Velvetleaf weed very harmful

An aggressive weed that could significantly harm our environment and cropping sector has been found on a site in Ruatoria, growing in a fodder beet crop.
“The plants have been confirmed as Velvetleaf and been destroyed,” says shared services science manager, Lois Easton.

“This is a very serious plant pest – the earlier we find velvet leaf, the better our chances of controlling it.”

Council’s Biosecurity team checked the whole of the farm where the Velvetleaf was found on Monday.

“There may be other farmers who have planted fodder beet in Ruatoria or other locations up the coast, or around Matawai and Motu,” says Ms Easton.
“We’re asking any farmers to inspect their crops immediately to check for this weed.”

“Two particular seed varieties are very likely to be contaminated – Kryos and Bangor, but there may be other varieties which also have the weed seeds.
Velvetleaf is a tall-growing weed reaching heights of up to 2m. It has buttery-yellow flowers and large velvety heart-shaped leaves.

The weed has come into New Zealand in contaminated Fodder Beet seeds, it’s been found in the Hawkes Bay, Bay of Plenty and Waikato also.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are leading the response nationally however Council is taking a role in our region.

“Farmers are asked to photograph any plants and mark the location so that they can be found again easily,” says Ms Easton.

“If you think you’ve found Velvetleaf don’t pull up the plants as the seed can easily spread.

“Call MPI immediately and a bio-security officer will visit and remove any plants correctly.”

If you find Velvetleaf:
Do not pull the plant out.
Photograph it and phone MPI on 0800 80 99 66.

ENDS

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