Velvetleaf

Background

Velvetleaf has been discovered in this season's fodder beet crops on a number of properties in Canterbury, Otago, Marlborough and Waikato.

MPI is investigating how this has occurred. It appears likely to have come from imported fodder beet seed.

All farmers who have planted fodder beet seed should check their crops carefully for signs of velvetleaf. Those who have planted Kyros or Bangor varieties should be particularly vigilant. Potentially contaminated seed has been sold all around New Zealand.

Sightings of this aggressive weed should be reported immediately to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.

Read the latest media release – 13 April 2016

Be on the look out

• Velvetleaf is an annual broad-leaved herb that grows between 1 and 2.5m tall.
• It has buttery-yellow flowers about 3cm across. It flowers from spring through autumn.
• Leaves are large and heart-shaped and are velvety to the touch.
• The plant has distinctive seedpods with 12 to 15 segments in a cup-like ring. Each seedpod is about 2.5cm in diameter.

If you find velvetleaf, photograph it, mark where it is, and call MPI on 0800 80 99 66.

Risk to New Zealand

Velvetleaf is one of the world's worst cropping weeds, affecting many arable crops by competing for nutrients, space, and water. It is an unwanted organism in New Zealand.

Read more about velvetleaf in our pests and diseases database

What's being done

We know velvetleaf has been present on a small number of properties in the Waikato for a few years, and the regional council is managing it. However, this current fodder beet seed-related situation appears to be recent.

MPI is working with partner organisations to manage velvetleaf. The aim is to find it, contain it, and safely remove any plants found. Your help in finding and reporting this weed will give us the best chance of dealing with it.

What you can do

Velvetleaf should be easy to spot among this season's fodder beet plantings. It stands well above the growing beet and looks distinctive.

If you have planted fodder beet, and in particular Kyros or Bangor varieties, check your fields.

If you find velvetleaf:

• take a photo of the plant or plants, if possible
• mark the location, so it's easy to find again
• contact MPI immediately on our pest–and-disease hotline – 0800 80 99 66.

We'll refer your call to the response team, who will:

• make arrangements to safely remove any plants so that seed is not spread
• inspect the rest of your crop to ensure there are no more plants
• provide advice on management of this pest.

Farm management for properties with velvetleaf

The response field team will visit properties with velvetleaf infestation and advise on management measures to prevent the pest being moved around the farm or out of the gate. This will include advice on grazing stock.

Containing velvetleaf seed while you wait for technical support

For farmers who have reported suspected velvetleaf to MPI and are concerned about plants seeding while they are waiting on the velvetleaf response team field visit, the following "bag it – bend it" actions could help reduce the risk of seed fall:

• 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 flowers on the plant and tie the bag tightly around the stem. It is important to make sure all seed heads are contained within the bag.
• The velvetleaf plant should then be bent in half so that seeds cannot escape out of the neck of the bag. The plant should remain in the ground until field staff visit.

MPI and Environment Canterbury, Otago Regional Council, Federated Farmers, Foundation for Arable Research, New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association, DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb New Zealand thank you for your help in this important work.

Read MPI's velvetleaf farm management plan

Printed information

• Download and print our A4 factsheet
• Download and print our A4 poster
• Download and print our A4 factsheet on Velvetleaf farm management

Who to contact

Farmers finding it difficult to deal with the added stress of the velvetleaf incursion are encouraged to call your Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP) for a free, confidential chat.

If you have questions about velvetleaf, email info@mpi.govt.nz .