The castor bean variety 'LUCK' is an early-maturing and high-yielding option developed by FNC VNIIIMK named after V.S. Pustovoyta. The plant reaches a high growth, has a purple stem without a waxy coating, and seeds of medium size weigh 300 g per thousand. The vegetative period ranges from 112 to 122 days (average 121 days), which is about nine days shorter than the Don large-leaf variety, allowing to accelerate the sowing and harvesting cycle.
Key characteristics include high yield – about 1.4 t/ha at standard moisture, as well as a hulling rate of 23 %. Fat content in completely dry seeds reaches 52.7 %, making the variety especially valuable for castor oil production. Oil content is approximately 53 %.
The 'LUCK' variety is distinguished by resistance to major pathogens: fusarium (78.5 %), grey mold, as well as abiotic factors – lodging, shattering, and drought. Thanks to these properties, it is suitable for intensive cultivation and mechanized harvesting. The recommended sowing density is 30,000 plants/ha at soil temperature of 10–12 °C. The variety is included in the State Register of the North Caucasian Region as an early variety.
The main area of use is industrial production of castor oil, which is used in the aviation and military industries, as well as in the production of linseed oil, varnishes, paints, perfumery, medical preparations, and electrotechnology. The 'LUCK' variety ensures a stable output of high-quality oil under optimal agro-technical conditions.
