Breaking: Another biosecurity cock-up

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.

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.

"In the first instance, we would ask all growers to keep their eyes open for this problem weed and if sighted, report it to myself (027 544 2236) or Mike Parker (021 960 079) at FAR or Dr Trevor James at AgResearch. (07 838 5275)."

Some might say, 'Just how is that MAF merger going?'.

Good pix here.