- As of lunchtime Thursday 31 March, velvetleaf has been confirmed at 86 sites from Southland to Waikato.
- Two fodderbeet varieties (Bangor and Kyros) have been confirmed as being contaminated with velvetleaf seed, but other varieties, as yet unnamed, are also being investigated.
- It is essential to check ALL fodderbeet paddocks for this unwanted weed.
As of lunchtime Thursday, velvetleaf, one of the worst cropping weeds in the world, had been found at 86 sites from Southland to Waikato. Two lines of fodder beet seed planted this season, Kyros and Bangor, have been found to contain velvetleaf seed, but it is possible that velvetleaf seed could also have been present in other seed lines, so all current fodder beet crops should be checked.
Additionally, confirmed velvetleaf findings in both islands, suggest that some velvetleaf seed may have been imported and planted in fodder beet crops in the 2014/15 season. These plants are likely to have seeded and may have established in the following crop or pasture. Questions remain about the likelihood of velvetleaf establishing in pastures, but it may well be present in following annual crops such as cereals, maize or fodder beet.
FAR is working with MPI, Federated Farmers and Regional Councils on this incursion. Management plans for farms where velvetleaf has been found are being developed with our input, and should be available shortly.
What does velvetleaf look like?
Velvetleaf is a member of the Mallow family. It is a broad-leafed weed that can grow very tall, between 1m and 2.5m. It has buttery-yellow flowers which appear over summer and autumn. Leaves are heart shaped and velvety to touch. Descriptions from the filed suggest they may be of any height and quite spindly rather than bushy.
What to do if you see velvetleaf
- Photograph it and phone MPI on 0800 80 99 66.
- Do not pull the plant out, MPI will arrange for that.
Bag it and bend it
If seed heads are present you may wish to cover the entire flower/seed head area of the plant with a fertiliser sack or similar, tie it tightly and bend the plant over so that any seed falls into the bag.
Further information is available on the MPI Biosecurity website