The Kosmaj pea variety is medium-maturing and primarily intended for fodder use. It was developed through individual selection based on local and foreign populations, ensuring high cold resistance and tolerance to common diseases. This variety can withstand temperatures down to -15 °C without snow cover, making it particularly valuable for cultivation in the forest-steppe and Polissia regions. Kosmaj is included in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine and is one of two winter pea varieties recommended for cultivation in the country.
Plants of this variety reach heights from 65 to 170 cm depending on growing conditions. Leaves consist of large stipules and three leaflets, while flowers have a purple tint. The period from germination to technical maturity is approximately 75 days. Each pod contains 8-9 large dark-green peas with good taste qualities. Green mass yield reaches approximately 40 tons per hectare, and hay yield is around 8 tons per hectare.
Kosmaj is widely used in animal husbandry, especially for feeding ruminants. It can be grown either as a pure stand or in mixed sowing with cereal crops. Additionally, the variety is used as green manure in gardens and vineyards, contributing to soil fertility improvement. The crude protein content in dry matter ranges from 21 to 24%, and crude fiber content is about 25%, making this variety an excellent alternative to alfalfa silage.
