MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Browning thuja

Question: Our thula after 3 years is starting to turn brown. Not sure why. The others are doing great. Would love to save it, since it’s taken forever to grown and height.

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 June 20, 2023, 4:04 PM EDT
response: Arborvitae (Thuja) yellowing and browning, when this extensive, is not an encouraging sign and suggests that something is seriously wrong with root health or a pest or pathogen is damaging the trunk. (We presume this is not a yellow-leaved cultivar, as they do exist but are less commonly planted, but the browning and leaf drying itself is still problematic.) Such conditions are irreversible and therefore not treatable, but it's hard to determine exactly which culprit is to blame.  Thuja prefers soils that don't get too dry but also don't stay too wet, and they are sensitive to poor drainage and over-watering. During drought, as we have experienced this year, they may need supplemental watering now and then if the soil becomes too dry several inches deep. Frustratingly, evergreens sometimes take weeks or even months to manifest symptoms of stress, so exactly when the plant became more stressed than it could tolerate is hard to tell. Based on its current off-color appearance, we think this plant is unfortunately not salvageable and will need to be replaced.  When taking it out, you can examine the roots to see if it established well (make sure roots are not still about the same volume they were when removed from its original container or burlap ball). Mushy roots that pull apart easily might have died due to compacted soil that got too wet. You can also examine the main trunk to see if any areas appear to have cracked bark, oozing sap or sawdust, or small holes. This would suggest a wood-boring insect, though most only attack plants that were already under stress when the insects found them, so are a secondary issue by themselves.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 9:21 AM EDT
response: Thank you!   On Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 04:04:39 PM EDT, 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 June 21, 2023, 9:23 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Sugar Maple

Question: I have a mature sugar maple whose leaves are turning brown now.  Even with the rainy spring, I have begun deep watering.  The leaves have always been the first to change color and fall but this is way beyond any other year.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 22, 2023, 8:30 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question to Ask a Master Gardener volunteer with eXtension.  You are right, most parts of the state had a long wet spring, but it was followed by drought conditions for much of the state. Brown leaf edges on maples and other trees are symptoms of scorch. This occurs when the tree loses water from its leaves faster than it can absorb it from the soil. Drought, windy conditions, and root damage or restrictions are often the cause.  This means there was not enough moisture getting into the tree. Whether it was lack of available water or a compromised root system or a combination, it does not matter. Maples have many roots very close to the soil surface and if there is a lack of water, they are going to know about it immediately.  The following sites can give you further information about leaf scorch and how to deal with it; along with other things that might be going on with your sugar maple.     https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/leaf-scorch-2-911/#:~:text=Once%20leaf%20scorch%20has%20occurred,to%20begin%20with%20winter%20watering.   https://www.usu.edu/today/story/ask-an-expert-why-are-my-leaves-turning-brown  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/maple/leavesbrown.html I would also contact your local extension office, (see below link) for further recommendations with regard to seeking a certified local arborist to further evaluate your tree. https://hamilton.osu.edu/  Best of luck to you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 9:07 AM EDT
response: Hi, again Just read the info and will change to infrequent deep watering.  Thanks again for the info.Don﻿Thank you.  I’ve begun deep watering, hoping it’s not too late.Don PopelarSent from my iPadOn Jun 22, 2023, at 8:30 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 9:13 AM EDT
response: Thank you.  I’ve begun deep watering, hoping it’s not too late.Don PopelarSent from my iPad On Jun 22, 2023, at 8:30 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 22, 2023, 4:15 PM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Brown spots on some leaves and some are just dying

Question: Do you know why there are these very small amounts of brown spots on my purple coneflower leaves? And some of these purple coneflowers leaves are shriveling up and turning crunchy or soggy. Do you know what's wrong with it? Because I really don't want these to die.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2023, 10:20 PM EDT
response: Hello Victoria. That sure looks like a fungus issue. I think you have Botrytis leaf spot and stem rot. https://schoolofbugs.com/what-are-the-tiny-bugs-on-my-windowsill/ You can try spraying them with Neem oil which is a natural fungicide. If a fungicide doesn't work I would rip them out and put all parts of the plant in the garbage and not replant the same flower again in that spot.  Good luck, Sally Granath MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 7:03 PM EDT
response: Ok, thank you.On Wed, Jun 21, 2023, 9:20 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Please identify this plant

Question: It breaks off at the base when pulled. No roots are pulled. I heard that you cannot get rid of it. That is not a problem. I just pull them when I see them. They do not seem to be invasive. I have a photo. I don't know if my first email went through, so I am sending another.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2023, 9:49 PM EDT
response: I am familiar with plants that are hard to get rid of. i suspect it breaks off and roots just keep spreading. I am not sure what it is. What color is the bloom? Was it purchased or did it just seed in? Maybe someone else can tell you what it is. Good luck. If you want ideas on how to kill it i may be able to help.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 8:40 AM EDT
response: The flower at the top is green. I do not know if it changes color. I pull the plant when I see it. It does break off above the root. I did not purchase this plant. It seeded in. If you find out what it is, please let me know.Thank you,Linda SinclairSent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android  On Mon, Jun 19, 2023 at 9:50 PM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Egg mass identification

Question: Found this on a patio umbrella today.
I'm going to scrape it off and wash the area, but wonder what it is.

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied June 19, 2023, 10:26 PM EDT
response: Hello Robert, My first thought is spider eggs because of the webbing.  That said, eggs are tough to ID. Best regards, Howard

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 10:36 PM EDT
response: Thanks!   I have peeled it off the cloth and put it in a sealed jar.  If anything hatches, I’ll have a better chance, perhaps.Bob Bruner Sent from Proton Mail for iOS On Mon, Jun 19, 2023 at 10:26 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Bee hive in yard

Question: What should we do about this beehive— it’s not really in the ground it’s just a mound of bees in this location on top of each other. Are they harmful bees? Why do they do this? Solution?

responder: Amy Stone  Replied June 21, 2023, 11:31 AM EDT
response: Hello! I just received your question. Are the bees still present, or did they move on? Amy

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 8:08 AM EDT
response: We had a bee guy come to the house and remove them.  On Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 11:31:39 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Amy Stone  Replied June 22, 2023, 8:35 AM EDT
response: Glad you were able to deal with the situation. Amy
Watermelon plant isnâ€™t growing and the leaves are curling

Question: Hello! I planted a watermelon plant that I had purchased from a local nursery a few weeks ago. It was growing well up until a week or so ago. It hasnâ€™t grown over the last week and the leaves are curling. Any suggestions on how to correct? Thank you!

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied June 21, 2023, 12:46 PM EDT
response: What have your watering practices been over the last few weeks? When did you specifically notice the leaf curl, and does that change with watering? Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 8:48 PM EDT
response: I live in Golden and, due to continuous spring rain, had not turned on the sprinkler to my garden box. I noticed the curl about a week and a half ago, turned on my sprinkler 2-3 days later after the rain had ceased. The last few days I have added a second watering cycle and have poured additional water on with the heat over the last couple days. Leaves are continuing to curl. Please advise.On Jun 21, 2023, at 10:46 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:ï»¿

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied June 22, 2023, 12:45 PM EDT
response: It's possible that the soils have been overly saturated with water from the rains and the extra watering. I would recommend watering less frequently, but making sure you're watering when the top few inches of the soil are dry. Mulching the plant will help contain even moisture for longer, so depending on the weather,Â you may only need to water every other day or so.Â  There is a virus that can cause leaf curl in watermelon, but this is usually also associated with a yellow mottling in the leaves. I would recommend cutting back a bit on watering and monitoring. If the symptoms don't seem to go away after a week or so, we can re-assess. Hania
Diseased Tree?

Question: I am concerned that this tree may be diseased or malnourished in some way.
Please advise.

responder: Thank you for allowing us to help you with your gardening questions.   Replied June 20, 2023, 9:20 AM EDT
response: Thank you for contacting us regarding your concern.  I am assuming this is a Red Maple tree?  In our area this seems to be common, and yellowing (chlorosis) of red maples is often associated with manganese deficiency caused by high soil pH.  As the soil pH increases, the ability to access manganese decreases.  Before attempting any treatments, determine the cause of chlorosis. In addition to a soil test, a foliar analysis can also help confirm a nutrient deficiency. Soil amendments to lower pH, such as elemental sulfur or ammonium sulfate, or injection of micronutrients may be effective.  Here are a few links for more information: Michigan State -  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/moisture_stress_and_lack_of_nutrients_contribute_to_maple_color_issues Morton Arboretum - https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/chlorosis/#overview  Additional information regarding soil testing - The Ohio State University: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 3:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you Yvonne for your response. I think this information will be most helpful.P HuggerOn Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 9:20 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
WHAT TYPE OF WEED IS THIS

Question: For 10 years these always come back no matter how much I pull them.  There is a little root on the bottom too that looks like a carrot as well as smaller flowers.  Can you identify this?  Thanks.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied June 20, 2023, 10:24 AM EDT
response: This looks like wild four-o-clock Mirabilis nyctaginea  They are commonly found along roadsides and in ditches.  https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/wild-four-oclock You have to dig deeply to get at all of the root. They are tough to eradicate but digging is the best option. You will have to do this many times as your neighbors likely have some too that will spread seeds if you let them flower.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 12:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you    Get Outlook for iOS   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 9:24:19 AM To: gloriahage <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: WHAT TYPE OF WEED IS THIS (#0106333)
Blue Spruce ailing

Question: Last couple of weeks needles on my blue spruce are turning an odd color, what could be cause?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Hello, It will be helpful to get some more information.  Could you send additional photos, one of the entire tree from a distance, and another one up close etc.,   Is the damage uniform around all sides of the tree?  How old is the tree?  Do you supply any supplemental irrigation?  Have you fertilized the tree recently?  What direction does the tree face, (i.ei. is the damage south facing vs. north?)  Are there similar trees nearby, do any of them show symptoms?  - Thanks

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 9:55 AM EDT
response: The damage is on south and west side of the tree.  The tree is about 30-35 years old.   It gets watered every time lawn is watered; approximately every 4 days.  There are no trees like it anywhere around.   Have not fertilized in probably 3 years.   First time ever having this problem.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2023, 7:35 PM EDT
response: The fact that it is on the south and west sides of the tree make me think that it is likely an environmental injury.  Common examples of this are winter injury and/or extreme heat/sunlight which can cause needle damage.  Link below has more information on winter damage in Colorado blue spruce.  From the pictures, I do not see any disease sporulation, I do not think it is a fungal disease.   What's wrong with my plant? : Garden : University of Minnesota Extension (umn.edu) Another option you have is sending in a sample to the MSU plant/pest diagnostic lab.  Here is information on how to do that  https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/.  They can take a better look at a sample to confirm that it is not disease/pest related.
Oak Wilt

Question: Good morning.  We have identified oak wilt in our neighborhood.  My neighbor next door has one dead live oak, neighbor across from her has a sick live oak and is currently treating 7 of his live oaks by injection.  Across the street has identified oak wilt leaves in her yard, and plans to have her trees treated.  We have many live oaks and red oaks in our small neighborhood of Travis Oak Trails, and we abut a heavily forested Balcones Preserve protected area.  I would like for someone to come evaluate our area and help us with determining the proper course of action to save our trees.  Thank you.

responder: Travis County Master Gardeners  Replied June 19, 2023, 5:02 PM EDT
response: Hi Kerry,     It's sad but thank you for being proactive about your trees.  There are certified arborist that specialize on risk assessments. As Mastergardeners, we are not to show favoritism to any particular company or business, so not able to give you direct contacts.  Please use the following link on Trees Are Good to find a certified arborist ... or do an internet search for certified arborist risk assessment specialization. https://www.treesaregood.org  Wishing you all the best! Bob Kunkel

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 3:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  I discovered that the City of Lakeway employs a full-time forester and I’ve contacted him for assistance as well.Best, Kerry HensonOn Jun 19, 2023, at 4:02 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Blister Beetle?

Question: I found alot of these bugs in our horse hay in our barn. Vet says it not blister beetles, I just want to make sure because they're only in the hay and there are alot. I would also like to know what they are and if I need to do anything to get rid of them. Thank you!

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied June 19, 2023, 2:06 PM EDT
response: Your vet is correct. It is not a blister beetle.  This is most likely a ground beetle (family Carabidae), a family of predatory beetles. I'd need to see a view of the bottom side to confirm the family.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 2:16 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much! You've made this horse momma feel sooo much better! Here's the view of the underside. On Mon, Jun 19, 2023, 2:06 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Tree Identification

Question: I would appreciate help in identifying this tree

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2023, 11:51 AM EDT
response: Thanks for inquiry.  That tree is a Rose of Sharon...and a pretty big one.  Typically a short-lived tree/large shrub, but yours seems to be doing well. Hope this helps Rick Williams

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Thank you

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2023, 5:31 PM EDT
response: :-)
Sick Maple Tree

Question: This entire maple tree seems to have been affected by a fungus-- it appears to be dying.  We have another one just like it nearby that is in perfect health.  Could it be lack of water that made is susceptible to a disease?  How to remedy?

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 June 20, 2023, 10:50 AM EDT
response: This is an oak tree (not maple) and it's so dehydrated that it's hard to tell what caused the original problem, unfortunately. It might just be the current drought alone if it was not being monitored for watering needs and irrigated periodically. We might see some damage on the lower trunk -- it's not clear enough to see detail -- in which case an injury might have become infected by wood-decay fungi, colonized by wood-boring insects, or the injury killed the cambium outright (the tissues moving moisture and nutrients around), preventing the canopy from getting the resources it needed. The spots on the leaf are not an infection but are due to a harmless gall, which are structures formed by plant tissue that are created by certain insects or mites (or more uncommonly, pathogens that don't cause disease). In this case, these may be the old scars of Oak Button Gall, which is caused by a tiny wasp. Galls are very common on oaks and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be ignored if discovered as they do not harm the tree.  You can check on the soil moisture to see if watering can salvage any live roots left, though we think the tree is too weakened (or already dead) to be able to recover. If you replace this tree, make sure a new one is planted at the proper depth, since burying the root flare (the junction on the trunk base where major roots emerge) can lead to long-term health problems for a tree.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 12:35 PM EDT
response: Thank you-- I already started deep watering it and will see if it can be revived. It's odd, because it's a fairly established tree (3 years old) and its twin nearby has no problems whatsoever. - Lenora  On Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 10:50:09 AM EDT, 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 June 20, 2023, 5:09 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Powdery mildew and aphids?

Question: Hi folks! Help with disease id on my honeysuckle vine! The plant is about 8 years old and I trim back about 1/3 of the shoots each fall.
I have noticed a white, sticky substance on the underside of about 20% of the leaves. It coats the entire surface of some and seems to drip into leaves below it. There are also some small white eggs (?) and legged bugs on the underside of some leaves, maybe aphids, possibly part of causing it?  Anyone know what this might be and how to treat it? So far I've cut some of the deeply affected areas back and thrown them away. And cleaned my shears. 
I'd love to keep the plant healthy as the hummingbirds love it!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2023, 8:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question and pictures. Pictures are always helpful for us to see your problem. I agree with you that you have aphids on your honeysuckle vine. The sticky substance you're seeing is called honeydew which the aphids secrete after feeding on your plant. Aphids are not harmful unless there are large quantities of them and they are causing curling of leaves or other damage. There are many techniques to get rid of aphids. Pruning your vine is helpful and will stimulate growth. This Extension article will help answer a lot of questions about honeydew and controlling aphids on your vine: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids Happy Gardening!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 9:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much! This is helpful!Do you think ladybugs are a good option for aphid control in this situation? Or do they move away from the release site?-Andrea On Mon, Jun 19, 2023 at 7:48 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2023, 9:11 PM EDT
response: Good question! Ladybugs can consume great quantities of insects and love aphids. They can also fly away, but if you want to give it a try, go ahead and see if they help. I haven't had first-hand experience using lady bugs, but they're a great alternative to using chemicals. If you have pollinators around, you'll want to avoid the use of most chemicals.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 9:18 PM EDT
response: Great. Yes. I will try it.We have all sorts of native plants, including milkweed with eggs and caterpillars on it. So we will avoid pesticides. Though I have used soap before.-Andrea On Mon, Jun 19, 2023 at 8:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What causes yellow spots on my basil leaves

Question: What causes yellow spots on basil leaves?

responder: Susan P., OSU Master Gardener Volunteer Replied June 22, 2023, 5:24 PM EDT
response: Hi Jane, Thank you for your basil leaf question. I cannot definitively determine what is happening with your basil plant from your photos.   I recommend you contact the Plant Clinic at the OSU Deschutes County Extension in Redmond. You can send your photos and question to <personal data hidden>  The person on duty will review your information, conduct necessary research, and contact you with results.   Summer Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 to 5:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Phone:<personal data hidden> x79630  We always welcome your home garden questions at the OSU Plant Clinic.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 6:55 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your response.  I appreciate it. On Jun 22, 2023, at 2:24 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿