Vegas Sunflower — this is an early-maturing hybrid developed by the All-Ukrainian Scientific Institute of Selection (VNIIS) and intended for cultivation under the Granstar technology. It has a vegetation period of 105–108 days and belongs to the mid-early hybrid group. High productivity and resistance to late-stage downy mildew (A-G+) make Vegas a reliable choice for various climatic zones of Ukraine, including Polissia, Forest Steppe, and Steppe. The hybrid is characterized by adaptability and high drought tolerance, enabling it to maintain stable yields even under water deficit.
Oil content in the seeds of the Vegas sunflower reaches 53%, which is a key indicator for oilseed crops. Plants reach a height of approximately 170 cm, and the flower head diameter is about 23 cm. The hybrid exhibits resistance to major sunflower diseases such as phomopsis, phomopsis, rust, and false powdery mildew, which helps reduce crop losses and lowers plant protection costs. The recommended planting density is 55–60 thousand plants per hectare, optimizing land use and maximizing yield.
Selection of sunflower in VNIIS is aimed at enhancing the genetic potential of the crop and introducing modern hybrids adapted to various cultivation technologies, including herbicide resistance to tribenuron-methyl and imidazolinone-based herbicides. The Vegas hybrid demonstrates stable yield performance, reaching a potential of up to 5.4 tons per hectare or 54 centners under favorable conditions. This makes it an effective tool for intensifying agricultural production and obtaining high-quality raw material for the oilseed industry.
