As
of Monday 21 March, the unwanted weed velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) has been found in fodder beet crops at 46 locations from Southland to Waikato. This is a serious biosecurity
incursion. FAR, along with several other primary industry sector groups,
Federated Farmers and weed experts are working with MPI to consider the next
steps in dealing with this incursion.
Key points
- Velvetleaf is one of the world's worst weeds of cropping.
- It has been found in 36 fodder beet paddocks across New Zealand.
- Velvetleaf seed has been found in Kyros and Bangor seed lines, but may also be present in other seed lines.
- Velvetleaf seed may also have been present in 2014/15 seed lines meaning second generation populations may be present in some paddocks.
- Check ALL fodder beet crops for velvetleaf and contact MPI on 0800 80 99 66 if you think you have seen this weed.
Velvetleaf is one of the world's worst weeds of cropping. As of Friday 18 March, this unwanted weed has been found in fodder beet crops at 36 locations from Southland to Waikato. MPI Biosecurity have confirmed that velvetleaf seed has been found in two fodder beet seed lines, Kyros and Bangor, but warns that it may also be present in others.
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 and that some of these plants are likely to have seeded and 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.
This means that while the key focus for detection remains on this year’s crops, especially Kyros and Bangor, farmers should also be checking any paddock that was sown in any variety of fodder beet in the 2014/15 season. This is even more important if the paddock has since been sown in an annual crop.
MPI advises that while the key focus for detection remains on this year’s crops, especially Kyros and Bangor, ALL fodder beet crops should be checked for velvetleaf.
If you believe you have found or seen the plant you should:- 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 on the plant, carefully place a large bag (like a fertiliser bag or sack or similar) over the seed capsules and and tie it around the stem. Make sure all seed heads are contained within the bag. Then bend the plant over so that seeds cannot escape out of the neck of the bag. Leave the plant and bag in place until field staff visit.
What does velvetleaf look like?
Velvetleaf is a member of the Mallow family. It is a broad-leafed weed that grows 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.
Click here for more information and photographs of velvetleaf