Velvetleaf: New Zealand’s most aggressive cropping weed
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) is an annual broad-leaved herb, originating in China, that can grow between 1 and 2.5 metres tall, with large heart-shaped leaves and yellow-orange flowers.
The Ministry for Primary Industries recently sent out an alert to this effect – go to www.mpi.govt.nz/alerts
Environment Canterbury principal management advisor biosecurity Laurence Smith says left to spread, this invasive pest can quickly impact crops, severely reducing yield and grazing capacity, and impose high costs through lost productivity, increased stock management and lost income.
Velvetleaf was introduced to New Zealand as a contaminant in fodder beet seed from Europe in 2015.
“With over 500 farms having received at least one of the six affected seed lines in Canterbury, there is a real risk of spread both within and to other properties,” Smith said.
“Not all plants will have been found so it is highly likely seed will have matured and contributed to a seed bank in the soil.
“Farmers will need to be vigilant this season, which runs until May. They should search crops to prevent seeding and make sure seed is not spread by stock, vehicles and machinery.”
MPI is managing the velvetleaf incursion response nationally and is assisting farmers with information and advice.
Environment Canterbury, in partnership with MPI, is helping affected farmers formulate plans to manage the pest and prevent its spread. “Your farm management plan should include on-farm biosecurity so preventing the spread of velvetleaf and other pests is top of mind at all times,” Smith says.
“Farmers can implement farm biosecurity measures on their land by making sure they are notified when people intend to enter their property and implementing hygiene protocols such as checking and cleaning machines and vehicles.”
If you have found velvetleaf or would like more information, contact the Ministry for Primary Industries on 0800 80 99 66.
For free farm biosecurity signs for your property contact Environment Canterbury at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
