Summary

In order for Plantago ovata to be commercially produced in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA), MUPs must be obtained to allow agricultural pesticide application; there are no current pesticide label registrations for Plantago ovata.
The project will encompass residue studies for Paraquat herbicide and Dimethoate insecticide on Plantato ovata, in order to generate supporting data for Minor Use Permit (MUP) applications for both actives. The efficacy of both actives is well established by several years of trials in the ORIA.
The company supporting the development of Plantago ovata in Australia (Global company Dr Shaer) has substantial demand for the husk. The crop is now only grown in West India and Pakistan (~500,000ha) in very small plots using traditional agricultural methods with little quality control and low yields (

Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

RJ AGRICULTURAL SERVICES PTY LTD (T/A RAITECH)

Objective Summary

The overall objective is to accelerate the opportunity for commercial Plantago ovata production in the ORIA, by obtaining MUPs for use on commercial crops in 2019. This will be done via:
1. Determination of potential residues from Paraquat applied as a post-emergent herbicide for weed control in Plantago ovata.
2. Determination of potential residues from Dimethoate applied for Thrips control during Plantago ovata flowering.
3. Generation of further crop safety & pesticide efficacy data to support MUP applications.
4. Submission of residues data to APVMA for both actives, together with applications for MUPs in Plantago ovata.