Alert as pest takes root Weed beater

Environment Waikato wants people to notify it when they spot quick-spreading alligator weed, which could suffocate the region's pasture growth and clog waterways if it gets out of control.

Alligator weed is on the list of the top 100 most invasive weeds in the world and has taken root in a large subdivision at the north end of River Rd. It is one of the largest infestations of the weed the city has seen to date.

EW is spraying the area with herbicide in a bid to keep it under control and no soil or vegetation is allowed to be taken off site. It was notified of the infestation two weeks ago.

The alligator weed has spread over about six mainly empty sections in the subdivision and Environment Waikato is working with the three land owners.

EW pest plants officer Darion Embling said it was important the alligator weed did not spread.

"It is reasonably rare in the Waikato at present and we want to keep it that way. Otherwise it could become a disaster to our dairying region and totally spoil our wetlands, streams and rivers."

Mr Embling said alligator weed was hard to eradicate and it could take years to get rid of the Hamilton infestation entirely. There were about 50 small alligator weed infestation sites in Hamilton and most have been in the city for several years.

EW declined to name the subdivision because staff want people to freely report any further sightings to them without fear of being named.

- © Fairfax NZ News