US'worst weed" found in the Waikato

With first the PSA outbreak in our kiwifuit vines, and now the discovery of the US's worst weed Velvetleaf, is this a sign that we have holes in our biosecurity systems.

With our economy heavily reliant on agriculture keeping weeds and pests out of NZ is vital, if we are to compete in export markets.

Our geological position and climate has until now kept us relatively safe from unwanted agricultural weeds and pests, but these two outbreaks are worrying.

From this press release it appears entry may have come from an imported seed line, which surely would have had been through a rigorous testing system and certification. Farmers will be keen to see any gaps in our stringent biosecurity system tightened.

A major investigation is underway after Velvetleaf, one of the USA's worst weeds, was found in a Waikato maize crop. The Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) warned farmers  this morning  to keep their eyes open for the broadleaf weed which, if uncontrolled, can reduce maize yields by up to 34 per cent. Spread of the weed could cost the agrictulral industry hundreds of millions of dollars reports The Waikato Times.

The foundation did not say where, in the Waikato, the weed had been found but it was present in both a maize crop and silage feed-out lines. MAF, Environment Waikato and FAR are investigating  how far the weed might have spread.  "Our focus is on tracking machinery and silage movements from this crop and providing recommendations to prevent the spread of seed. Urgent measures include; disinfesting machinery moving from this crop and ensuring silage from this crop is completely wrapped for at least three months," FAR said. Diana Mathers, FAR's Maize Research Coordinator, said FAR would compile a Velvetleaf database.