Displaying items by tag: VELVETLEAF

Tracing has indicated that the source of the first velvetleaf find of the 2025-26 crop season, in Auckland, was likely maize purchased in the Waikato region.

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.

A recently held arable field day in the Manawatu brought with it a timely reminder to be on the lookout for velvetleaf incursions.

Any farmer that harvests or buys crops risks inviting one of the world's most invasive pest plants onto their property - to their detriment.

Perfect growing conditions have led to the further spread of the problem weed velvetleaf in various parts of New Zealand over the summer and autumn.

With warmer weather bringing on forage maize crops in leaps and bounds, Waikato Regional Council is reminding farmers and growers to keep watch for velvetleaf.

The Ministry for Primary Industries has ramped up its efforts to contain the invasive weed velvetleaf.

Invercargill dog trainer John Taylor has been in demand in the Waikato and other districts using his 8-year-old border collie Rusty to sniff out exotic plant velvetleaf which is a big threat to pasture.

Landowners and rural contractors are being urged to watch for pest plants.

The pest plant velvetleaf should be high on cropping farmers’ minds over the next few months.