistic pathogens even if growing well. Over-watering can make root and crown rots more likely, as can over-mulching, but sometimes even good gardening practices can result in the occasional outbreak of Southern Blight or Verticillium. You don't necessarily need to wait, but choosing a Verticillium-resistant species might be prudent, and removing a bit of soil (you don't have to go very deep) can help suppress a recurrence of Southern Blight, in case it's that pathogen. Several Universities have lists of Verticillium-resistant plants  (though many focus on trees and shrubs), but we are not aware of a comparable list for Southern Blight.  Miri
diseased honeycrisp apple tree

Question: I have a young apple orchard.  In the last few weeks, I have noticed several of the outer branches on the Honeycrisp have yellowish leaves and a slight curl.  Some of the branches have progressed to having brownish leaves and are even more curled.  The tree appears to be getting adequate water.  None of the other trees in the orchard are experiencing this.  I would appreciate any help you can offer.  Let me know if you need more information.  Thanks!

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied June 24, 2024, 9:02 PM EDT
response: These symptoms tend to indicate a problem or interruption of the vascular system below the point shown in the images. There are many cankers, galls or root rots that might be interfering with water and nutrient transport to these leaves. Check the branches and trunk as you go down to the roots to find a possible problem.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 2:50 PM EDT
response: Hi Jay,  Thanks so much for your reply.  I did a thorough evaluation of the tree, and all the trunk and branches look quite healthy.  A friend suggested that it could be Honeycrisp leaf mottle disorder.  What do you think of this possibility?  best, Ashley   On Mon, Jun 24, 2024 at 6:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied July 01, 2024, 4:09 PM EDT
response: I did find this article, maybe it matches what you are seeing? https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/honeycrisp_leaf_yellowing_showing_up_on_michigan_apples
What is wrong with our Fuji Cherry tree?

Question: We have two Fuji cherry trees planted about 20 feet apart. Same soil and exposure and both are getting water.  One is healthy and the other is suffering.  We don’t know what to do to save this tree.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 1:37 PM EDT
response: Hello, It looks like the whole tree is declining, which likely means that there is an issue with the roots or main trunk. Unfortunately, cherries are susceptible to many problems and diseases, so it could be a number of potential issues. There are canker diseases (you could look for a sunken or gumming area on the trunk), or there could also be a root rotting disease. Often these types of problems will become most apparent at this time of year when the weather warms up and the plant isn't able to move water to the leaves, causing wilting symptoms, which you seem to have along with the yellowing.  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cherry-prunus-spp-phytophthora-root-rot  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cherry-prunus-spp-fungal-cankers  I wish I had better news, but unfortunately, when there is a major issue with the roots or main trunk and the whole tree is declining there isn't normally a way to reverse it. Applying a lot of water could exacerbate the issue, especially if it is root rot. If there are not healthy roots remaining then the tree will die.  When did you notice the issue? Were there any problems last year? Are you noticing any suckering at the base of the tree?  Thank you for using Ask Extension-

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 9:05 AM EDT
response: Thank you .    We only recently noticed this.  There are no suckers at the base of the tree but there are many suckers from both trees (we have two) along the areas where the roots run.  The tree has been in for approximately three years and done very well. It was very large when we bought it.  It has been frankly difficult to control their growth!  But this year we have not had to trim anything from that one tree to keep its shape but the other seems to want to take over!   Both bloomed equally this spring.   I will check the irrigation for that tree and see if it is too much and hope For the best plus read your links.    Thanks for taking the time to answer.   Suzanne    On Tue, Jun 25, 2024 at 10:37 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 12:01 PM EDT
response: You're welcome, best of luck with your tree.
Tree Stress, root damage

Question: Cement border was elevated by tree roots. 2 men were able to dig up cement border but caused a lot of root damage. See photos. I have one Maple tree and some Arborveittes that have some exposed roots. Work will be compete tomorrow then restoration of top soil + whatever you can recommend prior to help with damage repair. Have Scotts Top Soil soil conditioner and MiracleGro Quick Start. Any suggestions are appreciated.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 2:16 PM EDT
response: Another photo

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2024, 7:07 PM EDT
response: Hi Corrine, thanks for the question. It is a little difficult to understand what was there before.  It looks like only feeder roots were disturbed, if large structural roots were disturbed you may need to consult and arborist. Keeping the soil line that was already there would probably be the thing to do (keep it a few inches away from the trunk). Apply mulch around the tree (keep it a few inches away from the trunk) and watering are important.  Fertilizing is not suggested when the tree is recovering. I hope this is helpful.
Lawn Insects

Question: I would appreciate any guidance regarding an insect (centipede?) that is appearing throughout my neighborhood each morning.  My neighborhood is near Rockford.  These insects can be found, by the tens, on driveways, sidewalks and other hard surfaces.  Specifically I am concerned whether or not these insects could be destructive to my lawn?

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 21, 2024, 3:22 PM EDT
response: This is a garden millipede. They can occur in large numbers in areas of high moisture or organic matter and feed on decomposing vegetation. They pose no risk to the garden or to human health. The hot weather is known to drive them above ground. No control is necessary.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 4:15 PM EDT
response: Thank you Sir - Have a great weekend!Sent from my iPhone On Jun 21, 2024, at 3:23 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿