MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Maple seedlings yellow leaves

Question: Hi.  We are attempting to grow some Maple trees.  The seedlings seem to be doing pretty well, they were planted indoors in March.  However, we have a few with yellow leaves at the bottom.  We are wondering if it is a watering issue (too much, too little), are they root bound or is this just normal?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 03, 2024, 4:26 PM EDT
response: Hi Renee, From what I can see in the photo, I suspect one of two causes:  1. nitrogen fertilizer may be needed--yellowing of the older (lower) leaves is a typical early symptom.  Are you fertilizing the trees regularly?  2.  It could be too much watering, which could lead to the symptoms of nitrogen deficiency, even if soil nitrogen is adequate. I hope this is helpful! Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 5:36 PM EDT
response: Thanks John,We will give the trees some nitrogen and see if that helps.  Can't wait until they are big enough to go into the ground...and the grasshoppers leave.Renee NLord let us be favored by our brothers and sisters, Lord let us bathe our feet in oil, Lord let the bolts of our gates be iron and bronze, Lord let us have God given strength to equal the length of our days.  Duet 33:24   On Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 02:26:37 PM MDT, Ask Extension wrote:
Lawn fungus or other

Question: Could you tell me how to get rid of this yellow/white mass in my front lawn? It is approximately one foot in size. I initially sprayed with Round Up, waited a couple of days before I could manage to pull it out. The first photo is the mass I pulled out 8/22/24. The second and third photos were taken today 9/1 and show what has grown back. Thanks for any advice you can provide.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 03, 2024, 11:40 AM EDT
response: Hello,  Based on your images and description, you might be dealing with slime mold, a common occurrence in lawns. Slime molds often appear as bright yellow, white, or other colorful masses and can be startling. More information at these links:  Common fungi in yards and gardens | UMN Extension  Fungi in lawns getting interesting - MSU Extension  They do not harm your lawn, as they do not cause plant disease. More information at this link:  Common fungi in yards and gardens | UMN Extension  Causes  Slime molds thrive in moist, shaded areas and are often seen after periods of rain or overwatering. More information at this link:   Nostoc: The mysterious green jelly on your lawn - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)  They feed on decaying organic matter and can spread quickly under favorable conditions.  Treatment  Physical Removal: Rake, brush, or wash the slime mold off the affected area. This is usually sufficient as they do not harm the grass. More information at this link:  Common fungi in yards and gardens | UMN Extension  Improve Drainage: Ensure your lawn has good drainage to prevent excessive moisture, which can encourage slime mold growth. More information at this link:  Nostoc: The mysterious green jelly on your lawn - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)  Reduce Shade: Trim back any overhanging branches or plants that may be creating a shaded, moist environment. More information at this link:  Nostoc: The mysterious green jelly on your lawn - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)  Slime molds typically disappear once the weather becomes hot and dry. More information at this link:  Common fungi in yards and gardens | UMN Extension  For a confirmed and precise identification of this problem, I recommend you send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab.   The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options.  Their email is <personal data hidden>  Please include your name – The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent.  FYI – The lab may also ask for additional images.  Their website is at this link:  Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  Their Contact Information is at this link:  Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  This link will explain the details of submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:  Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 3:31 PM EDT
response: Thanks very much. I will pursue treatment options per the information provided.PattySent from my iPhone On Sep 3, 2024, at 11:40 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Little Henry Sweetspires Struggling

Question: Our Little Henry Sweetspires are not faring well. We planted them in fall 2019 and they did well for the first two years. Each year since, they have become more and more sparse and chlorotic looking. We added compost and soil acidifier to no avail. They face northeast and get morning sun. Is there anything else we can try to help them? Are we missing something?

responder: Thank you for contacting us!  Replied September 02, 2024, 3:36 PM EDT
response: Hello, thank you for contacting Ask Extension. I do have a few questions to ask to aid in giving you a complete answer. Are all of the plants watered by hand or a watering system? Do the leaves stay wet?  I noticed in your first picture that it looks like the ground slopes toward the porch. Does water pool there? Is there a downspout near this area?  Once I receive answers I can research accordingly.  thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 10:06 AM EDT
response: Hello!   We water by hand. The ground slopes a tiny bit toward the porch, but we’ve never had water pool there. There is no downspout in that location, but the shrubs sit at the top of a little hill at the front of the house, so there aren't water retention issues in that planting area (I’ve attached a photo from a few years ago that shows the incline).   Thank you for your help!   Margaret        From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Monday, September 2, 2024 3:36 PM To: margaretmason  Subject: Re: Little Henry Sweetspires Struggling (#0153563)

responder: Thank you for contacting us!  Replied September 03, 2024, 5:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the answers. After looking at your pictures, it appears that the plants do have leaf spot, but not sure if that is the reason for the sparseness of the shrubs. They do need more that just morning sun, 4-6 hours. Sweetspire does not like high fertility in growing, so I would not add anymore compost to the plants. It is possible that they have Phytophthora root rot. But that needs to be determined by a lab. I would recommend that you send a sample to MSU for determination of whether they have Phytophthora root rot or a disease causing the issues. You can go to Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu) to get more information on what to do.  I have included several publications for your reference,  https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/itea-virginica/ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/virginia-sweetspire/ https://extension.umd.edu/resource/virginia-sweetspire/arec.umd.edu/resource/virginia-sweetspire https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/phytophthora-root-and-crown-rot-in-the-garden/pest-notes/#gsc.tab=0 https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/phytophthora-root-and-stem-rot If we can be of further assistance, please contact us back.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 8:34 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for all of the helpful information!     Get Outlook for iOS  From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Tuesday, September 3, 2024 5:45:39 PM To: margaretmason  Subject: Re: Little Henry Sweetspires Struggling (#0153563)
What is the species of the volunteer sedge?

Question: Lawn removed ,turning into garden.  Prolific volunteer sedge seems to have ornamental potential..  Native? Useful as a ground cover? Noxious weed? 
-very low to ground, currently under 2 inches high
-distinct rosette clumps, currently about 8 inches in diameter. 
-nice rich green leaves.
-full sun, good soil
-seems fast growing (from seed?)

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 September 03, 2024, 12:32 PM EDT
response: We think it is a Cyperus spp. maybe Cyperus compressus? It is difficult to tell for sure which sedge with out being able to physically look at the seeds and we don't have a specialist for this.  You can experiment and see if it grows and spreads easily and other plants can come up in between it or if it ends up being too aggressive. You could also transfer some to a container to grow for a year so it doesn't spread to vigorously with out knowing how it behaves in a garden setting yet.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 5:19 PM EDT
response: ThanksOn Tue, Sep 3, 2024, 12:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Please help!! Hydrangea leaves turning brown after roof and house was soft washed.

Question: Hello - I have a row of Annabelle Hydrangea across the front of my house. Three days (today) after having the roof and house soft washed, my hydrangea leaves are turning brown. Are they going to be ok? What can I do? I would be so sad to lose them. Thank you so much for your help.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied September 01, 2024, 8:58 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Natasha,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  From viewing your photos, it appears your hydrangeas took a little beating from the water. This could also be the result of the wet weather we've had this summer and the recent storm. Since today is now September, they are also preparing for fall/winter.  They may be experiencing a leaf spot disease. Please click on the following link: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs If you scroll down, this information also includes management of leaf spot diseases of shrubs.  I believe they will be fine. You might consider pruning the hydrangeas in the spring. Here is another link:  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-hydrangeas-best-bloom Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 01, 2024, 9:08 AM EDT
response: Good morning Maureen,Thank you for looking at my pictures. The change in color on the leaves happened right after we had our house washed. Could it have been the bleach? If so should I cut them back now? I usually cut them down to about 3 feet for the winter and then to the ground in the spring. Is that ok to do? Thank you,Natasha On Sunday, September 1, 2024, 7:58 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied September 01, 2024, 9:19 AM EDT
response: Natasha,  I would hope that the house washers would not be using any chemicals that would kill any vegetation in gardens.  I would not cut back the shrubs now as they are still storing nutrients to make it through the winter.  Again, I would refer to the pruning hydrangeas link that I originally sent.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 01, 2024, 9:30 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much!!  Natasha Snyderc:<personal data hidden>    On Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 08:19:48 AM CDT, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied September 01, 2024, 9:33 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Chalcid wasp

Question: I have found many of the attached insect inside my house. Particularly they are concentrated in my 3 year old twins room on the second floor. We probably find 5 or so every time we enter the room for the past few days. Should I be worried about an infestation of something they are feeding on?

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 September 03, 2024, 4:05 PM EDT
response: According to our entomologist, this insect does appear to be some kind of wasp in the family Chalcididae (Chalcidid wasps), and based on the color patterns, it is likely the species Brachymeria podagrica. This species is commonly found indoors because it parasitizes a group of flies that are commonly known as filth flies (any fly species that is attracted to garbage, animal carcasses, or excrement). Sometimes the presence of this wasp species or filth flies indicates there is a dead animal or garbage nearby. You could look around an attic, basement, or outside near the house for a source of flies. Depending on the temperature, studies have shown the development period forB. podagrica is between 19 and 24 days. So their host, larval flies, would have to have been around approximately 3-4 weeks ago.  Regardless, these wasps are accidentally inside and there is no need to worry about an infestation. You are likely finding so many over a short period of time because a female wasp must have laid many eggs in fly larvae nearby and they are now emerging around the same time. This wasp species can lay multiple eggs in a single larval host. These wasps do not sting humans or pets and do not cause any kind of damage inside homes. Adult wasps would be seeking mates, nectar, and a host to lay their eggs in. The good news is they are helping to naturally control fly larvae nearby!  When you find these wasps indoors, you can try to encourage them back outdoors since they provide valuable pest control services (and they don't sting).  Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 8:46 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for this detailed and thoughtful response. I really appreciate the help you have given me!On Tue, Sep 3, 2024 at 4:05 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 September 04, 2024, 8:19 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Maple tree question

Question: My maple tree lost a large branch in a storm. At the break on the tree it is black. Is that normal?

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied August 31, 2024, 7:30 AM EDT
response: Hello Dave The black area could be an indication of rot and/or included bark. These weakened areas are prone to failure. Once rot has entered a tree trunk, usually through an old break, wound or pruning cut, it cannot be “cured”.  I recommend you have a certified arborist with the specialty of ‘tree risk assessment’ come on site and go over the whole tree. He or she will advise you whether the tree needs to be removed for safety or can be properly pruned and trimmed. Tree Risk Assessment is done by professionals with special training in the process. Certified arborists are trained and tested by the International Society of Arboriculture. Arborists with the designation “ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification” are who you would want.  To find a certified arborist search by ZIP Code and a list in your area will be displayed, with qualifications listed beside their names: http://www.treesaregood.org  Here are bulletins with more details on rot, included bark, and storm damage:  https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-or-w-01.pdf  https://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/holen/article/2013mar16.pdf  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/which_storm_damaged_trees_can_be_saved

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 02, 2024, 8:19 AM EDT
response: Thank you!On Aug 31, 2024, at 7:30 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Knotweed or less invasive plant?

Question: We live in Holland, MI and have a large bush growing in a mostly sunny area which Picture This identified as Japanese Knotweed. But it has pink/purple flowers vs the white I see in pics. Then I see there is a dwarf and "lesser" version with pink flowers but I can't tell if those are invasive. Can you help me identify? We would love to let it go if it's not harmful, but it looks so healthy, we think it might be invasive. If it is, can you confirm cutting + careful application of glyphosate is the best option? THANKS for your help!

responder: V/r,  Replied August 31, 2024, 8:36 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, There is a small horticultural variety of Japanese knotweed called 'compacta' that can have pink flowers; this variety can grow up to 3 feet tall.  See attach for control methods. Non-native knotweeds: Japanese, Bohemian, and Giant knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum, P. x bohemicum, and P. sachalinese) | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 31, 2024, 12:25 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for your help! Your assistance is greatly appreciated.Elizabeth  On Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 08:36:39 AM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: V/r,  Replied August 31, 2024, 5:13 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.  Good Luck!
Frog Identification

Question: Hello Extension Service Expert,
Please let me know if you identify frogs. I think the attached photos of the same frog show a bullfrog, but I'm not sure. I searched on the Web and see so many variations in the Maryland bullfrog photos that I'm amazed they are all considered bullfrogs.
Best regards,
Germaine

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 September 03, 2024, 10:43 AM EDT
response: Hi - This is an American Green Frog. Sometimes they have a mottled, spotted skin while others are bronzish-green and some are bright green. They can be quite varied.  Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 11:36 AM EDT
response: Thank you for letting me know, Christa. I realize now the difficulty scientists can have in classifying certain plants and animals.Best regards,Germaine Timmermans On Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 10:43:52 AM EDT, Ask Extension 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 September 03, 2024, 11:41 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
What to do about sooty mold on milkweed?

Question: We have a bed of milkweed that has turned black; we believe it has sooty mold. The patch is right next to our vegetable garden, and the sooty mold has spread to our watermelon plants. We would like to continue to grow milkweed next year in the same spot. Considering that, is it advisable to cut the milkweed plants down to ground level right now? Or is it too early to do this, and have them come back healthy next year? Is there something else you'd recommend? How can we help the watermelon plants? The milkweed patch is 2-3 years old and the plants have green seed pods on them.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 03, 2024, 7:13 AM EDT
response: It is a bit early to cut back your milkweed plants. I would recommend you wait until late fall and then cut them back to about 6 inches in height. It appears from one of the photos that aphids are most likely the cause of the mold problem. You can treat milkweed mold with a neem oil.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 1:34 PM EDT
response: Thank you! On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Dear Kimberly, here's the response to your question: It is a bit early to cut back your milkweed plants. I would recommend you wait until late fall and then cut them back to about 6 inches in height. It appears from one of the photos that aphids are most likely the cause of the mold problem. You can treat milkweed mold with a neem oil.  Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0153466  We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 07, 2024, 7:50 AM EDT
response: You are welcome.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 08, 2024, 8:49 AM EDT
response: Even though it is late in the year, there may be some lingering caterpillars  on your milkweed plants. So, a better alternative to using neem oil which is toxic to the caterpillars would be to use water to spray off the aphids which are causing the sooty mold because of their honey dew secretions. Below is an extension bulletin with more information on this subject. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-milkweed-insects/
Oak gall wasps

Question: I live in Fort Collins and have a young Bur Oak; about 5 years old that I grew from an acorn. A couple weeks ago I noticed an alarming amount of wasp activity on the lower branches; the branches have many galls that appeared rapidly. I set some wasp traps very close to the tree and gave caught a lot of them, but still have wasps near the lower branches two weeks later. What should I do? Should I prune those branches immediately or wait till spring? Should I cut galls off? Should I spray the tree with something? should I wait until I don’t notice active wasp activity? Your advice would be very much appreciated; thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 30, 2024, 5:49 PM EDT
response: The galls are produced by an insect known as the oak rough bulletgall wasp.  Attached is some information on the insect.  One of the unusual things about this insect is that it not only makes a gall (the round growth on the twigs induced by the developing insect) but that the surface of the gall exudes a sweet fluid.  It is this sweet material that then attracts myriad other insects that feed on it - including flies, beetles, bees and wasps.  As for control, it is difficult.  There are no insecticides that have ever been found to work.  However, this appears to be a small tree, so it is possible that handpicking the galls can work.  If you are removing the galls the time to do it is in late summer/early autumn - before the adult insects emerge.  With this insect the adults may emerge by mid-October, cutting their way out and making a small hole.  So right now, and for the next few weeks, it is the best time to remove the galls.    If you do hand remove the galls, discard them away from the tree.  At this point in time the insects may be able to complete development within the gall after it is removed, so do not just drop them on the ground.    If you see more next year, repeat.  I think since your tree is small this could have long-term effects, particularly if the tree is not in close proximity (a few dozen yards or so) from another bur oak that does have galls.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2024, 7:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much; this is really helpful information!Sent from my phone. Please excuse the brevity, spelling, and punctuation.On Fri, Aug 30, 2024 at 3:49 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: