The crambe 'Demetra' variety represents a high-yield and resilient crop suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. The plant reaches a height of about 103 cm, with a 1000-seed mass of 9.8 g. Seed oil content ranges from 46.6–47.2%, while erucic acid content reaches 57.8%. These characteristics make 'Demetra' a valuable raw material for producing lubricants, liquid heat transfer fluids, coatings, and linseed oil, as well as for manufacturing plastic, nylon, and biofuel. Thanks to high yields – up to 3.05 t/ha (average according to Penza NIISK data) – the variety ensures efficient land use and high market potential.
Crambe 'Demetra' is characterized by drought tolerance, resistance to lodging and shattering, as well as low susceptibility to diseases and pests. The vegetative period is 98 days, which allows for scheduling agronomic activities within a single season. The variety is suitable for mechanized harvesting, reducing labor costs and increasing production economic efficiency.
Recent studies have shown that the application of growth regulators (Blackjack, Humate K/Na, Zircon, Albit) at the beginning of the budding stage can significantly improve the plant's photosynthetic characteristics. An increase in the area of assimilative surface by 6.2–8.9 thousand m²/ha and an increase in net photosynthetic productivity to 4.95 g/m²×day lead to a yield increase of 0.21–0.29 t/ha. The most effective regulators were Zircon and Blackjack, providing seed yields of 1.98 t/ha and 1.94 t/ha, respectively. These data confirm the potential of the 'Demetra' variety as a highly efficient source of vegetable oil for industry with optimized agronomic practices.
