Velvetleaf weed very harmful
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