MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Brown color on tomato leaves

Question: Why are the tomato leaves turning brown?

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 02, 2023, 4:01 PM EDT
response: This appears to be environmental damage and not the work of a pest or disease. Is the plant outside in the garden, or is it still indoors full-time? If it spend time outside so far this season, this kind of leaf injury could be from cold temperatures because tomatoes are warm weather-loving and not very tolerant of chilly air and cold soil. If the plant was moved outside during the day and is indoors at night, it could be from exposure to stronger light and leaf-drying winds that it was not accustomed to indoors. If it's been indoors this whole time, or even if it was outside at some point, this kind of leaf-edge damage could also arise from soil that became too dry at some point. It's hard to tell the exact cause as these symptoms can overlap and look very similar to each other.  Mother's Day is a useful benchmark as to when warm-weather vegetables like tomatoes can be planted outside, so in another week or two from now (forecast depending), they can stay outside all the time and be planted in their permanent locations for the season. This leaf damage appears to be minor, so should not impact the plant's long-term health much as long as its roots remain healthy. We have a few web pages about growing tomatoes and troubleshooting common problems that might be useful going forward as well.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 4:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you. This is very helpful!RonOn Tue, May 2, 2023, 4:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 02, 2023, 5:39 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!

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 03, 2023, 10:38 AM EDT
response: Hi- please let us know if the leaf browning continues to spread, if dark streaks appear on the stems, or if you notice that the leaf undersides appear fuzzy.  Jon
What kind of ant?

Question: Hello, are you able to determine what type of any this is? I just found pile of dead ants near backyard sliding door. I am in Washington. Thank you. Rose

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 02, 2023, 11:52 AM EDT
response: How large are the ants?  If they are sizeable (larger than 1/4") then they are probably carpenter ants.  https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/carpenter-ants-their-biology-and-control

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 12:24 PM EDT
response: Hello, they vary in size and none seem bigger than 1/4”. Best, Rose

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 03, 2023, 11:51 AM EDT
response: It would be best to collect samples and take them to your local Extension Office for identification then.
i.d.

Question: What are these, please?

responder: Answered by theHome 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 02, 2023, 2:10 PM EDT
response: Your first two photos look like an evergreen shrub, possibly a type of Illicium. We'd need to see photos of flowers to know for sure. The third photo looks like a type of Goldenrod, perhaps  Solidago canadensis, which is a large native that can be an aggressive grower that can overpower other plants if not kept in check. You can always pull the young, new extras, which is easier when the soil is moist.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 3:33 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Christine. Now I do not know which photos I uploaded. Is it possible to remind me? On Tue, May 2, 2023 at 2:10 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 02, 2023, 5:35 PM EDT
response: If you view your question on Ask Extension (as opposed to in an email directly) you can see the images attached. We'll try to save a couple and resend them with this reply. (One of the suspected Illicium, one of the suspected Goldenrod.)  Miri
Tomatillo seedling spots

Question: I’m wondering if it’s a disease or edema. The spots are raised on the top side of leaves and small leaves are curling a bit.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 02, 2023, 11:34 AM EDT
response: Hi Emilie, My name is Jeremy and I'm a greenhouse agent with MSU Extension. The symptoms in your photographs are consistent with edema. I'm not seeing anything that screams "disease!!", so I think your diagnosis has a high probability of being correct. Given the weather conditions over the past few weeks, it's not surprising to see plant suffering from this physiological phenomenon. Conventional remedies focus on increasing transpiration rates and reducing excess moisture in the substrate. Corrective actions include:Increasing light intensityVenting excess humidityIntroducing/increasing horizontal air flow across the seedlingsKeeping the substrate a little drier If the symptoms persist over the next couple of weeks, then we should look into the possibility of disease. In the meantime, here's to hoping that the weather turns warmer. =) Let me know if you have additional questions. Kindly, Jeremy

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 03, 2023, 8:56 AM EDT
response: Jeremy- Thank you so much for you prompt and informative response! You and your time are appreciated! Thank you- Emilie AndersonOn Tue, May 2, 2023 at 11:34 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Splotches on basil in Greenhouse

Question: Hello! We grow many veggies and herbs from seed for our non profits fundraiser.  Do you know why our Genoveses Basil is getting discolored splotches? In greenhouse, temps dip to low 50s.  We keep Basil nearest to heater. Thanks.

responder: Thank you for your question,  Replied May 04, 2023, 11:18 PM EDT
response: Hello Kathy, This can be caused by a multitude of issues; such as lack of nutrients or adequate sunlight, excessive water, temperature fluctuations, pests, diseases, fungal infections, or root rot.  Could you please take a picture of the back of the leaves that are showing symptoms? It kind of looks like the beginning of basil downy mildew, as it appears to be showing up on the older leaves first. Basil downy mildew starts on the lower leaves and makes it way up the plant. The back of the affected leaves will have fluffy grey spores visible.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 05, 2023, 9:15 AM EDT
response: Hello Jaime,I sent your response on to our greenhouse manager.  I can send a photo from the leaf’s bottom side tomorrow.  If it’s basil mildew, I will ask for any steps we can take to limit or stop  its spread. Thank you very much. Kathy On Thu, May 4, 2023 at 11:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Ask Extension Question Wrangler Pronouns: she/her/hers  Find your local Extension office here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/county  Find an expert in a specific topic here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/experts/experts-by-topic-area   Find home gardening information here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/  Order a soil test kit here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension   Mold questions? We don’t have an expert in mold, but we do have a few resources below or contact the  Michigan health department. Molds in the Home  Indoor Air Quality May be Hazardous to Your Health    Mushroom questions? We can’t identify, but we do have these three resources to help you: Identifying  Morel  Poisonous  MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg, Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The University resides on the land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.     Replied May 11, 2023, 8:37 AM EDT
response: Hi, Kathy -- Are you all set or are you still going to attach a photo?  Just wondering if we can close out this question if it's been answered.
Tall arborvitae question

Question: My co-worker reached out to me for help. They have somevery tall arborvitae that did not do well with the last very heavy winter snow in Minneapolis. Any advice on what they can do to be able to keep them or can you tell from the pictures if they’re too far gone that need to be cut down any help or advice you could give would be most appreciated. They live in Robbinsdale which is in Hennepin County

responder: MJ Replied May 01, 2023, 10:46 PM EDT
response: Hi Steven, Your coworker could tie the arborvitae branches together with something soft and stretchy, like an old pair of nylons. Regular shearing to create a tighter growing habit will help the plants resist future heavy snows. It might also help to reduce their height. If they decide to prune these plants they need to be careful not to cut beyond green growth. If they cut back into brown areas, the arborvitae likely won’t send out new growth and those areas will be bare. They should never remove more than 20 to 30 percent of the plant. Dramatic pruning is a shock to the plant. With arborvitae the best way to control growth is to shear them each spring. Here’s more information: https://www.thespruce.com/pruning-arborvitae-after-snow-damage-2132656This story talks about how to reduce height: https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/pruning/how-to-prune-arborvitae Hope this helps

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 9:50 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your reply and suggestions. I will certainly pass them on to my coworker.Sincerely, Steven HopeSent from my iPad On May 1, 2023, at 9:46 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: MJ Replied May 03, 2023, 7:39 AM EDT
response: You’re welcome!
Rabbit damage

Question: Hi- this is the first year that we have had rabbit damage to our trees or plants. I’m curious it these trees or bushes will come back. Two are arborvitae, one is a flowering bush, and one is a smaller pine (can’t remember the name but grows between 10-15 feet). I live in zone 4a.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied May 01, 2023, 5:53 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. Arborvitae will not grow off of stripped wood BUT it depends.  This is a good guide.  https://www.gardenguides.com/12556890-how-to-fix-a-rabbit-chewed-arborvitae.html  For now, water it heavily and wait.  Cut off the top dead stuff, watch for new life at the bottom.  The shrub might but I cannot identify it from sticks.  Do you have a picture of it in bloom?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 6:29 PM EDT
response: Wow! Thanks for the quick response. I think the bush is a sand cherry?How about the third picture of the pine? If there is green coming off the branches or off the trunk on the arborvitae or pine is that good?Thanks so much for your help!On Mon, May 1, 2023 at 4:53 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied May 01, 2023, 7:02 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing back. I doubt that the shrub is a sand cherry which is usually sold as a tree. But anything is possible.  I can't guess from a bare stick. Picture 3 should be removed.  Next winter, protect plants with a cage of hardware cloth.  Chicken wire is not enough. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-against-rabbits-winter

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 07, 2023, 10:31 AM EDT
response: Shoot. Thanks for your responses and suggestions!SarahOn Mon, May 1, 2023 at 6:02 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identify plants and problem

Question: Hello, can you please tell me what these two plants are in the two photos and identify what problem i have with my rose in the third  photo?The first photo,with yellow flower,  is a ground cover. The second photo was a twig sent to me by the Arbor Day Foundation a couple of years ago and, i believe, is native to this area. The last photo shows leaves on my yellow rose bush. Thanks for any help. Dawn

responder: Answered by theHome 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 02, 2023, 10:13 AM EDT
response: We think that your first photo with the yellow flower may be a type of Coreopsis. We are not able to tell for sure and can't enlarge your photo, but it looks like it could be a mouse-ear-type foliage one, maybe Coreopsis auriculata 'Nana'.  The second photo looks like Eastern Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus, technically native to areas south of here)  And your last photo shows typical damage from the larval, wormy-looking stage of a pest called Rose Slug Sawfly.  learn more about them and what to do here:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/sawflies   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 10:27 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much!Sent from my iPhone On May 2, 2023, at 10:13 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Answered by theHome 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 02, 2023, 12:58 PM EDT
response: You are welcome. We are happy to help.
Trees

Question: What are these 2 trees that form the frame of this photo I know pruning is needed. Was told they were chokecherries. Not sure??
Thanks
Ann

responder: Melanie,  UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied May 02, 2023, 11:55 AM EDT
response: Hi Ann, Thank you for contacting the UVM helpline and providing a photo.  Unfortunately, It is difficult to determine what exact plant this is without more clues.  It could be chokecherry but it also could be buckthorn or possibly something else.  Would it be possible to provide a close-up photo of the leaves when it leafs out? Thank you,

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 11:59 AM EDT
response: Thanks. Will do. AnnSent from my iPhone On May 2, 2023, at 11:55 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 4:36 PM EDT
response: Does this help?ThanksSent from my iPhone On May 2, 2023, at 11:57 AM, ann greer <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿Thanks. Will do. AnnSent from my iPhoneOn May 2, 2023, at 11:55 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Melanie,  UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied May 23, 2023, 6:42 PM EDT
response: Hi Ann, Thank you for providing the photo but unfortunately it is still difficult to positively identify the plant.  Would it be possible to send a close up photo of the leaves and a photo of a branch? Thank you, Melanie

responder: Melanie,  UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied May 25, 2023, 6:47 PM EDT
response: Hi Ann, Your photo was sent to Dr. Mark Starrett, the Woody Ornamental horticulturist at UVM and his response was:    “It appears to be a columnar buckthorn, probably the cultivar 'Tallhedge'. It has been a         round for a while, used more in the midwest as a wind break.       https://millernursery.com/encyclopedia/rhamnus-frangula-columnaris/    I've not seen that cultivar here in VT. That looks like a very old specimen! Where is it            located? It is not a sterile cultivar like 'Fine Line' so it will be as invasive as the species.”  I'll also provide the following websites that will provide additional detail on this species: https://www.entm.purdue.edu/iisc/pdf/plants/more/glossy_buckthorn.pdf  https://extension.psu.edu › sample › sample_id   I hope this helps and happy gardening!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 7:19 PM EDT
response: Thanks. There are 2 together. They live in Cambridge VT. Sent from my iPhone On May 25, 2023, at 6:47 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Don’t know what to plant in a common area(tree replacement)

Question: <personal data hidden>

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 12:39 PM EDT
response: There have been two sets of Christmas trees planted. They get disease, we removed and replaced, only to get disease again. We are looking for something to replace them with.  We need ideas that are cost effective and stable and great for environment

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied May 01, 2023, 1:20 PM EDT
response: Hello Barb A few suggestions for you: Make sure you are choosing trees that suit your growing conditions- it appears to be full sun. Also test your soil to be sure of its pH, and type. Some trees require a certain pH, or are not suited to certain texture soils. MSU soil test kit information: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/dont_guess_soil_test_get_your_home_lawn_and_garden_soil_test_kit_today When planting the trees, be sure your landscape company is using the correct planting technique- information here- https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368392.pdf Your circle of mulch around the tree should be extended at least 2 feet beyond the farthest-reaching branches, and maintained at that distance as the tree’s branches grow. This prevents injury by mowers, makes mowing around them easier, and gives a buffer between lawn and tree- chemicals that are applied to the lawn, such as weed killers, can damage the outer branches of the conifers. Success with newly planted trees requires they be deeply watered the first 1-3 years, especially during a drought, like we had last summer. Some of your problems may have been due to the trees not receiving enough water. Select a variety of different trees, not all one species. As you may know, we regularly find that diseases or pests get introduced into our environment that attack a specific tree. By planting a variety, you are less likely to lose all your trees to a newly discovered disease or pest in future.  Select trees that research shows are hardy in Michigan. Colorado blue spruce are no longer recommended because they are not suited to Michigan growing conditions resulting in their susceptibility to pests and diseases. Examples of hardy trees are: Conifers such as Korean fir and Swiss Stone Pine and Black spruce Deciduous trees such as Serviceberry, dogwood, hackberry References- Serviceberry- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/serviceberry-amelanchier-spp/ Dogwood- https://mbgna.umich.edu/native-plant-of-the-week-flowering-dogwood/ Conifers- https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Alternatives_to_blue_spruce_BertCregg.pdf Native trees-https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/choosing_native_trees_and_shrubs_for_your_michigan_landscape Finally, if you notice trees having a problem, take action quickly. Check soil moisture down 5 inches or so; water until soil is moist. If needles are off color, distorted, or chewed submit clear pictures to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab. Email them along with tree’s history (when it was transplanted, treatments, watering, etc) to <personal data hidden> I hope this brings success to your common area planting!
Pear tree leaves

Question: My pear tree leaves have these red dots on them. Can you tell me what they are and how to help my tree?  It is an ok well established BartlettPear tree. 
Thank you!

responder: Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied May 02, 2023, 1:49 AM EDT
response: These photos might show a pear rust on the leaves. The images are not clear, though. Possibly you can take an additional, in focus close up. Here is information about pear rust, in case you identify that is on your plant: Pear trees rust times 2.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 12:35 PM EDT
response: Hopefully these are better!  Thank youSent from my iPhone On May 1, 2023, at 10:49 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied May 02, 2023, 8:52 PM EDT
response: Very similar to pear rust but when you see tracks like they are evenly on each side of the mid-rib - it is the rust mite.  https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/pear/pear-eriophyid-mite The fungal issue will be more scattered and individual as opposed to two tracks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 11:55 PM EDT
response: That’s it!  Thank you!Sent from my iPhone On May 2, 2023, at 5:52 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Honeylocust trees

Question: One of our large honeylocust trees has developed a puffy-looking “ooze” in the bark running several feet up a large stem (photo attached).  A neighbor says it looks like some kind of canker.  Should I be worried; and what can I do about it?  Thanks.

responder: Arapahoe County Extension  Replied May 02, 2023, 3:50 PM EDT
response: David,  Honey locust does have a lot of sap.  If the tree has been recently pruned it could leak sap.  Squirrels also can cause damage to the tree and sap will seep out.   Here is a document describing various diseases that affect Honey Locust Trees Honeylocust diseases

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 4:13 PM EDT
response: The seepage (running up the stem about 5-6 feet, starting 3-4 feet above grade) is puffy and crusty, with a few of the bubbles showing a tiny dot of reddish sap.  Most recent pruning c. Sep2022 was relatively far away and above (15-20 feet).  Bubbles are showing in natural bark splits, rather than near any obvious squirrel damage.  Does any of this make a difference?

responder: Dawn Fradkin  Replied May 03, 2023, 6:02 PM EDT
response: Hi David, Thank you for more information!  This could also possibly be bacterial wetwood. Here is more information about this disease: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/bacterial-wetwood-2-910/ There is not an effective remedy for this disease and preventing tree stress is the the best approach. Make sure the tree gets adequate water, even through the winter months. Most of the time, this is not a lethal disease, so not all hope is lost on your tree.  A good rule of thumb is to apply 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. If your tree is over 10" in diameter, then use 15 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. The goal is to water infrequently, but deeply so that the top 12" of soil is moistened and you want to water the entire dripline, which is where the branches in the tree canopy extend out to. Here is more information about watering in the off season: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fall-and-winter-watering-7-211/ I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions. You can also email the Arapahoe County Extension office at <personal data hidden>. Thanks, Dawn