A velvetleaf find in a paddock that has been ‘clean’ for seven years, is a clear reminder of how long this weed’s seed will remain viable.
North Island Velvetleaf Coordinator, Sally Linton says during recent inspections they visited a paddock where plants had been found after the original fodder beet incursion nine years ago.
“It’s been in pasture since except for maize last year and during that time we found no plants. This year, following the maize the paddock is in plantain, and we found around 20 plants. The message is if just one velvetleaf plant seeds, the likelihood of velvetleaf plants germinating from that seed at some point in the future is high. It may not be the next year or even the next 10 years, but it will happen. This is why ongoing checking of paddocks where there has been an incursion is critical to prevent further spread; especially if the paddock has been cultivated.”
Linton also says that this year’s velvetleaf inspections have been made more difficult by the same erratic climatic conditions that have frustrated farmers and growers.
“We’ve just completed the November run with the detector dog, but it was hard work…paddocks being inspected ranged from not planted, through emergence to crops ready for their post emergent spray and as a result, we’ve had fewer velvetleaf finds, “not because they’re not there, but because they haven’t germinated yet.
“I have also received some unverified reports of unreported velvetleaf incursions. In Waikato it is an offence not to report velvetleaf finds through their Regional Pest Management Strategy. For the rest of the country there is no obligation to report velvetleaf finds, the only requirement under the Biosecurity Act is that it is an offence to be communicated(spread) from that property.
However, you may still be liable for not reporting a velvetleaf find, if someone else, even unknowingly, spreads it because of your omission to report. Please do the right thing for you and your neighbors. Report any suspicious plants.
Velvetleaf is one of the world’s most invasive pest plants, damaging crops by competing with them for nutrients, space and water. In New Zealand, it is an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act. It is an annual broad-leaved herb that grows between one and 2.5 metres tall. It has buttery-yellow flowers about three centimetres across. It flowers from spring through autumn. Leaves are large, heart-shaped and are velvety to the touch. A mature plant can have as many 15,000 viable seeds.
Seedlings are vigorous and the plant grows rapidly in the first few months after germination. Seeds remain viable for up to 60 years. The seeds are spread by water, farm machinery when harvesting grain, through livestock and as a contaminant of grain.
If you suspect you have found, or seen velvetleaf please photograph it and contact:
North Island: Sally Linton <sally.linton.nz@gmail.com> 027 2781 620
South Island: Ash Mills <ashley.mills@far.org.nz> 027 266 7794