Sunflower

50% or less of the genetic potential of sunflower is used in production. The causes are as follows: non-adherence to crop rotations, non-compliance with major requirements of cultivation technologies, insufficient attention to the selection of hybrids and seed quality.

Over the past five years, over 20 innovative sunflower hybrids created by the Institute’s breeders have been included in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine. These hybrids are highly adaptable to growing conditions, intended for different purposes and belong to various ripeness groups. Their potential yields amount to 5 t/ha; the oil content in seeds is ≥48%. These hybrids are Husliar, Intehral, Azhur, Charodii, Oplot, Fordazh, Staier, Draiv, Ravelin, Fenomen, Yarylo and others. The hybrids are diverse in biological and valuable economic traits and qualities, such as ripeness group, high performance, resistance to major pathogens and broomrape, various quality of raw materials, high level of heterosis, genetically determined adaptability to agro-environmental conditions of cultivation, which allows one to have an optimal hybrid assortment for farms in the Steppe and Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.

A number of confectionery hybrids have been created. They give high yields; their cultivability is high in comparison with traditional cultivars, and they produce high-quality seeds (the protein content in kernels is up to 23.0%). Confectionery hybrids Nasoloda and Hudvin are novelties; they combine a high yield capacity with resistance to unfavorable environmental conditions, produce seeds with high protein content and good gustatory quality, with easy separation kernels from husks. The output of certified seeds (4+) is up to 80%.