MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Liatris - disease?

Question: Hey folks!!
I’m wondering what’s going on with this meadow blazing star liatris? I lost a few earlier this season in a similar way. Seems like the base of the stem is rotting. Disease? Or overwatering? It is in a bed that has to get drip irrigation for 45 mins daily due to the zone it’s hooked up to on the irrigation system. Plenty of other natives in the same bed doing fine (black eyed susan, bradburys monarda bee balm, and butterfly weed).  These were transplanted to this spot in the spring of last year from my home garden, and they bloomed last year (so not from tiny plugs or anything). Wondering what to do about it - replant and hope it doesn’t happen again or pick something different for this space? Thanks!!

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 14, 2023, 9:24 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. I lean to Liatris Stem Rot.  Leaf distribution, white mycelium looks right.  https://portal.ct.gov/CAES/Plant-Pest-Handbook/pphL/Liatris-Liatris#:~:text=Stem%20rot%2C%20Sclerotinia%20sclerotiorum.,this%20crown%20rot%20from%20others.  This could be root rot from over watering. https://gardenbeast.com/liatris-spicata-guide/  Once the seeds are sprouted and they have roots, an inch a week is all they need.   The plants may be compromised by being in too crowded an environment.   Bottom line: if this does look more like stem rot than root rot, the environment is no longer suitable for liatris. The plants should be removed and discarded, not composted. Alternative plants should be sought. If this looks like root rot from overwatering, you can turn the entire drip system down for all the plants. You might want to consider thinning this plant system.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2023, 11:12 AM EDT
response: Ok – thank you so much!  Just to be safe I’ll likely just plant something else there instead.     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Friday, July 14, 2023 8:25 AM To: Wittrock, Martha (she/her/hers) <<personal data hidden>> Subject: {External} Re: Liatris - disease? (#0110539)        CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Be Security Conscious!

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 14, 2023, 2:10 PM EDT
response: I would take some non liatris plant from a foot away, pull it out and and check to see if the roots had rotted from overwatering.  Good luck
Tomato problem

Question: What is wrong with my tomatoes? Looking great until last week. I regularly watered with soaker hoses, applied copper fungicide, fertilized, mulched. Now that I am seeing fruit the leaves are curling, stunted new growth, some purple veining. Help!

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied July 14, 2023, 10:46 AM EDT
response: I can only guess what has happened but if you sprayed copper fungicide during our hot weather, the plants have been damaged.  The leaves curl trying to protect themselves.  Using any product during heat waves can produce problems.  Also, the discoloration suggests you may have used too strong a mix.  All you can do at this point is continue to water and do not put any more chemicals on your plants.  Also, did you read the label as to plants it should be used on, the proper dilution and instructions on when and how to use.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2023, 12:49 PM EDT
response: It was a premixed Captain Jack’s by Bonide spray that said for use on tomatoes. I sprayed early morning. Usually I have problems with blight so I was trying to be proactive. How else can I deal with blight - besides rotating growing areas every year which I already do?On Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 9:46 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied July 14, 2023, 5:59 PM EDT
response: You can remove any foliage that is close to the ground and also any that does show signs of disease.  Mulch under your plants to prevent water from splashing up on the leaves.  Even though you sprayed in the morning, it is possible that the hot sun and temps in the 90's still stressed your plants.  They will still produce tomatoes.  Some blight is irritating but not fatal when diseased foliage is removed.  Also, in the future, make sure to research the names of any tomatoes you plant.  Some are very, very resistant to blight.  Some, like heritage Brandywine, are susceptible.
Tri-color beech tree

Question: I have a tri-colored European beech tree that has a big crack in the bark going up the east side of the tree. The tree looks healthy otherwise. Plenty of leaves and colorful. What can I do to keep my tree healthy or to save it?

responder: Cindy B  Replied July 17, 2023, 11:11 PM EDT
response: Hi Dennis,  Your tree appears to be suffering from sun scald or frost cracking. This typically occurs in winter or early spring when the sun warms the trunk during the day causing it to expand and then, at night, temperatures fall rapidly and the bark contracts more quickly than the tissue underneath. Young, thin-bark trees like your beech are most susceptible, particularly when newly planted.  While cracks in the bark can provide an opening for pests and diseases, healthy trees can usually survive this condition by creating new tissue around the damaged area. You can help this process along with a little selective pruning/cleaning.  Using a sharp knife or wood chisel, trim the wound area to remove dead bark so that it doesn't interfere with the callous or “wound wood” that will grow to compartmentalize the decay of the wound. If you are hesitant to attempt this yourself, you may want to hire a local tree service that employs Certified Arborists. The following link takes you to the Ohio Chapter of ISA where you can find certified arborists in/near Wood County.  https://ohiochapterisa.org/aws/OCISA/pt/sp/trees4ohio_find-an-arborist  Wound treatments such as paint, tar, or other commercial products are not recommended. The best response is to focus on maintaining plant vigor by watering during droughty conditions, alleviating compacted soils, and fertilizing trees that have poor growth. Here are two good articles about bark splitting and how to manage it. https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/SP683.pdf https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/documents/sp630.pdf  I hope this information helps and that your beech tree lives a long and healthy life.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 8:17 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for responding to my email. This was on my list of favorite trees and quite expensive. I didn’t want to do the wrong thing and hurt my tree even more and am so grateful you got back to me. You guys are awesome!!Denny Sent from my iPhone On Jul 17, 2023, at 11:11 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
What disease is affecting my watermelons?

Question: Yellowing around the edges of the leaves at the base of the plant started about a couple days ago. I'm worried its verticillium wilt because the symptoms appeared after the first flowers did.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 14, 2023, 9:15 AM EDT
response: David, I do not think you have verticillium wilt. I really suspect a nutrient deficiency - most likely potassium. Potassium is very mobile in the plant and will show up on the oldest leaves first. Nutrient deficiencies are difficult to diagnose on symptoms alone. Sometimes nutrient deficiencies are caused by watering practices where the soil is allowed to dry out too much between watering which impacts nutrient uptake. A plant tissue analysis in conjunction with a soil analysis is the only way to really nail down the deficiency. Each analysis can be performed by the Clemson Agricultural Service Lab. The problem is that sampling guidelines for watermelon indicates the sample should consist of 12 to 20 of the newest mature leaves (full-size, doesn't have to be from one plant). That sampling would not leave much foliage left on the plants. The soil analysis would at least tell you if nutrients are deficient in the soil. Your soil would be categorized as a soilless mix which requires a quart of soil. See information about soil and tissue sampling here: https://www.clemson.edu/public/regulatory/ag-srvc-lab/index.html  Samples can be turned in at the Greenville County Extension office https://www.clemson.edu/extension/co/greenville.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 8:51 AM EDT
response: I fed my plants/soil some composted egg shells/fruits/vegetables this week and saw an improvement. What I’m worried about now is a brown/black crack around the base of the plant and some cracks found up along the vines. The leaves are also curling heavily. I attached some pictures to this email for reference.On Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 9:15 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 24, 2023, 2:25 PM EDT
response: high temperatures and moisture stress. is the vine normally growing across that plastic lid, or did you just do that for taking the pictures? Moisture stress could be too much or too little - both cause plant to reduce water uptake. I am assuming there are drain holes in the plastic tub.
Larvae eating leaves of smoketree

Question: Attached are pictures I took today of larvae on the underside of smoketree leaves. They appear to be black and shiny. Many leaves are gone at the ends of branches, leaving only the center rib vein. Could these be sumac flea beetles covered with feces? Thank you

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 4:59 PM EDT
response: Additional photo

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied July 13, 2023, 9:31 PM EDT
response: Hello, Yes, those are most likely sumac flea beetle larvae as not many many beetle larvae feed on smoke tree. Best regards, Howard
Pine Trees Dying Slowly

Question: i have around 30 pine trees that are around 5-7 yrs old .  they were completely healthy trees a few years back, but over the past 2 years I have been losing 1 -2 at a time.  It seems like some branches turn brown, and then a few more over time, then after a while the entire tree is dead.  We get plenty of sun, no shade, and good water.  Any thoughts on what could be causing this?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 15, 2023, 12:57 PM EDT
response: White pines are a native Michigan tree and one of the best evergreen conifer trees to plant. They are quite tough, can grow in different soil types, and will withstand harsh climatic conditions, including drought. Because of their remarkable resilience, pine trees generally require very little maintenance.  White pines do loose their 3-year old needles each fall. They simply turn yellow and drop. These would be the needles closest to the trunk. This is normal.   If you are seeing no sign of insect damage or wounds on the trees, my first thought is that these trees may have been improperly planted. If, when planted, a burlap wrap or wire cage was left on the roots, the tree's roots will continue to grow around and around inside that enclosure until they eventually choke the tree, preventing the uptake of moisture and nutrients.  Removing the grass around the trunks and adding a 3-4" layer of mulch around them would be helpful. Be sure to keep the mulch 4-6" away from the trunks so as to help prevent entry of insects or diseases.    Pines are susceptible to various needle-drop diseases, but I see no evidence of that in your pictures. If entire limbs are turning brown and dying, one of these diseases may be present. The link below will help you ID these diseases and provide some control methods.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/why_are_my_pine_trees_turning_brown

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 11:42 AM EDT
response: here is a few more specifics.  these trees were planted from saplings so there is no wire or burlap.  i have attached a picture more closely.  from your reply i think it could be fungus.  what do you think?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 28, 2023, 11:14 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your updated picture which clearly shows the characteristic "shepherd's crook" symptom of damage by white pine weevils. The links below will give you information on this pest, tell you how to ID it, and what to do about it.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/white_pine_weevil_damage_on_conifers_is_causing_wilted_leaders  https://extension.psu.edu/white-pine-weevil  https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/correction-of-white-pine-weevil-injury/
Caterpillar id

Question: What caterpillar is this?  It's over 3" long.  Thank you.

responder: Jeramiha E.  Replied July 16, 2023, 7:38 PM EDT
response: Hi Kitty       The picture is a little blurry, but as far as I can tell. It looks to be an Abbott's Sphinx moth caterpillar. Sounds like a large one at that. They normally only get to about 3 inches. It turns into a fairly large moth though. Yet for a sphinx moth its actually fairly small. They are native to the United States and the southern Canada east of the great plains. An it sounds like here in Minnesota its favorite foods are grapevines and virginia creeper. Ill attach a couple links with some more information on the Abbots Sphinx moth.   Abbott's sphinx Sphecodina abbottii (Swainson, 1821) | Butterflies and Moths of North America Abbott’s Sphinx Moth - Field Station (uwm.edu) Caterpillars on ornamental plants | UMN Extension    I hope these links help you out! If you have any other questions or concerns. Please feel free to reach out to me or the extension. Happy Gardening!!!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 7:43 PM EDT
response: Thank you!On Sun, Jul 16, 2023, 6:38 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Home-Made Compost  Determine Maturity

Question: Hi, I make compost in my backyard with clean grass clippings and shredded tree leaves. My compost thermometer usually reads 160° to 170°F. For about four days after I start the pile. I usually turn the pile every few weeks when the temperature goes down . This time it was I was away for 6 weeks. It had ash inside and is very dark and crumbly. Q#1: How can I tell if it is mature? Q#2: when it’s mature, do I need to screen/sift it?  Q#3 what size mesh/screen do you recommend? Thank you.

responder: Beth Clawson MSU Extension Educator Natural Resources/Water Quality clawsonb@msu.edu Replied July 14, 2023, 9:44 AM EDT
response: Hello, Thank you for using Michigan State University Extension for your composting questions. When your compost is dark and crumbly you can screen it to a curing pile. A screen made from hardware cloth is most common, but you can screen your compost to any size you desire if you want a more course or a more fine product. Add the larger bits that are screened back to your regular compost bin. Let your compost cure and stabilize for 3-6 more weeks. Then it should be ready to use in any garden.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2023, 10:08 AM EDT
response: Dear Beth, thank you for your advice. It was exactly what I was looking for. I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer summer and coming fall. LMC1168Sent from my iPhone On Jul 14, 2023, at 9:44 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
What’s happening to this African violet house plant?

Question: What is affecting my African violet house plants? The white flecks are almost like snowflakes… they don’t appear to be moving or flying. Is this powdery mildew on the leaves? Or something else?  Also, what is the treatment/control? Thanks in advance.

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 14, 2023, 11:18 AM EDT
response: We don't think that is powdery mildew, but maybe the egg masses of a sucking insect called mealybugs, who often conceal themselves in a fluffy covering. You can try to pick those off with a toothpick. On other plants, a spray might be used but with the hairy-leaved African violet, we suggest the use of a granular systemic product labeled for houseplants that can be added to the soil.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 12:57 AM EDT
response: Your quick response really is appreciated and so helpful. Thank you!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 14, 2023, at 11:18 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 17, 2023, 2:30 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Backyard shrub and tree plantation

Question: I live in Eden Prairie MN and I am developing my backyard. My yard has some shade and some sunlight. I want to plant some small ornamental trees and some flowering shrubs. Can you please recommend. I can provide additional information, if needed. Thank you.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 13, 2023, 4:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. The preliminary steps go like this.  1. I can't tell the species of the hardwood tree from your picture.  If it is an ash, it is unlikely to last long.  Please send me a picture of the leave and any trunk damage that you see and I may be able to help assess this.  https://extension.umn.edu/tree-and-shrub-insects/emerald-ash-borers  2. I need to know which direction is north,  Use the compass on your cell phone and reshoot the pictures with a rake on the ground pointing straight north.   3. Sit on the place from which you are going to view this space. By the way, your next pictures should be shot from those spots with mid-afternoon sun. Put some hoses on the ground and start making some big sweeping bed outlines.  Many people make cramped beds that cling to fences or house foundations. Every time, you think you have it, sit for a couple days and let the new plan work on you, move the hoses.  4. Imagine elevations before you plant. A half dumptruck of dirts is a modest cost and offers to create more drama with tall plants on elevations and shorter plants down the slopes.  5. Consider a consultation from Metroblooms. Their courses are cheap and they have a network of people to draw on. https://metroblooms.org/  6, It is a pretty lot. There are many possibilities.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 11:02 AM EDT
response: My second question is regarding planting lush green grass. Currently the grass has lot of weeds and is not a good quality. What can I do to change the whole lawn into a lush green yard? Putting some topsoil and then seed it? Or putting new sod? I cannot afford more than few thousand dollars. Really appreciate your help. Note: The soil seems sandy.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 24, 2023, 11:45 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. Seeding is cheaper and more versatile than sod--more versatile in that you get to choose the varieties of grass.  Get a category 1 seed mix or mix it up your self. (Garden store). https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/renovating-lawn-quality-and-sustainability#seed First, you must establish that there are no slugs under the grass.  Slice off a top 1.5 inches of top soil and look for them.  In mid Sept begin reseeding.  Do not put any weed killer or preemergents crabgrass killer on your new grass for two years.   https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/renovating-lawn-quality-and-sustainability
Unsure of this bug

Question: Hi!  I just saw this large bug (maybe some type of beetle) on my back porch. I’m not familiar with it and I think it might have bitten me when I was trying to keep my dog away. Can you help me to identify it?

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 13, 2023, 4:56 PM EDT
response: This interesting find appears to be a Reddish-Brown Stag Beetle, a native insect seldom seen but which is widespread throughout the state. They don't bite people in the sense that they attack us, but those jaws certainly might pinch if used in self-defense. Their clawed feet can also feel prickly on the skin since they are used to grip tree bark, so might be mistaken for a bite. In either case, the adult beetles can be attracted to night lighting (street lights, porch lights, etc.), and their larvae feed harmlessly in rotting logs.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 6:01 PM EDT
response: Miri,Thank you so much for your quick response. This makes total sense now. Our neighbors cut down a very old and deteriorating pine tree yesterday and likely evicted this poor beetle. Thanks for helping me understand more about this little creature. KathyOn Thu, Jul 13, 2023 at 4:56 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 July 14, 2023, 8:57 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Wasp/Hornet Identification

Question: What kind of insect is this.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 13, 2023, 6:29 PM EDT
response: Paul, Thanks for the question. I am not an insect expert but that wasp looks very familiar. I believe it is scoliid wasp. I have many in my yard. That are not aggressive, in fact, they are quite gregarious. They solitary and nest in the ground. As a wasp they are carnivorous (feed on insects). The female finds a beetle grub, sting it and lays an egg. When the egg hatches it feeds on the grub. I believe they are feeding on Japanese Beetles in my yard. They are considered beneficial by most because they are not aggressive and they are reducing JBs.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 13, 2023, 8:33 PM EDT
response: Paul, It might be a Eastern Cicada Killer as Steve has suggested. Not an aggressive wasp either. Thanks, Paul

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 8:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your support of my back yard interests.  All sorts of exciting things out there to learn.