Aelita

The buckwheat variety Aelita was included in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine since 2009 and was developed using individual-family selection based on a hybrid population. It is characterized by early maturity with a vegetation period of 65 to 85 days, a determinate morphotype, and a compact plant habit with height ranging from 85 to 110 cm. Stems have 4-7 internodes, and the upper inflorescence ends in a narrowly cylindrical panicle with forked (double) inflorescences. Leaves are broad and of medium thickness; flowers are predominantly white with occasional pale-pink hues. Fruits are relatively large, winged, with a 1000-seed mass ranging from 28 to 30 grams and a hull content of approximately 20-22%. The variety exhibits high technological and milling qualities: the grain yield reaches 75-80%, protein content in the grain is 15-16%, and the grain density is about 600 g/l. Grain uniformity ranges from 85-94%, ensuring high product quality. Due to its high resistance to heat, summer drought, lodging, and shattering, Aelita is especially suitable for cultivation in the steppe zone, as well as in the Polissia and Forest-Steppe regions of Ukraine. The variety possesses a high photosynthetic potential and ecological plasticity, contributing to stable yields ranging from 20 to 36 centners per hectare. The application of the Aelita variety is targeted toward the food industry, particularly for producing flour and honey. Its high yield and resistance to adverse weather conditions make it an advantageous choice for farmers seeking high-quality and stable buckwheat harvests. The variety demonstrates good adaptation to various soil-climatic conditions, broadening its potential use across different regions of Ukraine.