MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
red Delicious Apple Tree support

Question: Good day,
I have an apple tree (red delicious) that is approximately 35- 40 years old. The Bark is looking diseased on one limb and I had done some fall trimming to remove the damaged limbs. The balance of the tree looks healthy and is bearing fruit. What are the steps I should take to help and save this tree. Our neighbor has the same tree and it had more of the damaged limbs and it has withered and died after budding. thank you,

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2023, 5:24 PM EDT
response: I have only a partial look at the limb, but based on this I would recommend a removal of the limb approximately where indicated by the red line.  If you want a better recommendation, please submit more pictures of the injured limb from several angles.   This problem may have arisen from the very acute crotch limb angle (see red arrow).  This inhibits the vascular system of the tree and provides a starting point for limb decline. This issue should have corrected by good training procedures when the tree was young.  Pruning out the dead limb helps to slow further progression of the rot.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 7:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you for you recommendation, when should I trim this limb? Immediatly or wait until the fall?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 16, 2023, 7:45 PM EDT
response: Do it in the early spring ( March - April) next year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 7:59 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the clarification.  On Sun, Jul 16, 2023 at 7:45 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Bumblebee ID

Question: This large bumblebee was visiting a beebalm flower in my urban garden in Eugene, 7-9-23

The smaller bee in the first photo is a sweat bee. this sure shows the difference in bee size!

responder: Anna Ashby, Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener   Replied July 10, 2023, 10:05 PM EDT
response: Hi Evelyn, I like that you were able to capture both the large bumblebee and the small sweat bee. It looks like you have put thought and care into choosing plants for your yard to feed pollinators.  Unfortunately identifying insects from photos is a challenge. For bumblebees one needs to see the color of the last segment of the abdomen to start. I think it is black but can't tell for sure. So to help, here is the link to the "Pocket Guide to Identifying the Western Bumble Bee" from the Xerces Society. You should find it super helpful. Another website which is helpful is the "Bumblebee Conservation Trust" . However, keep in mind that this organization is based in the UK so all species might not be found here. Still they has good tips to help in identification.  Enjoy finding more bees and flowers.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 11:59 AM EDT
response: Anne  Thanks for the prompt reply - I'll try to spot more of this species in my garden to get a better look at the abdomen. I posted the bumblebee photos on iNaturalist; it was ID'd as a  Brown-belted Bumble Bee, Bombus griseocollis, which apparently is a common bumblebee bee in the Willamette Valley with so much yellow on the thorax,The sweat bee photobombed the bigger bee - I had no idea it was there until I looked.Ev SherrOn Mon, Jul 10, 2023 at 7:05 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Firelight Hydrangea Problem

Question: Hello MSU! 

I am looking for help with my Firelight Hydrangea. Planted in Spring 2022, east side of fencing. I recently began noticing these spots on my hydrangea, and upon further inspection last week I noticed these small bugs as well. The damage is mostly localized to areas of new growth. While my Firelight is the most involved, it does appear that many of my other panicle hydrangeas are affected to a lesser extent. I have a few smooth hydrangeas in the same area that seem to be developing an issue as well. I am hoping you will be able to identify the issue and point me in the right direction for treatment. Thank you!

responder: Thank you for your Question!  Replied July 11, 2023, 11:39 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question about hydrangea,  Do I see you are adjacent to water? A lake or pond? You mention bugs in your note. Could you send a photo that clearly depicts them?  Thank you,

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 12:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Stephanie!Yes, I am about a half mile west of the Saginaw Bay in Linwood. I have attached some better pictures I was able to get the other day. Thank you so much for your help!Leah Hoyle On Tue, Jul 11, 2023 at 11:39 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 12:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Stephanie!Yes, I am about a half mile west of the Saginaw Bay in Linwood. I have attached some better pictures I was able to get the other day. Thank you so much for your help!Leah Hoyle On Tue, Jul 11, 2023 at 11:39 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your Question!  Replied July 12, 2023, 12:23 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your Question! The bug on your Hydrangea leaf is : Redheaded flea beetle adults are 1/4 inch long with a black body and red head (but it can be difficult to see). They have large femurs on their back legs that allow them to hop, as the name implies. Larvae are soil-based, have a creamy color and can be up to 1/2 inch long. This pest overwinters as eggs in the soil, and larvae hatch out to feed in the root zone, before pupating to emerge as adults. In Delaware and Maryland this first group of adults emerges when Southern magnolia is in bloom. A second generation occurs later in the summer. Adults feed on leaves causing extensive shot-hole damage.  See: https://fruit.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2011/05/Redheaded-Flea-Beetle.pdf  For clear identification you may always send samples to MSU Extension: Send photos and questiosn to MSU Plant Diagnostic lab for confirmation of diagnosis. The Lab email is <personal data hidden> The website is https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/ And for future reference with your pretty new plant: Common Pests of Hydrangea: https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/treepestguide/hydrangea.html
Curled leaves

Question: Not all of my garden plants and trees look like these.  What could be the reasons and how to prevent??

responder: Jennifer Andon  Replied July 11, 2023, 11:59 AM EDT
response: Good morning, and thank you for your question.  There are a few possibilities why the leaves are curling.  May I ask if that is your cornfield in the background?  Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 2:49 PM EDT
response: Next to the peas there is sweet corn.  There is corn across the road and to the east of the yard. My husband sprayed the yard with 2-4-D this spring.  Sent from my iPhone On Jul 11, 2023, at 11:59 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Jennifer Andon  Replied July 12, 2023, 2:32 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon, it's hard to be certain with testing in a lab, but the damage I'm seeing on you plants looks like herbicide damage.  Unfortunately, the heat we've been having can cause certain herbicides containing 2,4-D to volatilize and move off site.  Here is a factsheet for your reference.  https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-6105  If you prune off the damaged areas, they should be able to outgrow the injury in the next year or so.    Please let me know if you have any further questions.  Thank you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 5:20 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your helpSent from my iPhone On Jul 12, 2023, at 2:32 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Jennifer Andon  Replied July 14, 2023, 9:59 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
What Would Cause This Oak to Snap?

Question: On the morning of 5 July, in calm dry conditions, this 60-ft red oak tree in the woods behind my house suddenly snapped at the base and fell into my backyard. By exterior signs, the tree had looked pretty healthy: fully leafed out, leaves green and lustrous, bark showing no damage, mushroom growth, or insect infestation. The bark did show lichen growth from about 15 feet and up, but nothing near the base. However, at the point of breakage, the interior wood appeared to be covered in a white fungus.  There are numerous other red oaks nearby, some even taller (up to 100 feet) and closer to my house.  If this fungus is also affecting those trees, I need to know what it is and what to do about it!  Please advise.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 9:26 AM EDT
response: As it fell, the oak took out a 25-ft sassafras, partially uprooting it and stripping it of most of its branches and leaves. To clean up the mess, we used a bow saw, loppers, and pruning shears to strip (and then burn) many of the remaining branches and leaves of both trees, but to finish the cleanup we'll have to bring in a professional tree service with chainsaws and transport equipment.

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 11, 2023, 9:39 AM EDT
response: Hi Jim, Sorry about your oak tree and the sassafras; it's never fun when a tree falls unexpectedly.  The oak definitely had a fungus growing in it that affected the base. Could be armillaria? Check under the bark near the base of the tree for black shoestring like mycelia, or growths. If you find the black shoestrings, it's the common armillaria fungus.  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/armillaria-root-rot Armillaria is likely in most forested areas in decomposing wood. Without any outward signs, it's hard to determine if it has infected other trees. If it's not armillaria, it's likely another common fungal agent.  An arborist with ultrasonic equipment might be able to detect if other oaks have lost wood density to fungal growth? Could be an expensive endeavor. If you choose to go this route, you can find a certified arborist using the link below. https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist It's natural for trees to fall in the woods. In fact it can even be a good thing to open up space in the canopy, allowing more sun to penetrate and other trees to take it's place. So, while it is startling when it occurs, maybe not such a bad thing? Thank you, -Julie
Red bugs on my day lillies

Question: Hello, wondering if you can identify this pest and suggest action we can take.  The daylily it has infested has no bloom buds.  Thank you!

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied July 10, 2023, 9:19 AM EDT
response: These are boxelder bug nymphs. They feed on the seeds and leaves of boxelder trees and pose no risk to the health of your daylilies. No action is needed to control them.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 9:42 AM EDT
response: Thank youOn Jul 10, 2023, at 9:19 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Catcus

Question: My catcus isn’t looking very well. It has white on several of its leaves and was wondering what’s the best way to treat this condition. A local nursery suggested watering it a gallon weekly.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 11:24 AM EDT
response: I never received an answer to my question

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 1:04 PM EDT
response: I never received an answer to my question

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 1:06 PM EDT
response: I never received an answer to my question
Problems with Lilac

Question: As the images indicate, significant yellowing and some brown spots, curling and some (probably unrelate?) holes in some leaves.  I have not fed these plants with any regularity with fertilizer or with compost for many years.  Per a suggestion by Horsford's today, I plan to spread an organic fertilizer (5-5-5) as well as some organic matter (composted manure) that I have at home.  BUT they are not clear exactly what the issue is other than believing the problem is likely to be viral and that the  bushes would benefit from "strengthening" with such amendments. 
Any suggestions, thoughts about how to address this would be welcomed.


Thanks, Tom

responder: Betsy, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteerwww.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardenerWe do not intend to endorse any products we mention or criticize products we do not mention.When we include a link to a resource that recommends a chemical, it is for informational purposesonly; the chemicals may not be registered for use in Vermont. Replied July 09, 2023, 2:07 PM EDT
response: Hello Tom, Thank you for submitting your question to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline. Your plant has brown spot, likely because of all the wet weather we have had. Brown Spot on leaves can be caused by fungi or bacteria, but it rarely kills the plant unless it occurs on most of the plant several years in a row. Keeping the plant well-ventilated (pruning to increase ventilation) and not overwatering, watering when needed at the base of the plant, can help prevent this.  To treat, prune away all affected leaves, and pick up leaves that have fallen on the ground, and dispose of them (burn or put in trash-do not compost). Clean pruners with 10% bleach or 70% or higher alcohol solution after using.  This University of Minnesota Extension reference is very helpful for information on leaf spot https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs#identification-1156261 Lilacs can be pruned to open them up and increase air circulation after they have finished blooming in late spring or early summer. So you should be able to do this now. This reference will give you some assistance in pruning lilacs https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/lilacs#pruning-1923160 I hope this helps. Please let us know if you have further questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 5:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you for this information.  Very helpful! On Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 2:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Betsy, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteerwww.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardenerWe do not intend to endorse any products we mention or criticize products we do not mention.When we include a link to a resource that recommends a chemical, it is for informational purposesonly; the chemicals may not be registered for use in Vermont. Replied July 11, 2023, 7:39 PM EDT
response: I'm so glad. Good luck!
Caterpillar ID

Question: Any ideas on what this hornworm is?  It’s hanging out sunning itself on some purslane

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 17, 2023, 5:37 PM EDT
response: Hi Julie,  What a fun find! You discovered a white-lined sphinx moth caterpillar. The caterpillars come in a wide variety of color variations. They also feed on a variety of host plants including purslane.   Here is more information:   White-lined sphinx moths: http://www.wci.colostate.edu/Assets/pdf/CIIFactSheets/Whitelined.sphinx.pdfSphinx moths in Colorado (we have about 30 species): https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/insect/05517.pdf  Let me know if you have any questions!   Thanks,  Lisa  Lisa Mason Horticulture Specialist, Entomologist Colorado State University Extension, Arapahoe County

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 5:59 PM EDT
response: Thanks, I must have had a lot of eggs. Looks like I had an older one tooSent from my iPhone On Jul 17, 2023, at 3:37 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Infected Magnolia Tree

Question: What to know how to treat my Magnolia Tree.  It had scales a few yeers ago and I treated it by spraying the branches with water to get the off the  sprayed it with an Insecticidal Soap.  It did well, but now I see white moldy looking everywhere and it is seeping on plants below it.  
What do I need to do to save it and how do I prevent this from happening?
Do I need to have someone come and look at it, treat it?

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 09, 2023, 11:49 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. That is scale.  It appears to be soft and so may be amenable to treatment. https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/magnolia-scale-neolecanium-cornuparvum/  https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/  You call this a tree, not a bush.  You should call a certified tree professional soon. Despite treatment, many trees with this amount of scale cannot be saved.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2023, 8:23 PM EDT
response: Can you refer someone to me??     Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device Get Outlook for Android  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Sunday, July 9, 2023 10:49:26 AM To: Rosanne Thompson <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Infected Magnolia Tree (#0109644)

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 31, 2023, 11:22 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing back.  As a part of the University, we can not recommend  or refer to specific commercial services.  The link that I sent in my last message has how to evaluate commercial companies in terms of their certification
Spotted lanternfly eggmass?

Question: Good morning, is this spotted lanternfly egg mass?
I am not sure....I think it would be more "clay" color 

Thank you 

Kondos

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied July 13, 2023, 11:04 AM EDT
response: Hello Sandra, I don't think that is a spotted lanternfly egg mass.  To be sure, you could scrape it off to see if there is anything underneath it.  Also, it is the wrong time of year for SLF egg masses, which normally show up in the fall of the year. I really appreciate your concern and effort to help control the spread of this new and serious invasive insect. Kindest regards, Howard

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 8:58 PM EDT
response: Howard, here is a picture of what I thought was a spotted lanternfly egg mass.  I touched it and it crumbled. Thank you!Sandy Kondos <personal data hidden> On Thu, Jul 13, 2023, 11:04 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Trimming tree shoots

Question: Hi!  Rabbits ate completely around my redbud, so I cut it off below the damage.  Fortunately, many shoots came up from the trunk remains.  How do I trim these shoots and which ones do I eliminate??  Do I wait until they are larger or now?

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 09, 2023, 11:52 AM EDT
response: It depends on which style of tree you want to have. If you want a multi-stemmed shrub, leave the shoots. If you want a tree with a single trunk, trim off the very lowest shoots. The following web sites provide detailed information.  https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/redbud/  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2023, 3:32 PM EDT
response: Thanks!!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 9, 2023, at 10:52 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Mutated tomato plants

Question: I’ve had leaf curl but this is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. 
 Plants are stunted, leaves are seriously curled and brittle. They look mutated to a certain extent. I
  I garden in raised beds and my other crops appear to be okay for the most part. I’ve never seen anything like this. A couple of the plants look better, are growing but still have some leaf curl. 
Thanks for any input.

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 10, 2023, 9:58 AM EDT
response: Hi- the leaf twisting and distortion appear to be symptoms of herbicide injury. Specifically, a phenoxy herbicide like 2,4-D. This type of contamination usually comes from herbicide spray drift or the application of weed&feed products to nearby turf.  Affected plants rarely grow out of the injury and we recommend, out of an abundance of caution, that gardeners not consume the fruits of plants with these symptoms.   You may be able to find tranplants locally to replant. Also, you can plant suckers from healthy plants. You'll need to water them 1-2 times per day until they get established. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 11:16 AM EDT
response: Okay, I thought that too but why aren’t my other plants, lettuce, onions and such showing signs of dying back? I had my best crop of garlic so far this year. Are mater plants that much more susceptible to herbicides? I’m hoping to get some suckers today to try and replant my maters. Thanks for the quick response and the advice.   BertSent from my iPhone On Jul 10, 2023, at 9:58 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 July 10, 2023, 11:39 AM EDT
response: Hi- yes, tomato is especially sensitive to 2,4-D.    In situations where compost, straw, or hay is contaminated with long-residual phenoxy herbicides (e.g., aminopyralid, clopyralid) and that material is mixed into the soil, we see injury to other broadleaf vegetable crops.  Good luck. Jon
Trumpet vine not flowering

Question: I’ve had this trumpet vine for about five years and it’s never flowered. I’ve read that it can take a few years before they flower but I feel like it’s ever going to happen. I’ve attached pictures from 5/30/2023.

responder: MJ Replied July 09, 2023, 7:52 PM EDT
response: Hi Kristine, Your plant looks very healthy. Trumpet vines can take up to seven years to bloom, so I’d expect flowers soon. Keys to bloom are having the plant in full sun, NOT fertilizing (many fertilizers contain too much nitrogen and just spur leaf growth) and not pruning after late winter, because the vine flowers on new growth. This article is a good summary of the issue: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/trumpet-vine/trumpet-vine-no-blooms.htmI hope you have flowers soon!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 4:37 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the advice. Should I start pruning it now in hopes it will bloom next year?  I’ve attached pictures of it right now in July.

responder: MJ Replied July 12, 2023, 5:18 PM EDT
response: Wow, that is vigorous! You should prune in late winter or very early spring. If you pruned now you’d cut off any flowers that might be coming later this summer.