The first velvetleaf of the season has been found in Otago and a Teviot Valley farmer is being praised for his vigilance in reporting it to the authorities.
The discovery of the 1m-high plant next to a fodder beet crop on the Teviot Valley property last week highlights the need for all landowners in the region to be on the lookout for the pest plant, the Otago Regional Council says.
Council director environmental monitoring and operations Scott MacLean praised the farmer for contacting an ORC contractor and said the plant was swiftly removed and destroyed.
The plant could have germinated from last year's contaminated seed, which was distributed widely throughout Otago, Mr MacLean said.
The discovery underlined the importance heading into a new fodder beet season of landowners increasing their surveillance and being vigilant for the potential appearance of the pest plant.