Chumak

The sunflower variety 'Chumak' belongs to the oilseed group and was created using interspecific hybridization in Ukraine. It has been included in the Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine since 2001 and is characterized by an early vegetation period, which ranges from 100–118 days depending on the growing zone. Plants reach a height of 180–190 cm, have a flat, relatively thin, and rapidly drying head with a diameter of 20–25 cm, sometimes up to 35 cm. Seeds are dark with a black stripe, 1000-seed mass varies from 55 to 70 grams, oil content is 49–52%, and the oil yield is 20–21%. The variety 'Chumak' is distinguished by high yield: average yields over test years range from 24.7 to 28.5 centners per hectare, with potential yields reaching up to 37.3 centners per hectare. In the Steppe zone, average yield reaches 28.2 centners per hectare, which is 4.6 centners per hectare higher than standard hybrids. To achieve maximum productivity, it is important to maintain optimal plant density — 40–45 thousand per hectare, as excessive density leads to reduced yield. The variety is well adapted for mechanical harvesting and does not shed seeds during plant stand delays. 'Chumak' exhibits high resistance to adverse conditions and diseases. It is drought-tolerant and tolerant to major sunflower diseases, including downy mildew, false powdery mildew, rust, and verticillium wilt. These qualities make this variety a reliable choice for cultivation in various climatic zones, especially in the Forest-Steppe and Steppe zones. The main application of this variety is oil production, due to its high oil content and quality seed characteristics.