As the new cropping season approaches, it's crucial for growers to consider the management of biosecurity risks.
As the new cropping season approaches, it's crucial for growers to consider the management of biosecurity risks, including the threat posed by velvetleaf. As the saying goes, "knowledge is power," and being aware of potential biosecurity threats can make the difference between a successful season and costly failures.
Understanding whether weed incursions, like velvetleaf, are present on their properties will enable you to take proactive steps in managing these risks effectively.
Now is also the perfect time to refresh staff on the biosecurity risks facing the industry. Ensure they know what to do if they find a weed or pest in a crop and understand the significant impact unreported weeds like velvetleaf can have on the sector.
There have been new velvetleaf finds in the Waikato region this year. One of these finds involved a maize crop under contract, which led to approximately 30 tonnes of harvested crop being destroyed. The remaining crop was cleared for grain harvest only, following a thorough inspection by a biosecurity firm, costing the grower both time and money.
It's concerning that the source of this latest incursion has yet to be identified, with no clear links to known infestations. This spring, intensive tracing with detector dogs will be conducted on properties associated with the contractor or those that purchased the affected crop.
South Island growers who received infected fodder beet seed in 2016 are reminded to adhere to their on-farm biosecurity plans. More than 1,200 South Island properties were linked to the 2016 incursion, and Velvetleaf plants were recently discovered on a Canterbury property as late as 2023. In this instance, the grower had forgotten the agreed-upon biosecurity plan and replanted pasture with fodder beet. This cultivation allowed dormant velvetleaf seeds to germinate, with some plants dropping seeds before their presence was detected.
The management and control of weeds like velvetleaf depend on everyone doing their part. Please ensure that neither you nor your growers are the weakest link. Be vigilant, and report any suspicious finds—better safe than sorry. Remember, one velvetleaf seed can produce a plant capable of generating 30,000 seeds, which can remain viable for up to 50 years.
Machinery and the purchase of infected crops are significant pathways for the spread of velvetleaf. Since insurance doesn’t cover biosecurity risks, all growers and crop managers must take the following precautions:
Machinery hygiene: Ensure robust cleaning protocols for all machinery entering and leaving any property. This is especially important when purchasing second-hand equipment, particularly harvesters.
Crop purchase contracts: Make sure crop purchase contracts include provisions for weed incursions. The purchaser or their agent should regularly walk the crop during the season to check for any issues.
If you have any concerns about velvetleaf please contact
North Island Sally Linton – North Island Velvetleaf Coordinator 027 2781 620
South Island Ash Mills – FAR 03 345 5783