TONIC plantain
The flexible forage herb
TONIC can add value, both in terms of dry matter, and quality, in a diverse range of ways in any farming system. The benefits include:

  • Increased dry matter production
  • Extended 'shoulders' of seasonal production
  • Improved quality at key times of the year
  • Positive impact on animal performance
  • Improved supply of some trace elements to animals

  • Valuable year round DIM contributor
  • Source of key minerals
  • Strong cool season growth
  • Suits wide environment range

Finishing advance from Tonic
Inclusion of TONIC as part of a perennial pasture has been proven to increase Lamb growth rates.

White clover was chemically removed from all treatments to eliminate confounding effects of variable clover content.
 Percentage of lambs achieving slaughter target liveweight at the same date from a perennial pasture, with and without TONIC, in 3 successive years, Ceres Research Centre, 2002-2004.

Dry matter yields of a WINFRED and WINFRED/TONIC crop in a multiple grazing situation, Ceres Research Centre, 1999-2000.

Addition of TONIC to a multiple grazing brassica will improve yields in subsequent grazing's, and possibly aid rumen adjustment (a function of its chemical properties and greater diet variation).


A deep, coarse root system aids persistence in dry environments, and may be the reason for elevated mineral levels.
  • Ploidy
    Diploid
  • Sowing rate (per ha)
    2-10kg
  • Leaf
    Broad, ribbed
  • Growth habit
    Upright
  • Seasonality
    Drought tolerant
  • Key minerals
    Ca, Cu, Se, Na
  • Management
    Rotational

Dry matter production comparisons of TONIC and perennial ryegrass, Wollongbar Research Station, North Coast, NSW, 2000.

TONIC fills gaps in pasture production
TONIC contributes invaluable dry matter production, typically at times of the year when ryegrass, and other species, e.g. white clover, are not performing. TONIC has a deep, coarse root system, which gives it a degree of drought tolerance, and the ability to respond quickly after summer dry conditions. Inclusion of TONIC in pasture mixes will also improve summer pasture quality, being both high in minerals and endophyte-free.
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©Steve Cselka 2006 - 2008