Rain events at maturity severely impact the seed quality of psyllium ( <i>Plantago ovata</i> Forssk.)

Plantago ovata Forssk. is an emerging crop yielding psyllium husk, a material comprised of hydrophilic polysaccharides that form mucilage upon wetting. Psyllium husk has important industrial uses including as dietary fibre supplement and textural alternative in gluten-free bread production. Industrial applications require high-quality purity but consistent supply uniform quality often limited by climatic constraints, especially unseasonable rainfall at maturity. Here we compared the seed four P. varieties harvested before after 26 mm rain validated our key findings following season. Colourimetry showed event caused seeds to be darker greener, possibly from pigment oxidation microbial growth. Sugar profiling, water absorption assays microscopy premature hydration rain-damaged samples loss most soluble components increase non-mucilage contaminants, leading reduction capacity, which indicator functionality. Germination was also diminished rain-affected seeds. In this study show for first time extent maturity on quality. We suggest are unsuitable production resowing outline potential screening methods identify purchase. Additionally, extensive impacts described here may make suitable model or species studying acute climate effects quality, rain.