MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Plum leaf spots

Question: Wondering the cause of spots on plum tree leaves. Leaves then turn yellow and drop off. Fruit does not appear to be infected

responder: Kevin K.  Replied June 28, 2024, 4:59 PM EDT
response: Thank you Jennifer for your question to "Ask Extension".  I am requesting that you send me additional photos of the underside of the leaf and the tree as a whole.  Are the leaves with the spots at the top of the tree or at the bottom of the tree or generally all over the entire tree?  How is the tree receiving water if at all besides normal rainfall?  When did you first notice the spots on the leaves?  Is the number of leaves with spots increasing?  Approximately how old is the plum tree?  Have you recently fertilized?  The photos and answers to these questions will be helpful in the further diagnosis.      I look forward to hearing back from you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2024, 2:03 AM EDT
response: Mostly at the top, though there are some lower.  It currently has a drip irrigation set but last year we used soaker hoses Probably noticed the spots a week ago I don’t think the next number of leaves with spots is increasing appreciably.  We just bought the place 3 years ago so not sure the age of the tree but it is a well established tree I believe we fertilized in April See the attached photos  Thanks for your help        Becky On Jun 28, 2024, at 2:00 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: Kevin K.  Replied June 30, 2024, 4:01 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the quick response.  In general your plum tree has leaf spot.  The two basic types of leaf spot are fungal and bacterial.  In the Willamette Valley you would lean towards fungal infections because of our long damp months.  But the yellow halos around the spots were difficult to match with other photos of fungal leaf spot.  So I pursued bacterial infections and found that Xanthomonas ssp. infections had yellow halos that turned to yellow leaf and leaf drop.  But . . . Xanthomonas infections are found east of the Cascades and usually in curcurbit vegetables.  So you should first work on mitigating a fungal infection.       Cultural control for fungal infections include:   Prune trees for good air circulation Rake and destroy leaves in home garden  Chemical control for fungal infections include: captan, chlorothalonil, myclobutanil, or propiconazole.  Organic fungicides contain copper.  When using chemical controls always follow the label instruction      I would take a wait and see approach to see if cultural controls  are helpful in reducing or eliminating the problem and how much it is going to affect the trees vigor in the future.  You should also look for fruit infection and/or reduction of fruit yields.        OSU does have a plant pathology clinic that can identify the specific organism but they charge a fee.  The current fee is $87.  I have provided you with a link to the clinic below.  https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-plant-materials  If you have additional concerns or question please feel free  to respond.
Whole milkweed plant is white.

Question: What would cause a whole milkweed plant to be all white?  The leaves, stem, and flower buds.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 28, 2024, 10:12 PM EDT
response: Hi Daniel, I know occasionally plants revert/change to a dark purple or become mottled, or go from variegated back to solid.  I think it's just a weird plant genetic "one off" thing having to do with chromosomes:  https://digitalmedia.fws.gov/digital/collection/natdiglib/id/18617/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32544284/ Enjoy it for it's rarity, Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2024, 11:15 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much.   I had a feeling that was what it was,  I just needed someone with experience in this area to confirm it.   Thank you so very much,  I appreciate it! --Dan     Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy Tablet   -------- Original message -------- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>  Date: 6/28/24 9:12 PM (GMT-06:00)  To: "Daniel J. Bera" <<personal data hidden>>  Subject: Re: Whole milkweed plant is white. (#0144791)
Cornus sericea Artic Fire Red Osier

Question: I’m not sure what’s affecting my red osier dogwoods. There are random wilting leaves and yellow leaves. I don’t see aphids but had them last year. Leaves are also being chewed? Planted in shade and looked great up until last week. Plants are about 3 years old.

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 27, 2024, 11:42 AM EDT
response: The chewing symptoms are minimal and fortunately not concerning, so they can be ignored. If you want, inspect the leaf undersides to see if a caterpillar-like larva called a sawfly is present, since dogwoods do have that one primary leaf-chewing pest. If found, just remove them by hand, as insecticide use would not be necessary.  The rest of the symptoms suggest under-watering or drought stress. Have the shrubs been monitored for watering needs, now that our region is approaching (or already in) drought status? As a rough guideline, a thorough soaking of the root zone might be needed about once a week in hot, dry weather. More detailed watering guidance can be found on the linked page.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 9:33 PM EDT
response: What do I do about black sooty mold dripping onto my Nellie Stevens holly? I have quite tall mature American beech throughout my 2 acres of woods. Virtually every beech has numerous aphids on numerous limbs and I can’t possibly spray horticultural oil on them. I’ve been told they won’t die (my biggest fear) but the sooty mold and sticky honey dew is dripping onto anything below, including my 6’ Hollies. I have about 10 of them and don’t know what to do. Spraying them with horticultural oil is possible but surely it will be a season long problem,  what do I do and how often do I do it? My property has recently been Baywise certified (Chesapeake Bay), and I want to keep it that way without losing any trees and native shrubs.

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 03, 2024, 9:37 AM EDT
response: The beech will not need treatment for the aphids, and the sooty mold should rinse/weather away in time on its own. You're right -- horticultural oil is sometimes labeled for the removal of sooty mold (though that's not its primary function), although we would not spray while temperatures are above 85 degrees, which of course may add to the hassle of making repeat applications. If you have a garden hose whose spray will reach the lower beech branches, you could blast the twigs and foliage undersides with plain water to knock off most of the aphids, at least for the time being, which will reduce the honeydew abundance for a time.  Miri
Raw pack beef

Question: Hi there, 
Followed the Raw pack for beef and just curious about the water level in the jar after it’s processed.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 6:11 PM EDT
response: It looks like your jars siphoned a little during processing OR you might have pack too loosely for raw pack.  When the raw pack meat cooks it shrinks and then the jar looks half full.  Also if you followed the instructions it says for raw pack to not add any extra liquid.  I find that if your meat has been frozen before you can it and even if you purchase it fresh it probably has been slightly frozen so lost a bit of liquid.  I recommend that people add some beef broth or just water to the jars of raw pack meat before processing.  (up to 1/4 cup depending on style of meat you are canning such as ground, stew, strips, steaks etc.).  This way you will end up with more juice in the jars.    If you followed research-based guidelines and processed in a pressure canner at 10 or 11 pounds pressure for 90 minutes your meat will be safe.  (if your elevation is above 1000 ft.) you need to adjust pressure for altitude.)  The top meat has turned a little gray because it is not under liquid but will still be safe.    https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw-361-canning-meat-poultry-game  Hope that helps.  Thanks for using Ask Extension  Nellie Oehler

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 9:32 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for this! This was my first time canning beef. And wasn’t sure if this was “normal” and safe. Thank you for the quick response!  Brianna Rowley Sent from my iPhone On Jun 26, 2024, at 3:11 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Tomato leaves

Question: The mature leaves on my tomato plants are curling up and appear disfigured.  What is wrong?  What do I need to do to to fix/prevent?

responder: MJ Replied June 26, 2024, 7:43 PM EDT
response: Hi, This looks like herbicide damage. If the damage is light, plants may outgrow it. https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/tomato-disorders https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/noticing-herbicide-drift-your-garden I hope this helps. Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 8:16 PM EDT
response: No herbicide has been used near the plants. I have had this same issue for the last couple of years. New leaves emerge nicely, than they transform. I get  tomatoes  but the plants look terrible.   On Wed, Jun 26, 2024, 6:44 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied June 26, 2024, 8:50 PM EDT
response: Leaf curling can be linked to too much water, insects, disease and herbicide drift or residue. Do you know what was here before you put the garden in? Herbicides can linger in soil, and in manure composts or hay used in gardens.  I can't offer a firm diagnosis but you know the history of this garden, whether you've added soil amendments or fertilizer, when you planted and what weather has been like since you put the tomatoes in. Remember that it's wise to move your tomatoes each year so they're not growing in the same place, where diseases can linger. I hope these pages might lead you to an answer: https://site.extension.uga.edu/bartow/twisted-curled-tomato-leaves-its-not-what-you-think/ https://extension.sdstate.edu/why-are-my-tomato-leaves-curled https://www.montana.edu/cope/email-format/admin/view.php?draft=12643&uid=64d129a8dec491.28541207 https://backbonevalleynursery.com/tomato-leaf-curl-2/ Good luck.
Onion plant question

Question: Hello! We have a member of our community garden who has a question about her onion plant. 
Can you please identify the issue with her new growth near the bottom of the plant? We have never seen this before. All other plants are just fine.
Thank you so much!

responder: Thank you for your question,  Replied June 26, 2024, 10:10 PM EDT
response: Hello Judy, I'm not really 100% sure on this, but it appears as the new growth just got stuck as it was trying to come out and created the crimped leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2024, 8:09 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much! Judy  On Jun 26, 2024, at 10:10 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿
need to know if my oak is in trouble

Question: The bark on my live oak has discolored bark that seems to be spreading. I contacted an arborist who glanced at it and said it was simply age . This same arborist chared me a large sum of money to lightly trim and spay something to boost the vitality of the tree. A few weeks later and the tree seems worse.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 28, 2024, 12:24 PM EDT
response: Dear Lisa,       We have been looking at your tree and are not able to find an id for what is on it.  All of our searches are indicating that the tree is fine.  I am going to send you information to the plant diagnostic clinic, which can exam tissue from your tree and evaluate. Send as much tissue as possible and time it so that it will arrive at the clinic on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday so the samples will be their freshest. Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab | Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (tamu.edu) D1178 – General Diagnostic Form and Instructions | Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab (tamu.edu)       If we can be of further assistance, please contact us at the information below.  Thank you Lynn and Kathy <personal data hidden><personal data hidden>

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 2:47 PM EDT
response: Thank you for replying. I had an arborist out and he swears it's just old age. I'm still concerned. He says the bark does that on older oaks (mine is about 50 years old)  On Fri, Jun 28, 2024 at 11:24 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Sad Oak

Question: Our lakefront oak tree did not set all its leaves this year. It was vigorous last year. It is not losing leaves; it just didn’t set new ones this spring on some branches. There are bare branches throughout but most notably atop.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2024, 9:09 AM EDT
response: Factors such as moisture and nutrient levels can impact a tree's ability to produce a dense canopy. The age of a tree is also an important factor. As trees age and begin to decline, they have difficulty putting out a good amount of foliage.   Some years may have different weather patterns that impact how well a tree will leaf out. Sometimes the roots have been damaged, especially if there was any heavy equipment use near the tree or if any digging around the tree was done.   It may be that the tree is very stressed and will bounce back next year, especially with good care...fertilizing it and keeping it well watered. You might consider giving it at least until fall or maybe next spring to see if it recovers or continues to decline.   However, if you are concerned about the health of your oak tree, it may be helpful to consult with a local arborist to ensure that there are no underlying issues. Every tree and situation is a little different and in this case, an on-site arborist is the safest and most effective way to examine your tree and make recommendations regarding the health of the tree, any needed judicial pruning, and whether or not (in his opinion) it should be removed. Hiring a certified arborist will ensure that you are getting a knowledgeable and qualified tree specialist. You can find a certified arborist in your area here:   http://www.treesaregood.org/   Click on "Find an Arborist" at the top of the page; then click on United States from the pull-down menu. Then enter your State and City. This should bring up a list of certified arborists nearest to you. Or you may be able to locate one under "Tree Services" in your local Yellow Pages.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2024, 9:23 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much! We did, indeed, excavate near this tree when building @ 2017 and also to remove the dead tree growing into it. We  used fertilizer stakes for a few years but discontinued a couple years ago because someone told us it wouldn’t be necessary. Since this tree is lakeside we think it’s getting plenty of moisture, but don’t know how old it is. We did have gypsy moths for a few years but were diligent in protecting the tree. Have not seen any last year nor this year.    We will continue to watch it and will certainly contact a local arborist maybe early fall so that pruning, if needed, can be done.    We very much appreciate your input. Have a good day and God Bless America! Karen D  On Jun 27, 2024, at 9:10 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2024, 10:44 AM EDT
response: Sounds like you have a good plan! God Bless America indeed!
Oak tree didn’t set all its leaves this year

Question: Our oak tree, which looked vigorous last year, did not set all its leaves this spring. They did not and are not falling down; just some branches did not leaf out.

responder: P. Eric Wiseman, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Urban ForestryDept. of Forest Resources andEnvironmental ConservationVIRGINIA TECH540.231.5148 | 228-B Cheatham Hallhttps://frec.vt.edu/people/Wiseman.htmlFollow me on Twitter @vtarborist Replied June 26, 2024, 10:01 AM EDT
response: Hello Karen, Unfortunately this photo and brief description does not provide enough information to allow an accurate evaluation of the tree. This will probably be a difficult situation to evaluate through email and photos. If you want to get a reliable diagnosis and recommendation, you would be best served to have a qualified arborist examine the tree in person. You can use this website to find a qualified arborist in your area: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch Or, you can contact your state extension service: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert  Regards,

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 12:34 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Eric. This tree is near our waterfront and had an old, dead tree growing into it. When we purchased the property we had the old one removed. We used some fertilizer spikes for a couple years but discontinued them a couple years ago. It’s off the ground enough we can reach a branch, but can view it outside a balcony where this pic is taken. As I said, it isn’t losing leaves but sporadically throughout the tree there are branches with none. The very top seems to be the worst. I will contact a local arborist as you suggest, but wanted to follow up with you in case you had any ideas.    On Jun 26, 2024, at 10:01 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Gypsy Mini Peppers

Question: How do I know when the “Gypsy” variety of mini peppers are ready to harvest. They are green right now….do I leave them on the plant until they turn color?
Thank you for your help

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 26, 2024, 9:06 AM EDT
response: Good Morning,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  My first thought is to read the label that came with the plant. You could possibly look up the name through the grower on the label. If you grew them from seed, please refer to the seed packet for days to maturity.  I was unable to find information on this type of pepper through the Extension Service.  Here is some information I found: https://www.gardenary.com/blog/3-signs-your-peppers-are-ripe-and-ready-to-be-harvested Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 1:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your timeOn Jun 26, 2024, at 8:06 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  ﻿

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 27, 2024, 6:43 AM EDT
response: You are welcome.
Tree fungus

Question: Hi,
I have an evergreen tree, tall but sparsely full, really never got full.  Anyway, it now has some kind of fungus.  Can you tell me what it is and how to get rid of it please.

I appreciate your expertise!

Thank you,
Jill Morris

responder: Timothy McDermott DVM  Replied June 26, 2024, 8:46 AM EDT
response: Greetings,  While I cannot make a definitive diagnosis from pictures, I suspect that your trees have lichen on them.  CLICK HERE to read about that.  I recommend that you contact an arborist to come examine the trees and make sure that they are healthy and that you have a plan in place for their care.   Tim

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 8:54 AM EDT
response: Thank for your super speedy reply!   I'll contact an arborist.  Do you have any you trust?  It is a long list!   Thanks!   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 8:46 AM To: Morris, Jill <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Tree fungus (#0144658)

responder: Timothy McDermott DVM  Replied June 26, 2024, 8:57 AM EDT
response: Jill,   We are unable to recommend any specific person or company.  I recommend that you first contact your city or municipality to see if they have one on staff, then if not, search through the Find an Arborist link for one near you.   Tim

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 8:59 AM EDT
response: Thanks so much!   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 8:57 AM To: Morris, Jill <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Tree fungus (#0144658)
Unknown Insect egg mass

Question: Need to identify this egg mass found on Roma Tomato leaves at our community garden. Thank you

responder: PA Virginia Replied June 26, 2024, 7:41 PM EDT
response: Frank:  Thanks for your question.  Based on the photograph you sent, it appears that the eggs on your tomato leaf are stink bugs.  I can't be sure of the exact species.  The brown marmorated stink bugs are the ones I am most familiar with; however I find conflicting descriptions of their eggs. In addition, the eggs change color as they mature.  I think what you have are most likely green stink bugs as their eggs are most often described as barrel-shaped. In any event, they can all cause considerable damage to crops so it is advisable to destroy the eggs as soon as possible.  Dropping the whole leaf with the eggs into some soapy water is the most direct method.  It would be prudent for you to monitor your tomatoes (and other crops) often to destroy any eggs that you see and to be alert for the nymphs and adults as well.  Please see https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Extension-Master-Gardener/GreenStinkBugsinYourGarden_000.pdf for additional information and get back to me with any questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 8:11 PM EDT
response: Thank you. Will take your advice. Never thought stink bugs were a garden pest. Will Neem oil have any effect on these bugs.    Get Outlook for iOS    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 7:41:24 PM To: Pokrywka, Frank J <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Unknown Insect egg mass (#0144665)     You don't often get email from <personal data hidden>. Learn why this is important

responder: PA Virginia Replied June 27, 2024, 10:31 AM EDT
response: Frank:  Neem oil can be effective, but really only on the nymphs.  Adults seem to be resistant to even more potent insecticides.  In addition, there is always the danger of killing beneficial insects.  Knocking the adults into soapy water is the easiest approach.  Also, if you have a lot of them in one place, you might consider vacuuming them with a shop vac.  That is also something to consider if they get into the  house.  Here is a link to information on additional approaches to management and control:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/stink-bugs-vegetables/.  Please get back to me with any questions.
Basil disease

Question: Hi
This is spreading across my yard to different containers and attacking my basil. What is it and how do I treat it? 
Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 9:43 PM EDT
response: Hi Daniel, Ahhh, it looks like fungus is among us. I'm afraid I don't have good news for you. All this rain and humidity are causing lots of fungal issues. Once your plant has it , it's pretty hard to fix the problem. I think you have Leaf Spot; https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PP113 I have switched to growing different types of basil like Thai and Cinnamon that don't get fungal issues. I do have a friend that grows basil in pots and has no problems. I think they get much more air circulation. I would cut off all diseased areas and try to get as much air circulation around the plants as possible. I'd start harvesting the good leaves and buy new plants to place in a different spot. Sorry, Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 10:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you.    On Wed, Jun 26, 2024 at 8:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: