Last year velvetleaf seed was introduced to NZ as a contaminant of fodder beet seed and planted in many properties throughout NZ.

To date more than 250 properties have been found to be infested with this terrible weed. Six different lines of fodder beet seed have been identified as contaminated, but there could be others that have not been picked up. Similarly there may be paddocks where velvetleaf was present but not found. Therefore, if you have either grown fodder beet or received fodder beet onto your property you need to be vigilant and keep an eye out for this weed and do not let it establish on your property.

Velvetleaf is declared an Unwanted Organism by MPI and occurrences must be reported and dealt with.

For further information phone the MPI hotline 0800 80 99 66 or go to MPI website, or go to AgPest, or contact your regional council.

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