Velvetleaf plants or seeds invaded approximately 407 farms in Southland and 145 farms in South Otago back in 2015-2016. The good news is that no new plants have been found down this way and with the Ministry of Primary Industries working with farmers and outreach workers from Southern Land and Planning, long may that last. MPI reports the latest velvetleaf tracking project by John Taylor and his loyal dog, Wink.

A quick whiff and sniff, and Wink the dog is off. Moments later he barks and sits, to alert his handler that he’s found what he’s been searching for. 

Wink has been trained to find an unwanted cropping weed called Velvetleaf, believed introduced to the South Island in imported fodderbeet seeds.

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The incursion may have happened 15 years ago, and MPI says it may never be known how velvetleaf actually arrived.

What is known is the plant is fast growing, has caused up to 70% reduction in crop yield overseas, and the easily transportable seeds can lie dormant for decades before germinating. 

Velvetleaf has yellow buttery flowers, distinctive seed pods with heart shaped leaves that are velvety to the touch and can grow up to 2.5m tall. 

A member of the mallow family, it is notoriously hard to control and each plant can produce over 17,000 seeds.

It’s a nuisance for farmers around Aotearoa, and MPI is asking everyone to keep an eye out for the weed.  

Velvetleaf is a fast growing member of the marrow family. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Wink has been on the job in the South Island for the past few weeks, with his handler and trainer John Taylor. 

“Velvetleaf has been found on farms around Aotearoa, it’s an invasive pest that competes for space, nutrients and water, which affects crop growth,” John says.

“Wink has a very keen and astute nose, much more adept than a human eye and he can locate it really quickly. It’s been a team effort between Wink and myself.” 

When Wink locates Velvetleaf, it’s removed and destroyed. But everyone can help control this weed and stop its spread, John says.

“We’re asking you to stay vigilant and look out for Velvetleaf, we need everyone’s help to control it.” 

If you see Velvetleaf, take a photo of it and call MPI’s pest and disease line (0800 80 99 66). 

Notes 

• Velvetleaf seedlings are vigorous, and the plants grow very fast.  

• If you see velvetleaf take a photo, mark its location and call MPI pest line 0800 80 99 66 

• The South Island Velvetleaf Community Outreach team work with farmers on Farm Management Plans to contain the weed

• The seed survives in maize silage and in the gut of cattle, so it has the potential to spread rapidly through farms. 

• Farm, crop, and machinery hygiene are important strategies for the prevention and control of this pest.

• Velvet leaf was initially found in a fodderbeet seed incursion in the South and in maize in the North.

More information on Velvetleaf is available on MPI's website HERE:

Media release by Ministry of Primary Industries