Winter wheat variety Zira was created at the Sinyelnykivska Selection and Research Station of the Institute of Steppe Agriculture and entered the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine since 2005. This variety is characterized by accelerated early development, strong vegetative mass, and a well-developed root system, which ensures high competitiveness against weeds and fusarium. The plant reaches a height of 78-80 cm, has a white cylindrical medium-length ear with a low inclination. The vegetation period is 305-310 days, corresponding to the average maturity level.
Variety Zira has a high yield potential — from 6.5 to 7.0 tons per hectare, equivalent to 80-100 centners per hectare. Grain is characterized by 1000-grain weight of 36-38 g, test weight of 763 g/l, crude protein content of 12.9-13.0%, and gluten content of 26-29%. These indicators ensure high grain quality and allow obtaining bread volume of 533 to 610 cm³, making the variety attractive for the bakery industry.
Zira is distinguished by high resistance to multiple diseases and stress factors, including lodging, ear diseases, root rot, septoria, fusarium, powdery mildew, and both soft and hard scab. In addition, the variety exhibits high winter hardiness and resistance to drought and cold, allowing successful cultivation in forest-steppe and steppe zones. The recommended seeding rate is 4.5-5.0 million germinating seeds per hectare, which contributes to achieving maximum productivity and stable yield.
