SARATOVSKOE 12

SARATOVSKOE 12 is a mid-season millet cultivar (Panicum miliaceum L.) recommended for cultivation in the North-Caucasian and Lower-Volga regions, including the Stavropol Krai and the Saratov region. The vegetation period lasts from 70 to 105 days; the variety matures 1-3 days later than the Saratovskoe 6 variety. A distinguishing feature is the practically simultaneous ripening of the inflorescence and the drying of the vegetative mass, which allows for efficient direct combine harvesting. The average yield in the North-Caucasian region reaches 26.8 centners/ha, which is 1.6 centners/ha higher than the average standard, while in the Lower-Volga region it is 14.7 centners/ha, 1.5 centners/ha higher than the average standard. The maximum yield recorded in the Saratov region was 54.3 centners/ha.

The variety is characterized by a compact, moderately drooping inflorescence of medium length, erect leaves without anthocyanin pigmentation, and the absence or weak pubescence of the first seedling leaf. The grain is round with a yellow color of unpolished grain; the weight of 1000 grains varies from 7.7 to 9.5 grams. In terms of lodging resistance, the variety exceeds the standard by up to 1 point, while drought resistance is at the level of the Saratovskoe 6 variety. Despite high technological and culinary qualities, the variety has strong susceptibility to head smut.

SARATOVSKOE 12 is a high-quality cultivar that, due to its agronomic characteristics and high yield, is widely used in agriculture to obtain quality grain. Its features allow optimizing the harvesting process and increasing production efficiency, making it an attractive choice for farmers in the recommended regions.