Velvetleaf is a serious cropping pest and considered the one of the world's worst weeds.
It can persist on farms for up to 50 years and can survive digestion and silage processes. It is highly invasive and competes with crops for space, nutrients and water, Environment Southland biosecurity officer Adam Brown says.
All farmers with fodder beet are being urged to check for velvetleaf.
What the plant looks like:
Stock can spread velvetleaf seed around the farm and to other properties via their hooves and waste. Keeping stock out of velvetleaf-infested paddocks is the best possible action to avoid spreading this weed, MPI says.
Velvetleaf (Supplied)
If seed heads are found on the plant, MPI says to carefully place a large bag (like a fertiliser bag or a sack) over the seed capsules and flowers on the plant and tie the bag tightly around the stem. 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 place until field staff visit.
Report suspected sightings to 0800 80 99 66.
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