Cardinal

Cardinal is a high-yielding sunflower hybrid with a medium maturity period of about 52 days and a vegetative period of 90-95 days. Plants reach a height of 150-165 cm, have a convex flower head with a diameter of about 24 cm and a semi-angled inclination. The hybrid is characterized by high oil content in seeds — 49-52%, as well as a lodging resistance level of 20-23%. Cardinal is distinguished by high initial growth energy and simultaneous progression through all developmental phases, ensuring uniformity and evenness in plant height. The hybrid exhibits high resistance to a broad spectrum of diseases, including black stem, powdery mildew, phomopsis, rust, white and gray rot, as well as phomosis and false powdery mildew. Disease resistance is rated at 9 points, indicating reliable plant protection. Additionally, Cardinal is resistant to stressful conditions, including drought and lodging, and practically does not shed during standstill. This makes it an ecologically flexible and technologically efficient hybrid capable of adapting to various climatic conditions. Recommended planting density varies depending on the cultivation zone: 55-65 thousand plants per hectare for forest-steppe regions, 50-60 thousand plants per hectare for steppe regions. The hybrid responds well to mineral fertilizer application, allowing yield increases of 0.5-0.7 t/ha. Average yield ranges from 3.0-3.8 t/ha, with a maximum potential of up to 4.37 t/ha, exceeding standards in steppe zones. High oil content and disease resistance make Cardinal a profitable choice for efficient and stable sunflower production.