The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the velvetleaf management programme steering group put out the call this week after velvetleaf seed was found in imported radish seed.
Federated Farmers arable industry group vice-chair seeds David Birkett says the detection at the border is a timely reminder for all farmers growing seed crops from imported seed to monitor their crops for weeds.
Velvetleaf is a serious cropping weed that can affect many arable crops.
It is reported as causing up to 70% reduction in crop yields overseas.
“We don’t want any more weeds; we have enough challenges now with weeds and pests in our crops,” Birkett said.
“Merchants, growers, agronomists need to be on the case and closely monitor crops.”
With radish seed planting getting under way this month, Birkett urges anyone spotting anything suspicious coming up in their crops not to be afraid to report it.
“We should be able to manage this quite effectively in our cropping systems,” he said.
“The last velvetleaf in fodder beet didn’t create a major outbreak and we expect in the cropping programme with radish, particularly in the hybrid row seed crops this will be manageable.
“In the open pollinated seed it could be a little harder to spot, keeping a close eye out will be key.”
Birkett applauded MPI for the early detection.
“It shows biosecurity at the border is working pretty well,” he said.
MPI says it was a low-level velvetleaf contamination found as part of MPI’s standard border inspection of four imported radish seed lines.
Affected lines have either been returned to the country of origin or had the velvetleaf seed dressed out.
Lines that were dressed out were resampled and inspected before receiving biosecurity clearance.
However, radish seed growers sowing imported seed are being encouraged to take a precautionary approach and watch their crops this season for any signs of velvetleaf.
MPI reports that its seed importation and inspection process is one of the most rigorous in the world and that the risk associated with these imported seed lines is no higher than in any other year.
It is also noted that it is never possible to achieve zero risk.
This means a reality of trade is that there is always a chance contaminant seeds occur at very low levels – this is true for every consignment released at the border, every day of the year.
“The recent interceptions are a timely reminder that all parts of the biosecurity system are important, including post-border surveillance,” MPI said.
“We wish to remind growers and contractors that they play a critical role in the post-border part of the biosecurity system, because they can contribute to general surveillance and can operate good biosecurity practices.
“In particular, they can keep an eye out for velvetleaf and any other seed or weed that looks unusual.”
MPI and the velvetleaf management programme steering group recommend farmers carry out careful on-farm checks of crops and paddocks, keeping an eye out for velvetleaf and work closely with merchant agronomists, seed reps and crop inspectors to monitor crops.
Take photos and report any suspected sightings of velvetleaf to MPI on 0800 80 99 66. You’ll receive support and advice on the next steps to take.
Protect your property by making sure all machinery entering and leaving your farm is free of contaminants.
This includes paying attention to all harvesting equipment, visitors’ vehicles and footwear hygiene.
You can follow the guidelines set out by the Keep it Clean Machinery Hygiene Guidelines and Logbook.
Full information about velvetleaf is at: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/velvetleaf
How to identify velvetleaf
Velvetleaf is an annual broadleaved weed that grows between 0.5m 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 12-5 segments in a cup-like ring. Each seedpod is about 2.5cm in diameter.
