Krasnohrad 49

Lentil 'Krasnohrad 49' is a large-seeded variety grown in a semi-arid cool climate. Seeds have a diameter of 2 to 9 mm and are light green or yellow in color. The plant reaches a height of 30–60 cm, has an erect stem with even-pinnate leaves. The root system penetrates the soil to a depth of up to one meter, ensuring resistance to light frosts and good adaptation to various soil types, especially sod-podzolic soils with pH ≈ 7.0.

For successful cultivation, seeds must be inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum for 24 hours prior to sowing. Sowing is done at a depth of 5–7 cm (up to 10 cm during dry weather) with a density of 1.6–2 million plants/ha. If organic matter content is less than 2%, it is recommended to add 20–30 kg of nitrogen/ha; for maximum yield – 30–60 kg of phosphorus and 100–120 kg of potassium. The variety is resistant to mild diseases; however, without proper crop rotation (avoiding peas, mustard, soybeans, rapeseed, sunflower), problems with Fusarium wilt and root bacterial infection may occur.

The yield of 'Krasnohrad 49' ranges from 5 to 25 c/ha, with an average of about 12 c/ha. Ripening occurs 85 days after germination, usually in mid-July. Harvesting is done by direct combine harvesting at 18–22% moisture content. Seeds are stored at 14% moisture and can be dried further to temperatures not exceeding 43 °C. Thanks to its high nutritional value (rich in protein, vitamins, and trace elements), this variety is widely used in cooking: soups, porridges, sides, salads. For preparation, seeds are usually soaked before cooking; red lentils take 10–12 minutes to cook, while brown lentils take 20–30 minutes. Storing dry lentils at room temperature allows the product to last up to 10 months, while prepared lentils can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 6 months.