MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Hydrangea with aster yellows?

Question: My hydreangea tree has not flowered last year, and this year all the leaves emerged misshapen, curled up, and oddly colored.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 28, 2023, 1:01 PM EDT
response: Do I need to remove it and any other hydreangas near by that show the same curled leaves? I see them in 2 other  hydreangas.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied May 29, 2023, 1:51 PM EDT
response: Kate, This looks to be a hydrangea that has been grafted onto a trunk standard.  The symptoms could be due to winter injury. It does not look like aster yellows or something that would spread to other hydrangeas. It does look like the branches and leaves are not getting good circulation from the trunk.  If so, it will not be long-lived so you may choose to replace it. It may also be winter damage. It is planted next to a brick wall with stones on its roots. That can relate a very hot environment for shrubs when the winter sun is bright.  When did you purchase it and did you purchase it from a nursery? If so, it may be under warranty if it was within the last couple years. Check with them.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2023, 2:25 PM EDT
response: Thank you. It did spread to 3 other hydreangas this spring.  We pulled all of them and plan to burn them. From what I can tell, it looks exactly like Aster Yellows on a hydreangea. These plants have been in place blooming successfully since 2014, with no change in site location. On Mon, May 29, 2023, 12:51 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied May 29, 2023, 5:11 PM EDT
response: Kate, It could possibly be Aster Yellows but there is no way to be sure without sending one in for testing. Unfortunately, whether it is a virus, aster yellows or failing graft the result is the same. Removing the plant and replanting something else. Aster  yellows would usually present itself as malformed flowers the first year, and since you said it didn't flower at all last year that led me to the graft failure.  I did find this info from a plant pathologist from 2018. The following is the response from the Extension plant pathologist. I think the main point of her message is that viruses and aster yellows are both potential infections of hydrangea and you are not seeing anything terribly unusual."There are several viruses that are known to infect hydrangeas and aster yellows has been identified in hydrangea as well. Both virus in hydrangea and aster yellows occur in Minnesota. In order to determine which pathogen is causing the problem, she would need to submit a sample to the UMN Plant Disease Clinic (https://pdc.umn.edu). I agree that this is unlikely due to poor soil nutrition or low light. Malformed flowers and unusual growth can occur with both virus and AY infections. The recommendation for management of both diseases is the same, remove the infected plants and compost all plant material. Purchase a healthy plant from a reputable nursery as a replacement. As a result she will have to decide if it is worth the cost of the diagnosis to know what the problem is before she removes the plants..
Small beetle on leaves of dogwood tree

Question: There is a small beetle on the underside of many of my dogwood leaves. They’re kind of black and cream colored and at first I thought they were baby lady bugs but when I looked closer they had no dots or red on them. They don’t seem to be eating the leaf and it is usually yone beetle per leaf. Can somebody help identify this beetle as I’m not sure whether I should try and get rid of it or leave it alone. I am attaching a picture.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied May 30, 2023, 1:15 PM EDT
response: Hi Karlyn, Those are a different type of ladybug (Order: Coleoptera, Family: Coccinellidae) called a fungus-eating ladybug (Psyllobora vigintimaculata or Psyllobora borealis). Unlike most other ladybugs, they feed on fungus (especially powdery mildew on plant leaves), rather than feeding on other insects. They won't harm your plants at all, so you can leave them in peace.  Best wishes! Yours,

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 5:32 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the response! I’m so glad I didn’t try to get rid of them.  Thanks, Karlyn   On May 30, 2023, at 10:15 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿
Bee on daisy flower

Question: I saw this bee on a garden daisy in a neighbor's yard. BugGuide suggested it could be in the family of leaf-cutter bees.

responder: Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied May 30, 2023, 12:44 PM EDT
response: Hi Evelyn,  It looks like a Megachilie male. As I mentioned previously, you should load these up to iNaturalist so that the photo voucher is captured and available to researchers.   Andony

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 10:10 PM EDT
response: Okay - will do EvOn Tue, May 30, 2023 at 9:44 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Arborvitae stress

Question: Can someone please advise me on whether this bush will recover or if it will die.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied May 28, 2023, 1:00 PM EDT
response: It will live, but do you know why it has dead sections on one side? Was there excessive salt spray from a nearby road? A lot of wind during the winter? Do you have neighbors who spray pesticides on their property and the wind drifts it over to your side? Note the dead section may not regrow. I would not remove the tree unless it still looks this way in the fall.  This web site may help.   https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/arborvitae/foliageturnsbrown.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 11, 2023, 2:42 PM EDT
response: The tree is in my backyard, so the only thing it could’ve been exposed to is high winds. I have 3 others that are healthy. Does cutting off the dead parts help or harm it?Thanks for your help. On Sun, May 28, 2023 at 12:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 11, 2023, 4:33 PM EDT
response: Cutting off the dead leaves is not going to affect the rest of the tree. However, you may have open areas where the dead branches were removed.  I have an enlarge feature on this computer and I think I can see some tiny bits of green inbetween the damaged leaves. Be sure to cut carefully removing only what is dead. I don't know if the live branches will spread to cover the open area or not.
Niobe Weeping Willow

Question: I noticed my willow tree had sap running down so went to inspect it and woodpeckers have picked holes all around it. Is the tree going to die?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 29, 2023, 9:35 PM EDT
response: Hi, It doesn't look good from the photos.  https://extension.psu.edu/do-woodpeckers-damage-your-trees#:~:text=Woodpeckers%20are%20native%20birds%20that,and%20to%20create%20nesting%20sites. I think I would try tying hardware cloth (a type of wire mesh fencing) around the tree where they are pecking.  It's sort of a "wait and see" game now. The tree might make it depending on how deep the holes are. That being said, I would go ahead and plant another tree because this tree is stressed  and vulnerable to all sorts of problems now. Best of luck, Sally Granath, MG St. Louis County

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 29, 2023, 9:43 PM EDT
response: Hi, It doesn't look good from the photos.  https://extension.psu.edu/do-woodpeckers-damage-your-trees#:~:text=Woodpeckers%20are%20native%20birds%20that,and%20to%20create%20nesting%20sites. I think I would try tying hardware cloth (a type of wire mesh fencing) around the tree where they are pecking.  It's sort of a "wait and see" game now. The tree might make it depending on how deep the holes are. That being said, I would go ahead and plant another tree because this tree is stressed  and vulnerable to all sorts of problems now. Best of luck, Sally Granath, MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
response: We found lots of these bugs in every hole today. Are they doing the damage and the woodpeckers are just after them? We hung CD’s and tinfoil trying to keep the woodpeckers away but we noticed new holes further up in the tree. I’m afraid we’re going to lose it. Sent from my iPhone On May 29, 2023, at 8:35 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2023, 9:26 AM EDT
response: They have to be some type of wood boring beetle but I'm not sure which one. I want to send this photo out to more MG's, I'm sure somebody will know what it is. https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7422 This next link might be helpful because I think the same control methods should apply; https://extension.umn.edu/tree-and-shrub-insects/metallic-wood-boring-beetles I still think your tree is doomed and encourage you to plant another species. The droughts that we are experiencing  are really stressing trees. https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/common-pest-problems/documents/Bronze%20Birch%20Borer%20.pdf Finally, the more birds you can attract the better off you  are because they will eat the grubs. Sally
Plant Identification

Question: Hi, I am hoping you can help me identify the plant in the 2 attached pictures. It always grows in a certain part of my lawn which has a lot of sun. It seldom grows more than a couple of inches in height. I've not been able to find it in any of my plant books. Regards, Mark Larson

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied May 28, 2023, 10:00 PM EDT
response: Does it bloom?  If so, what color are the flowers and at what time of year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 10:45 AM EDT
response: It has not bloomed yet.  I think there are small yellow flowers. I also see this plant a lot in between the seams in sidewalks.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied May 31, 2023, 6:02 PM EDT
response: It might be Mouse Ear Chickweed.  Please browse through the weeds in this link to see what matches.  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/weed/idlist.html#CBellflower
Bug in bathroom sink.

Question: Hello, I was in the bathroom and saw these bugs in the sink. In the photos they are on their backs and were struggling to turn themselves over.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 11:54 PM EDT
response: Also I just wanted to add that. I don’t necessarily need exact identification. I just want to make sure that these bugs are not something serious like a bed bug or flea.

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied May 30, 2023, 9:58 AM EDT
response: Hello Jacob, I can't make out what that beetle is from the photo. You can send it to me if you like.  To preserve and protect fragile specimens, it’s always best to submit insects in a small leak proof vial filled with rubbing alcohol or vinegar (the postal service prefers you send them in vinegar). Place the vial 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
Fruit tree has problem.

Question: I have an Ume plum tree that is my favorite tree. It got shriveled branches during the drought . We cut it back. It was healthy last year but no fruit. This year it bloomed magnificently and fruited and now several branches seem to be dying again. I would love to save the tree if I can but don't know how to care for it. Can you help me?

responder: marjorie n. OSU Ext. Master Gardener Replied May 30, 2023, 1:00 PM EDT
response: My suspicion is that you have not been following a regular spray program and that your tree is now suffering from pseudomonas, which is a blight that affects stone fruits. Winter sprays such as fixed copper when applied early  in fall before the rains are heavy, followed by a second spray after January 1. You can't do much about the problem now, but spraying  next fall may help your tree. Pruning dead or obviously infected branches, leaves and fruit will help now, but not cure the problem. Please consult the Plant Clinic at the Extension Office, taking along your photos or a sample, for further  information. The clinic is at 569 Hanley Rd., (Rte/ 238) Central Point. Please call ahead to inquire about hours of service,<personal data hidden>.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 3:34 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your prompt response!  On Tue, May 30, 2023 at 10:00 AM Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: marjorie n. OSU Ext. Master Gardener Replied May 30, 2023, 4:02 PM EDT
response: You are most welcome. I hope you can save your tree.
problem with dogwood tree

Question: I trimmed my dogwood tree last year to get rid of dead branches.  I now have more dead branches and I am wondering what I should do to save the tree.  There is a lot of young growth around the big tree.

responder: MJ Replied May 27, 2023, 8:43 PM EDT
response: Hello, This could be the result of drought damage or disease. You can cut out the dead branches, but I’d go to this page first to see if your plant has other problems: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/dogwood/branchesdeadordying.html If we have another very dry summer make sure you regularly water the dogwood. Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 28, 2023, 12:37 PM EDT
response: My tree is on the edge of a pond so I didn't think I would have to water it. In the Fall, I plan to cut it down to about half it's size and hope the early shoots will grow. Thank you for your information.   Get Outlook for Android  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Saturday, May 27, 2023 7:43:12 PM To: dsufka <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: problem with dogwood tree (#0102272)

responder: MJ Replied May 28, 2023, 12:50 PM EDT
response: You’re welcome! This is a good guide from the U for a renewal pruning of your dogwood.  Renewal pruning for older or overgrown shrubs Every year remove up to one-third of the oldest, thickest stems or trunks, taking them right down to the ground. This will encourage the growth of new stems from the roots.Once there are no longer any thick, overgrown trunks left, switch to standard pruning as needed. Rejuvenation pruning for older or overgrown shrubs Deciduous shrubs that have multiple stems (cane-growth habit), and that have become very overgrown or neglected can be rejuvenated by cutting all canes back as close to the ground as possible in early spring. That season's flowers may be sacrificed but the benefits from bringing the plants back to their normal size and shape outweigh this temporary collateral damage.  This pruning technique works best for shrubs such as overgrown spirea, forsythia, cane-growth viburnums, honeysuckle and any other multiple stemmed shrubs that are otherwise healthy. Within one growing season, these shrubs will look like new plantings, full and natural shaped Hope this helps.
What's eating my apples?

Question: This is happening on our mature McIntosh and Honeygold trees.  Never had this before. It's eating both leaves and fruit.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 9:12 PM EDT
response: Additional comments:  I don't see any bugs now, but there is a sticky residue in some places.  I normally thin and bag the apples, which I've just started doing with the apples that remain.

responder: MJ Replied May 28, 2023, 8:39 AM EDT
response: Hi, This looks like leafroller damage. In home gardens the recommendation is usually to tolerate the damage unless it is severe.  If you follow the apple link here there is more information:  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/apple/ Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 28, 2023, 4:06 PM EDT
response: Yup, sounds like what I'm seeing.  Thanks!

responder: MJ Replied May 28, 2023, 4:07 PM EDT
response: You’re welcome!
Curling Spinach Leaves

Question: I have some spinach leaves that are discoloring and curling.  It is spreading in the planter box where I have my spinach.  Any disagnostic insight is appreciated.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 11:49 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Hiroshi.  I am having difficulty viewing your photos.  Are you able to attach them in a different format?  Here is a list of the diseases that are found in spinach:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-and-disease-descriptions?title=spinach Looking forward to seeing pictures!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 10:30 PM EDT
response: Please let me know if these photos are any better.  Thank you.  Hiroshi TakeoMobile:<personal data hidden>Skype: htakeo1   On Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 08:49:49 AM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 10:30 PM EDT
response: Please let me know if these photos are any better.  Thank you.  Hiroshi TakeoMobile:<personal data hidden>Skype: htakeo1   On Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 08:49:49 AM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 11:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Hiroshi!  Because the disease has progressed so far, and you don't have photos of the earlier stages of the disease, we can limit the potential diagnoses to the following:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/spinach-spinacia-oleracea-leaf-spot, and https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/spinach-spinacia-oleracea-stemphylium-leaf-spot.   Do you have any other information that could help us pinpoint which of these is more probable?
Big tooth maple

Question: I planted the attched big tooth maple October 2022. I seems to be doing great but I noticed the brown leaves as shown on the attached pictures. is this natural? Thank you

responder: Travis County Master Gardeners  Replied May 28, 2023, 3:15 PM EDT
response: Hi Frank,  Overall your big tooth maple looks very green and healthy, so you should not be overly concerned about a few dead leaves. I recommend removing them for appearance sake, then keep an eye on the tree to make sure it is putting on new spring growth.  If the problem persists, it could reflect something more serious such as overwatering causing root rot or a fungal infection, at which point you would be advised to bring in an arborist.  Liz S

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 28, 2023, 3:54 PM EDT
response: Thank you. From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Sunday, May 28, 2023 2:15 PMTo: Frank B Falkstein <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Big tooth maple (#0102232)
What is this?

Question: I found 2 of these cotton ball looking things on a small oak tree.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 9:59 AM EDT
response: Hello Kathleen,  This is WOOL SOWER GALL!  Magnificent find.   A tiny wasp lays an egg in the flower bud of the oak. The secretions of the larva induce the plant to grow this growth that acts as a home and protection for the developing wasp!  Not a problem. By the time. you notice them, it's too late to control or prevent.  Oaks have MANY species of galls that form from small wasps and other insects.    https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/wool-sower-gall-wasp  I would love to use these photos for a blog post if you give permission.   Thanks for sharing!  Cheers!  - Ashley K.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 12:36 PM EDT
response: I give permission to use my photos On Tue, May 30, 2023 at 9:59 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 12:36 PM EDT
response: Thank you and you have permission to use my photos!On Tue, May 30, 2023 at 9:59 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Honeycrisp apple

Question: Hi, what causes the little black dots on my Honeycrisp apples?  You can also see in the picture the apple is not round but dis-formed. Do you know what causes this?

Thank you
Eric

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied May 28, 2023, 8:06 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Eric,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Please click on the following link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about growing apples in the home garden: https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples#seasonal-damage-1143613 Are all the fruits deformed? Here is a link to "What's wrong with my plant?" from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/apple/  You did not indicate if there is a problem with the leaves or only the fruit. Please work through the "Choose a symptom" . There are several pests and diseases that could be affecting your tree. Please review this information with your other symptoms for a possible answer.  I hope this points you in the right direction for your tree.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2023, 1:48 PM EDT
response: Hi MaureenThanks for your advice. EricSent from my iPhone On May 28, 2023, at 7:06 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied May 30, 2023, 8:13 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Leaf distortion on English cucumbers

Question: Leaf distortion on English cucumbers , no visible signs of insects or insect damage

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 30, 2023, 8:34 AM EDT
response: Hi- the leaf distortion is most likely due to a virus. They can be seed-borne but are usually spread by insect feeding. Viruses are systemic and plants don't outgrow the damage. Plant removal is the best approach.  https://extension.umn.edu/disease-management/cucurbit-viruses  You can find disease-resistant vegetable cultivars at this Cornell U. site: https://www.vegetables.cornell.edu/pest-management/disease-factsheets/disease-resistant-vegetable-varieties/  Herbicides can produce similar symptoms. If herbicides were the cause of the symptoms, you would expect to see symptoms on adjacent plants from different plant families.   Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 8:42 AM EDT
response: Thanks!On Tue, May 30, 2023 at 8:34 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: