• Our Research
    • Research Strategy
    • Research Sites
    • Current Research Projects
    • Research Results
    • Research Collaborations
    • Research Resources
    • Seed Industry Research Centre
    Current Research
    Current Research
    Research Results
    Research Results
  • Resources
    • Biosecurity
    • Crop Action
    • Nutrient Management
    • Maize
    • Templates and Calculators
    • Podcast
    • Cereals
    • Weeds
    • Pests
    • Seeds
    • Diseases
    • News
    • Environment
    • Schools
    Podcast
    Podcast
    Environment and Compliance
    Environment and Compliance
  • Levies & Returns
    • Arable Crops Levy
    • Maize Levy
    • Cereal Silage Levy
    • Farmer Annual Return Form
    • Wholesaler Annual Return Form
    Levies
    Levies
    Annual Returns
    Annual Returns
  • Events
  • News
  • About Us
    • Governance and growers
    • Business Strategy
    • Our People
    • Careers
    • Growers Leading Change
    • Women in Arable
    • Arable Ys
    • Arable Kids
    • Arable Research Groups (ARGs)
    Our People
    Our People
    Growers Leading Change
    Growers Leading Change
  • Ask FAR AI
  • Weather
  • Log In
Ask FAR AI
Weather
Log In
  • Homepage
  • Resources
  • Velvetleaf Pops Up Again

Velvetleaf pops up again

Abutilon theophrasti c

Nine velvetleaf plants were found in a Mid Canterbury paddock during routine surveillance before Easter. The paddock is associated with the 2015 incursion via imported fodder beet seed. All growers should keep an eye out for this weed...its seed can remain viable in the soil for up to 60 years.

What is velvetleaf and why do we need to act?

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) is a weed originally from China and India that has become a problem in many countries, including New Zealand. It can decrease crop yields and cause economic damage to agricultural production as it is an aggressive weed that quickly outcompetes crops and other plants for water and nutrients. The seed can also be viable for up to 60 years.

Velvetleaf has been present in New Zealand since 1948, but reports of its distribution had been previously limited. More significantly, it was found in 2015/16 on a number of farms in the South Island, originating from imported fodder beet seed, and has been found in a growing number of properties across the country.

It has the potential to reduce New Zealand's GDP by up to $484.7 million by 2030. The recommended option for long-term management is a nationally coordinated program, with MPI coordinating the work.

  • All velvetleaf finds since 2015 have been in fodder beet paddocks sown with one of four varieties: Kyros, Bangor, Troya, and Feldherr.
  • These varieties were sold in both the North and South Islands in the 2015/16 season.
  • All growers of these fodder beet varieties are advised to continue to check their crops for velvetleaf throughout the growing season.
  • As the seed is viable for up to 60 years, long-term management is vital as is on-farm biosecurity.
  • If plants are found, do not remove them. Photograph them, mark their location, and then contact MPI Biosecurity on 0800 80 99 66
  • It is still possible that this weed could be present in other fodder beet varieties, so keep an eye out on all crops.
  • If you need assistance with long-term management plans please get in touch.

Further resources:

  • Velvetleaf management (Biosecurity NZ)
  • Velvetleaf in maize (FAR)
  • Velvetleaf info card (Biosecurity NZ)

Related Resources

24 May 2025

Webinar: Managing herbicide resistance pre-autumn sowing

Watch the recording for a webinar with FAR Senior Field Officer Ben Harvey on managing herbicide resistance pre-autumn sowing, covering what is herbicide resistance and methods to reduce the risk of herbicide resistance.

Read more
24 May 2025

Fall armyworm update: 4 April 2025

Find out regional information on Fall armyworm as of April 4 2025.

Read more
24 May 2025

Blackgrass and fall armyworm levy update

Seed and Grain Readiness and Response Incorporated (“SGRR”) is a biosecurity entity for the arable sector. It was established in 2020 under the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity (GIA). It is currently collecting levies to cover the costs of the two biosecurity incursions, black grass and fall armyworm. 

Read more
24 May 2025

Arable Extra 140: Efficacy and crop safety of different herbicides against key grass weeds and arable crops

This arable extra discusses trial results from the 2024 herbicide screening trial at Kowhai Farm in Lincoln, Canterbury. 

Read more
24 May 2025

Fall armyworm update: 14 March 2025

Check out the latest fall armyworm update here. 

Read more
24 May 2025

Fall armyworm update, 14 February 2025

Current status: FAW populations continue to develop across New Zealand. Northland awaits the third main moth flight of the season, with the key time for scouting and decision-making approaching. Maize grain and sweetcorn growers should be particularly vigilant during this period.

Read more
24 May 2025

Fall armyworm update: 31 January, 2025

Fall armyworm numbers continue to rise as the season progresses, with the top half of Northland in particular beginning to see levels that would require chemical intervention. Read more in this week's update.

Read more
24 May 2025

Fall armyworm update, 17 January, 2025

FAW second generation begins. This update provides the latest regional findings, pest dynamics, and management recommendations.

Read more
24 May 2025

Fall armyworm update, 13 December 2024

Fall armyworm has been found at one property, in a sweetcorn crop near Nelson. Further finds have been confirmed in several locations across Northland. Contact your local agronomist for advice as local knowledge is key to effective management.

Read more
24 May 2025

Fall armyworm update 22 November, 2024

Fall armyworm finds have been confirmed in several locations across Northland, find out more in this fall armyworm update. 

Read more

Ask FAR AI

Discover the power of AI with Ask FAR. Our new intelligent tool provides instant, accurate answers to your questions by searching the vast resources on the FAR website and linking you to the original document for further information. It’s fast, easy and reliable.

Start Chatting
  • Research
  • Levies and Returns
  • Resources
  • Events
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • Schools
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use

©2022 Foundation for Arable Research