ARGONAVT is a long-fescue (Elytrigia elongata) developed by the North Caucasus Federal Scientific and Agricultural Center. The variety is characterized by an upright, semi-sprawling bush of medium density, with a height of 160–200 cm and stems of medium coarseness. The leaves are linear, blue-green to dark green, hairless with a rough surface texture, and the nodes are light brown in color.
The crystal-clear inflorescence is an elongated complex spike, 28–40 cm long, with an elongated-lanceolate shape. The lanceolate seeds, light gray in color, ensure high yields: green mass reaches 377–388 kg/ha, hay – 112–121 kg/ha, and seeds – 1.0–1.1 kg/ha. The vegetative period lasts from the beginning of spring vegetation to the first cut-off, 82–85 days, and to full seed ripeness – 151–156 days.
ARGONAVT is intended for haymaking and pasture use, and has also shown high dry matter productivity under arid conditions in the North-Western Caspian region. The variety was selected after laboratory and field studies aimed at restoring lands affected by desertification, making it a promising solution for the agricultural development of difficult-to-access territories.
