The black mustard variety «Sofia» is distinguished by high yield and resistance to diseases and pests, making it attractive for mechanized cultivation in a temperate climate. The plant prefers fertile, well-drained soils with neutral acidity; at the same time, it shows good adaptation to various soil types, including steppe and forest-steppe zones.
The vegetative period of the variety is 100–108 days. Plant height reaches 110–120 cm, and the bush form is semi-closed. Leaves on lower shoots have lyrate-serrated shapes, while upper leaves are elongated-linear, covered with stiff hairs. Flowers are lemon-yellow, and pods are warty and hairy.
«Sofia» seeds are characterized by a mass of 3.2–3.5 g per 1000 seeds, with an oil content of 26–29 %. The yield reaches 20–22 c/ha. The variety is resistant to shattering and lodging, as well as possessing good drought tolerance and cold hardiness. Due to allelopathic activity, it cleans the soil from nematodes, which increases fertility.
The variety is suitable for use both as a spice and in feed production, as well as for agronomic purposes to increase crop productivity. It is recommended to grow from early sowing dates, starting from the beginning of sowing early spring cereals to the end of May, provided there is sufficient moisture.
