Renewed global interest in Plantago ovata has sparked demand for a long-term Australian supply chain. Plantago ovata was cropped commercially in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA) in the 1980s. Unique growing conditions in the ORIA allow for production of high-yielding Plantago ovata during the dry season. In order for Plantago ovata to be produced commercially, pesticide label registration Minor Use Permits (MUPs) must be obtained to allow agricultural pesticide application. There are no current pesticide label registrations for Plantago ovata.
This report details the findings of crop safety, pesticide efficacy, and residue study trial components. This research is critical in determining potential pesticide residues on the end products (seed and husk) of Plantago ovata. Crop safety and pesticide efficacy research demonstrates to growers the value of the products, and provides confidence in the pesticides which can be used for commercial production.