MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Kwazan Cherry - Something Eating Leaves

Question: We have a well established ... 30 + y/o, Kwazan Cherry. Had a normal bloom cycle and we started noticing dead leaf clusters. A closer look showed many/most leaves with holes. Some look like leaf-cutter bee holes and others  have just "turned to lace" with very little left to the leaf. We cut off the most diseased branch.

Please help identify and recommend further action. 

Thank you
Ken

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 22, 2023, 12:10 PM EDT
response: Hi Ken,  Some of this could be leaf cutter bees, or possibly leaf beetle feeding, but a lot of it looks like shot hole disease.  Some years it can be worse than others and pruning the stems is a good idea. The disease isn't usually lethal to the trees but a sever case can cause the plants to defoliate by mid summer. There really isn't a recommended treatment for it since it can be difficult to control on large trees. If you have great concern, you can always consult with an arborist since they will have the tools necessary to reach the entire canopy of the tree should a treatment be deemed necessary. The link provided will help you find one for your area.  If you have further questions about it, please let us know.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 3:38 PM EDT
response: Thank you.-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 5/22/23 12:10 PM (GMT-05:00) To: kkessler10 <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Kwazan Cherry - Something Eating Leaves (#0100862)

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 23, 2023, 10:00 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Does mondo grass have fungal infection?

Question: My Mondo grass has brown tips.that seem to be progressing down the blade. I had one patch that was all brown; it pulled out of the ground easily. Can I treat it?

I also have an ornmanetla grass which has brown spots.

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 22, 2023, 11:54 AM EDT
response: Hi,  For both the Carex and the mondo grass, we would recommend to try to cut back a lot of the foliage, and if you can you can try to divide some of the plants. Any of the dead or rotten clumps you should remove.  Most of this is probably winter damage, but there could be a little crown rot in the roots/foliage and possibly some anthracnose in the Mondo Grass and dividing and cutting with help air that out.  This will be more beneficial than spraying anything.  Let us know if you have further questions about this. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 4:26 PM EDT
response: Thank you. Given the quantity, the mondo grass will be hard to divide but I can mow it. On Mon, May 22, 2023 at 11:54 AM 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 23, 2023, 10:02 AM EDT
response: Mowing should help! Basically just drying out the leaves and cleaning up the debris will help if it is anthracnose or to increase air flow for any crown rot.
Viburnum pest?

Question: Can you tell me what is happening to some of my viburnum leaves? they appear to be closed up to form a kind of pouch and are wrinkled.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 21, 2023, 4:52 PM EDT
response: HI, Wow, wish I could see it in person. It looks like an insect has made a cocoon in each leaf. Have you tried unrolling the leaves ? Is there anything inside ? Sally Granath, MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 5:03 PM EDT
response: Hi Sally, That sensible suggestion only occurred to me AFTER I sent my question in. Here is the photo I took. I used a magnifying glass on the black and brown dots (actually a printer's loop) but they didn't seem to be moving. there are teeny holes in the inner leaves; maybe whatever it was is gone? I checked several pouches and they are all similar.On Sun, May 21, 2023 at 3:52 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Mugo pine needle loss

Question: I have a mugo pine that is infested and treated for pinesaw flies nearly every spring.  However, this past winter, a large portion of the middle of the mugo pine lost its needles (similar to pinesaw fly devastation, but in the middle of winter).  Any ideas on what happened?  What can I do to treat it?  Do i need to cut out the affected portion?  Will the mugo pine rebound?  Thanks in advance for any help/advice you can provide.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied May 19, 2023, 11:37 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. I need a couple more pictures.   a close up of a dead branch at the place near the bottom where the death started.  a close up of a not completely dead candle so I can see how the needles are dying.  Thank you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 9:53 AM EDT
response: Hope these help.  If they’re not what you need, let me know.  Thanks for your help!Sent from my iPhone On May 19, 2023, at 10:37 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied May 21, 2023, 10:35 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing back. The pictures are a bit blurred but in the center one, I think I see the signs of Dothistroma needle blight https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/dothistroma-needle-blight  The link has a lot of suggestions.  For now, it appears that your evergreens are too crowded; the smaller one in front needs air.  I would cut away the entire dead part, clean up under the plant, and hope for the best.  The Plant Clinic could examine a sample of the plant if you wish for a fee.
Bees

Question: I noticed these bees gathered in my birdhouse yesterday. I think they’re nesting. They have a yellow/orange color on their midsection (I think). Never seen this type of bee, so was wondering what kind is it, and should I just let them be (no pun intended ). Looking forward to your response, thank you!

responder: Anna Ashby, Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener   Replied May 19, 2023, 10:15 PM EDT
response: Hi, It is difficult to identify insects from photos taken at a distance. Most likely the bees that have taken up residence in your birdhouse are bumblebees. Some bumblebees do have orange bands on their bodies.  Here is a "Pocket Guide for Bumblebee Identification" from the Xerces Society.  Yes, just leave them to go about their business and enjoy hosting a bumblebee colony this summer.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 20, 2023, 11:34 AM EDT
response: Thanks, Anna….here’s a better photo for your viewing enjoyment! Have a great day…MarleneSent from my iPhone On May 19, 2023, at 7:15 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Anna Ashby, Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener   Replied May 20, 2023, 10:40 PM EDT
response: Hi Marlene, Those bees are striking. It will be fun to watch them this summer and to see which flowers they like.   Here's another link for bumblebee identification from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
Fence posts/Fence near mature trees? Help!

Question: Dear master gardner,

I would very much like to install a 6-foot tall wooden privacy fence around my urban backyard, but there are two mature trees exactly on the property line I share with my neighbor. I'm worried about sinking postholes and posts for a fence near these old trees, as I don't want to risk damaging them. I would be very grateful for any advice on the best way to bring a fence up to the side of each of these plants without harming either of them. In particular, I worry that a posthole would severely damage roots, which spread in all directions. Conversely, I worry that if I anchor the fence to the trees themselves, those anchors will harm the tree. Please let me know the best practice here!

Relatedly, once a fence is in, I'd like to plant a number of shrubs in front of them; is there anything to worry about with regard to tree roots here?

Thanks so much for any advice!

responder: Kathy M.  Replied May 19, 2023, 4:43 PM EDT
response: Hello! Thank you for your question as well as the pictures.  The pics help me understand your situation better.  The short answer is yes, there is potential for tree damage. As you pointed out, there are reasons for concern and it's wise of you to think your plan through before proceeding.   Two things jumped out at me from your pictures. The first is the large pile of soil, potentially smothering the tree roots beneath it.  The second is the old wire fence imbedded in one of the trees.   https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGsmhWjBjFjsBpPFwTmLMTtLmQV?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1  This link may help you understand more fully how trees grow above and beneath the soil.  I recommend getting an ISA certified arborist on your property to assess your particular situation before proceeding further.  This may be a cost you were not anticipating (although some ISA cert. arborists will do a free visit)  Trees are valuable assets so you will most likely save money on the long term by using their expertise.  He or she can also advise on planting shrubs or changing your planting plan to a less intrusive one.  The link below will be helpful in choosing an arborist near you.  https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist  This is the website for the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)  Thank you again for contacting the Ask a Master Gardener online service. All the best in this challenging project!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 6:27 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for your help! I'll contact an arborist.

responder: Kathy M.  Replied May 22, 2023, 12:26 PM EDT
response: Hello Adrian Your are very welcome! Happy backyard reno  :-)
Bumps on kale

Question: My kale was planted from seed about a month ago and this morning I noticed all these little bumps on the leaves. Is this a disease of some sort?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 19, 2023, 10:06 AM EDT
response: Hi Janice, thanks for the question. If you look closely, these little bumps have hairs coming out of them.  These features are known as trichomes (aka plant hairs) that play a role in plant protection.  They are normal in kale. I hope this is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 2:32 PM EDT
response: Thank you! That is a relief!On May 19, 2023, at 10:07 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Orange leaves on boxwood

Question: Our boxwood has lots of new growth and looks healthy EXCEPT that the leaves on the interior of the plant have turned yellowish orange and some are falling off. Do you know what might have caused this and whether there is something we can or should be doing about 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 May 19, 2023, 2:44 PM EDT
response: This looks like typical spring leaf drop to us right now, however you can explore our Boxwood Diagnostic Page  to examine the leaves more closely and see if you notice any other signs or symptoms, Please feel free to reach out or send additional photos.  You can also refer to our Boxwood Pruning Guide  (video at the bottom of the page) to properly prune and thin boxwoods for optimal health.  Do you know what variety they are? Some are more disease resistant than others.  Please let us know if we can help further.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 2:52 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much, Emily.
Parsley Problem

Question: Hi! I'm wondering if you could help diagnose what's going on with my parsley plant. It's been sitting in my sunny kitchen window, above my sink for well over a year. It has been growing very well! At first, I was able to cut and use the parsley. Then it started developing white spots. I tried cutting it back to see if that would help. A few leaves seem to grow back "clean", but mostly it just grew back with spots. I'm afraid to eat it, of course. But would sure like to know what's wrong and if there's anything I can do about it. Or, if I end up buying a new parsley plant, how can I prevent this from happening again. Thanks so much for any help you can provide!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 19, 2023, 11:24 AM EDT
response: Hi, Parsley is a biennial so during year one, it grows  foliage which you harvest and in year two it wants to flower, seed seed and die. So, the leaf flavor is less intense in year 2 as parsley is on its way out,   Generally people will discard the old plant and buy new.  So, your plant may have issues with thrips or something else, but it may not be worth it to worry over. Let it flower for bees to enjoy and replace it with new parsley for culinary purposes. Sue

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 3:14 PM EDT
response: That's quite helpful Sue. Thank you! I really appreciate your response.  Off to buy a new parsley plant, and leave the old one outside near the garden :-) Hope you have a great weekend!  Take care, Karen

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 19, 2023, 3:57 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
dead branches on top of Japanese maple

Question: My 7/8' tall Japanese maple was healthy last year. This spring, it leafed out nicely except for the top 18" all of which is dead. Some possible factors: I covered the area immediately around its base with water-permeable weed block covered by a layer of river stone. I also sprinkled a bit of morganite under that. The larger surrounding area was covered in cardboard, then 2" of topsoil into which I planted strawberries. Strawberries are doing fine.

What have I done wrong and is it remediable? How far into the green should I trim off the dead branches?

Thank you

Jim Hala

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied May 23, 2023, 2:01 PM EDT
response: Hi Jim,  I don't suspect you have done anything wrong, Japanese Maple are just not the most adaptable for the high desert and it is common for them show dieback and be short lived in the high desert environment.  Those they seem to be thriving on often in very protected sites from wind, harsh sun.  Prune back to the where the new growth is coming out and it should recover okay.    Thanks

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 5:08 PM EDT
response: thank you! On Tue, May 23, 2023 at 11:01 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Oregon Grape Berry

Question: Thanks Joan N for your quick response. I pruned the Oregon Grape Berry of all the dead leaves from winter cold. There are a lot of dark areas on the stems, and even where the new leaves are emerging. Is this normal or are the dark spots some disease. Also, can all of the new growth (suckers or not?) be transplanted to another area?

responder: Joan N.  Replied May 19, 2023, 5:20 PM EDT
response: Hello again! (If I knew your first name I could greet you properly!) Again, I believe it is part of the winter desiccation. However, you can make a few observances of the dark areas.  Is there any oozing? Does the branch bend easily or break off with a gently bending? Is there presence of insects? Since you see new growth, it is likely that these areas are of no concern. I am not currently at home, however I will also be looking for this on my Oregon grape holly. I go through this pruning every year and this tough shrub keeps getting bigger and bigger! Read more here Regarding replanting of the suckers, it is suggested in this article, page 8, that this plant is difficult to move. However, regarding propagation, I have not yet found anything specific to this species (Mahonia repens). You could always try it by potting it up in a growing medium and see if roots will grow. By the way, did you know this plant is a native? If I find anything regarding this, I will reply. Sincerely,

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 7:37 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much. My name is Camille. I will work on your recommendations.On Fri, May 19, 2023, 3:20 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
ID for bees collecting pollen on daisy flowers

Question: iI was wondering what species of bees these are - seen collecting pollen on a daisy flower May 16 in a Eugene urban garden. One bee is smaller than the other, though both look similar in body pattern.

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 19, 2023, 3:05 PM EDT
response: Hi Evelyn,   Good eye. They are both sweat bee from the genus Halictus,. The larger is likely Halictus farinosus and the smaller, H. ligatus.  Andony

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 10:15 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the ID's   BugGuide also ID'd the larger sweat bee as Halictus farinosus I'll keep looking for other speciesEv SherrOn Fri, May 19, 2023 at 12:05 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Concord grapes

Question: Brown areas on grape leaves?

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 18, 2023, 12:20 PM EDT
response: Hi- this leaf burn symptom was probably caused by one or more environmental factors like freezing temperatures, extreme weather, or lack of soil moisture. Pesticide sprays and fertilizers can also cause leaf burn symptoms. You may want to unfurl any cupped or curling leaves to look for signs of aphid feeding. The damage to your vines is temporary and should not affect growth or yields.  Black rot is a severe fungal disease of grapevines that produces leaf lesions prior to infecting fruit. The injury in your photo is not black rot but we want you to be aware of it: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/grape-diseases https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-fru-24 Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 12:41 PM EDT
response: Thank you!On Thu, May 18, 2023, 12:20 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Crimson King Maple not viable buds

Question: This maple was healthy last year  buds looked good this spring but are no longer viable. What might have caused this tree to die?

responder: Aaron Steil  Replied May 18, 2023, 10:33 AM EDT
response: Any branch that is still flexible and has a little green under the bark when scratched is still alive and may just be late to leaf out.  If the branches are brittle and snap easily when bent, they are indeed dead.   It is common for trees under stress to come out of winter looking ok and then see issues later in spring. The fact that your tree had buds earlier in the season and now is seeing problems is not an unusual one.   It is also common for trees under stress to be late in leafing out or to have leaves emerge unevenly.  Even if more leaves do eventually emerge, it is clear this tree is under stress.  Good care after planting is important to helping newly-planted trees thrive.  This article gives advice on what you can do to help this tree should it remain in your landscape.  https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/care-newly-planted-trees  Based on what I can see in the photos, I cannot say precisely what may have caused this tree to have extensive die-back like this.  It is unlikely to be caused by one factor but a combination of many.  Often one thing alone (like dry soil conditions, improper planting depth, low winter temperatures, etc.) will not cause a tree to decline, but put them all together and you can have issues.   This article talks about some of the common reasons we see newly planted trees fail.  Use this information to evaluate your situation and determine what factors may have caused the decline in this tree.  https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/decline-newly-planted-trees  Further questions can be directed to your local county Extension office. This local resource is very helpful since they are familiar with trends and issues in your part of the state. Click on this link to get connected directly with a staff person in your county Extension office and ask your gardening question. https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/ask-gardening-question  --Aaron

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 5:28 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the reply> This tree was looking good for about 5 years but just did not open its buds this year. It started new leaf growth coming out of a branch as you can see in the picture. I think over the years it was watered adequately and I used tree spikes each year. Just don't know what I did wrong.  On Thursday, May 18, 2023, 09:33:43 AM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: