MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Privet damage

Question: Live in Holland Mi and something attacking my privet hedge.  Applied a heavy dose of Neem oil in the summer last year.  What else can be done?  Will the hedge recover?  Do I need to pull out and start again? Any other suggestions?  The privet hedge goes all the way around my house.  The front section is the worst, but I do see it on other bases of the privets on all 4 sides of the house.  What cased this to happen.

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied May 08, 2023, 10:58 AM EDT
response: Hi Kurt, Those white things look like white peach scale.  Please send a small branch section so I can confirm. Place the branch in a small zip-lock baggie, then in a small box or mailing tube and mail to Plant and Pest Diagnostics 578 Wilson Rd.  East Lansing MI 48824-6469 Be sure to include a note with your contact information including your email address.  You can download one of our submittal forms here. https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/General_Sample_Submission_Form_Jan2022.pdf We have a counter in the main entrance of the CIPS building where you can drop off your specimens if you like. Here is where we are located…https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/location Best regards,  Howard *Tell us about your experience with our service by completing the brief (3 min.), anonymous MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Survey

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2023, 1:07 PM EDT
response: Howard,Package was shipped as instructed above.  Thanks  On Monday, May 8, 2023 at 10:58:59 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied May 11, 2023, 2:12 PM EDT
response: Great.  I will look at as soon as it arrives in the lab. Howard
Identify type rose

Question: Bought this bush in 2020 from a roadside vendor. Mo identification on the plant. It has such a deep red bloom my camera cannot capture the correct color. The blooms are 3-4in dia w/high pedal count. It blooms all season long, but in cycles.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2023, 8:41 AM EDT
response: I also supplied a picture of the trunk of this bush because it looks different from all my other rose bushes (23) in the fact its large (3 1/2") & has a tree bark appearance.  Hope that helps in identifying this type of rose bush Thank You

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 11, 2023, 10:33 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your message.  There are over 30,000 varieties of roses.  Consequently, we are unable to ID your rose. Rick Williams
Noxious weed?

Question: I was told the attached photos are of a noxious weed, but I don't know it's name.  When in the ground it looks a bit like a wild Columbine--sort of bushy.  The stems have little fine hairs on them.  The flowers are yellow and sort of like a buttercup.  They turned into longish spikes of what I assume were the seeds.  I was told the seeds are spread around by ants.  The roots are orange and I was told not to touch the root.  A Master Gardener told me the name of the plant some yrs ago, but I've forgotten the name.  I pulled the plant in the photos out of my neighbor's yard today.  I did find some small versions of the plant in my yard previously this spring--I pulled them out.  Thank you for your help.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied May 08, 2023, 10:35 PM EDT
response: Your plants are Greater Celandine, a sort of wild poppy.  I have this plant unfortunately in a couple of my flower beds.  I just pull it out or, if the roots are down too far, dig it out with my trowel.  Try to catch them before they bloom to avoid self-seeding.  https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/celandine.htm

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 11:50 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Barbara—I watch for them like a hawk now after I had one go to seed and had them everywhere!Marnie From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Monday, May 8, 2023 9:35 PMTo: loven003 <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Noxious weed? (#0098797)
Rose bush pests?

Question: Can you tell me what's causing the white spots and holes in my rose bush leaves and what to do about them? Thank you.

responder: Answered by the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit theHGIC program web page and blog,Maryland Grows. Replied May 09, 2023, 2:29 PM EDT
response: Hi, Thank you for your question.  The leaf damage looks like that done by rose slug sawfly.  You can confirm the diagnosis by close inspection of the stems and leaves which should show small 1/2-1" smooth green larvae (caterpillars).  Below I attach two reviews on this insect from the University of Maryland Extension service.   https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rose-identify-and-manage-problems https://extension.umd.edu/resource/sawflies Fortunately, treatment is fairly easy.  If the infestation is light, pick off the larvae by hand and destroy them. They can be dropped into a container of soapy water to kill them. To control heavy infestations, use horticultural oil or spray with spinosad. Target the undersides of the leaves.  In addition, the Missouri Biological Garden has a publication which offers additional chemical treatment measures, which, hopefully will not be necessary. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/sawflies/rose-and-pear-slugs-sawflies If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me. Bob

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 3:10 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!Sent from my iPad On May 9, 2023, at 14:29, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Pine Wilt, etc.?

Question: The two attached photos are of the same Ponderosa Pine on our land in Woodmen Valley, on the west side of I-25 and between Colorado Springs and the US Air Force Academy.  The pine needles at the top and at the ends of several branches are brown and those on the rest of three are not as green as other adjacent Ponderosas.  There are no obvious pitch tubes on the trunk.  I have had several other trees on my land with this appearance, and I have cut them down and disposed of them.

Does this look like Pine Wilt?  If so, do I need to bring the tree down and dispose of it? 

Thank you for your assistance,
Justin Morrill<personal data hidden>

responder: Barbara     Replied May 08, 2023, 12:46 PM EDT
response: Hello Justin,  Thank you for your very interesting question about what is killing your Ponderosa pines.  It was thought in the past that Ponderosa pines had a natural resistance to Pine Wilt Disease.  Currently, it has been found that  stressed Ponderosa pines can be killed by this disease.   I see light brown  needles all over the tree.  I am sending information about Pine Wilt Disease so you can compare the information with what is happening to your tree.  If your tree has Pine Wilt it should be removed to help prevent further spread by pine sawyers.  You can confirm this possible diagnosis by sending a sample up to the Plant Diagnostic Clinic up in Denver.  https://agsci.colostate.edu/agbio/plantclinic/  https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/pine-wilt-disease-2-915/  I am also sending information about Mountain Pine and ips beetles which can attack stressed Ponderosa Pines.  https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/pine-wilt-disease-2-915/  https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/mountain-pine-beetle-5-528/  I am also sending Environmental Disease of Woody Plants, please take a look at the drought section.  The symptoms do not seem to match in the pictures to indicate drought damage.  https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/environmental-disorders-of-woody-plants-2-932/  If you would like an arborist to come look at your tree please see the information below.  https://www.treesaregood.org/

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2023, 1:25 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much, Barbara.     Sincerely, Justin Morrill   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, May 8, 2023 10:46 AM To: justin_morrill <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Pine Wilt, etc.? (#0098757)

responder: Barbara     Replied May 08, 2023, 1:42 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.
Weeping Cedar Atlas - Flagging or Dying?

Question: Hi - You all were great resource with a question I had last year about our Japanese Maple so I thought I'd ping you again about my Weeping Cedar Atlas. It is looking like it is struggling and I am worried that it is in bad shape.  I've attached some photos. I did a little scratch test on the bark and it looks green underneath but all the needles seem to be coming off and it does not look like a healthy green.

This kind of flagging (?) kind of happened once before but not to this extent.  It has been in the ground about 4-5 years and I really do not want to dig it up if it is just going through a natural cycle. We did recently give it some fertilizer (two weeks ago or so). However, it is not necessarily looking any better.

Do you have anything thoughts about how best to proceed at this point? 
Thanks! Danielle

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 May 08, 2023, 1:45 PM EDT
response: Hi Danielle,  It does look like the tree is stressed for some reason. Is it in an area that gets wet soils?  Could have the tree gotten a lot of wind over the winter and It is drying out and hasn't pushed new growth yet? The scratch test was a good idea and if it looks green then it most likely it isn't dying or not dead yet. If it is something like inter burn or damage, then it should push out new growth and should return its vigor  When stressed you wouldn't fertilize plants since the fertilizer can cause additional harm and potentially burn the tree.  This also doesn't appear to be a normal cycle of the tree. Look along the trunk and branches too and see if you notice any exit holes from beetles or other insects, or see if you notive a lot of insects on the tree and send in those photos.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 5:47 AM EDT
response: Good morning - We took a look at the trunk and branches and we didn't notice any exit holes for beetles or other insects. Also, no indication that there are a lot of insects on the tree.  We will continue to monitor. Thank you - Danielle

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 May 09, 2023, 12:35 PM EDT
response: yes at this point, hope that it recovers and keep an eye on it.
Purple beauty berry weakened

Question: I have two purple beauty berry shrubs that are at least 8 years old. They have always produced multiple purple berries including last season. However one plant did not bud out at all and the second plant only weakly this Spring. Both plants have some new growth at their bases. I have included a picture of their stems where I feel that white spots started to appear last summer. What do you think is happening?

responder: Answered by the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit theHGIC program web page and blog,Maryland Grows. Replied May 09, 2023, 2:03 PM EDT
response: Hi Bill, I just answered your question about crape myrtle decline and I think that your purple beauty berry is infected by the same agent:  crape myrtle bark scale.  In addition to my comments on your prior question, I am attaching an article from Horticultural Technology documenting CMBS infecting beauty berry.   https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/32/1/article-p10.xml Thanks for your question and please contact me if you have further questions.  Bob

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 2:33 PM EDT
response: Hi Bob, Thank you for both replies. Sad situation for both Crape Myrtle and beauty berry because they are so popular in AA Co. I guess I'll try a soil drench of dinotefuran since we are still in the Spring window.Bill

responder: Answered by the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit theHGIC program web page and blog,Maryland Grows. Replied May 09, 2023, 2:53 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your thoughts.  Will do.BobOn May 9, 2023, at 2:44 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit theHGIC program web page and blog,Maryland Grows. Replied May 09, 2023, 3:00 PM EDT
response: Hi Bill, I a concerned about your use of dinotefuran use (being a neonicotinoid).  It would likely be effective, but must be through a certified pesticide applicator as it is illegal for the general public to purchase and use in MDI would instead suggest you just cut back any scale-infested beautyberry stems as this will rid the plant of the vast majority of scale and if the plant's roots are otherwise healthy, it should rebound on its own gradually with little to no pesticide use needed; dinotefuran is a systemic and might remain in the plant when it comes into bloom in a couple months, potentially exposing pollinators to harm.  Good luck. Again, feel free to contact me with any additional questions or plans. Bob
Salvia Troubles

Question: I have about 10 salvia plants planted together in a sunny spot in the backyard. For years they have grown beautifully without any trouble. This year I am noticing that only 3 are growing like “normal”. The other 7 have what look like under developed leaves. Before the winter we pruned them and cut them back - but we’ve always don’t this. Any ideas of what is wrong and how I can fix them?

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 May 08, 2023, 1:02 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This may possibly be from pesticide or herbicide damage? Did you or maybe a lawn care company spray anything recently or apply anything to the soil last fall even? The one salvia in the front looks healthy and like it doesn't have a problem and the rest around it look like they do so we were thinking that something was maybe applied along the back of the house and it has migrated through to the soil.   To our knowledge, Salvia doesn't have any issues and especially if the ones around it are looking bad too, it seems like the others may have caught a drifting substance and for whatever reason the one that looks good has not. Rabbits and deer usually leave it alone too since the leaves can be strong smelling to them.  If something was applied last fall to the soil, the results could be showing now that the plant is growing and sending up fresh foliage.  Let us know if remember any recent applications.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2023, 2:11 PM EDT
response: Well the only thing we’ve put down is Correys Slug and Snail killer because they’ve been destroying our hostas. The box says it doesn’t damage plants. I’m attaching a few more pictures to show. It seems like the ones that aren’t doing well have normal leaves underneath. Should I cut them down to the good healthy looking leaves? Any suggestions are welcome. Sent from my iPhone On May 8, 2023, at 1:02 PM, 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 May 09, 2023, 11:07 AM EDT
response: We don't think the slug and snail deterrent would have hurt them. Did you happen to treat the lawn with anything recently?  Yes, you can trim the infected stems off to the good/normal growth and see if that helps push out new-normal leaves. You can make sure the plants aren't buried in too much mulch. The one on the end in the new photos does look like its planted a little too deeply or had too much mulch applied around it.   Salvias can get some different viruses however this doesn't appear to be from anything specific.  Let us know if and when they regrow, if they look like the same strange growth and leaves.  Emily
Arbivitae problem

Question: We have a row of arbivitaes where three of them in the middle have died. We want to replace them so that this neighbor barrior can be brought back to life. What can we do to ensure that the new ones don't suffer the same fate? I am including a picture.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 08, 2023, 11:32 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Michael.  First, here is an article discussing this species and their care:  https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/arborvitae-stands-tall-easy-care-hedge Second, now is not the right time to replace them, or they will likely meet the same fate as these three.  Newly planted woody plants do not fare well during the hot summer.  Wait until fall, while the soil is still workable, and give them all winter to develop a strong root system.  This guide has more information:  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/ec1438.pdf Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2023, 12:11 PM EDT
response: We were wondering what could cause the three in the middle to die. What can we do when we replace them to ensure that the replacements don't die as well. Thanks,Michael GiesOn Mon, May 8, 2023 at 8:32 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 08, 2023, 12:17 PM EDT
response: Michael:  there are 10 known diseases that can lead to the demise of these trees (https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-and-disease-descriptions?title=thuja).  If the problems aren't detected and dealt with in a timely manner, we cannot diagnose which problem(s) began the downward trend.  So, monitoring your landscape plants, and getting problems diagnosed and resolved is key.  But, as the first article I sent explains, environmental (abiotic) issues such as drought and heat are the most common, and most easily addressed.  Don't plant until fall; make sure the area has good drainage; and provide adequate water during summers.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2023, 12:36 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response.On Mon, May 8, 2023 at 9:17 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 08, 2023, 1:38 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
What is this on my bee balm stems?

Question: HELP!  Can you tell me what this is on many of my bee balm stems?  I've never seen it before.  I live in Southern New Castle County. The bee balm plants are 5+ years old, and were growing among black-eyed Susans, orange day lilies and wild ferns; all of the black-eyed Susans have died off, but I was told they were a variety with about a 3 year life span. The garden bed faces the north. I have already pulled out around 20 plants.  Is this treatable?

responder: Jill Pollok  Replied May 12, 2023, 11:01 AM EDT
response: Are the plants with these stem growths growing ok or are they declining? Growth like this can be caused by a few factors, some of them being normal. This looks to me like the start of adventitious root growth, which can sometimes happen in very wet conditions. If that's the case, the plants would likely look healthy. There are also some diseases that can cause symptoms similar to this, and maybe insects. Feel free to submit a sample to our plant diagnostic lab. Instructions can be found here: http://www.udel.edu/extension/plantclinic

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 11:30 AM EDT
response: Well, the plants I pulled out basically looked healthy.  LOL  The garden bed in on the north side of my house, and last year it was VERY dry and I only sporadically watered.  We have had a very wet spring and that's when I noticed these.  Also, all the black-eyed Susans had holes in the roots when I pulled them out. A gardener friend thought it looked like "root-knot nematodes."  I did just order some Nematode Control to put in that bed.

responder: Jill Pollok  Replied May 12, 2023, 11:38 AM EDT
response: I would hold off on the nematode control for now--nematodes are a very important part of a healthy soil ecosystem! Only about 5% of nematode species in the soil are plant pathogenic, the vast majority are beneficial and are breaking down organic matter. Black eyed Susans are not susceptible to root-knot nematodes, maybe the holes were caused by insects or something else. After doing some research, I found that bee balm can form adventitious roots in response to windy conditions as well--using them for stability.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 11:42 AM EDT
response: well, last summer a BUNCH of bee balm and Susans got wiped out with the wind storm we had--which also decimated 14 of our forty year old pine trees.  :(  so maybe they formed from that.....  UGH, the Nematode Control arrives tomorrow, wonder if I can return it.  Thanks again.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 11:57 AM EDT
response: Actually, I just went outside and looked at the remaining bee balm and it really DOES look like small roots on the stems near the dirt.  THANK YOU so much for your input.  I feel bad for the plants I pulled put, but I know the bee balm will spread for next year.

responder: Jill Pollok  Replied May 12, 2023, 12:30 PM EDT
response: Happy to help!
Grow grass from seed

Question: I need to grow some grass to patch several areas in my lawn. Can you please tell me the best way to do that (step by step), when to do it and what type of grass seed I should use? I live in the Denver University area. Thank you.

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied May 10, 2023, 3:04 PM EDT
response: It looks like you have Kentucky Bluegrass so you will sticking with that will help blend the new, patched areas with the old grass. Here are two articles, one short, one with more detail, that explain how and what to do:  https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/lawns/1516-seeding-lawn/  https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/renovating-the-home-lawn-7-241/

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 10:58 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much!  On Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 01:05:00 PM MDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: