Astrakhan 747 is one of the most in-demand varieties of safflower, suitable both for oil production and feed purposes.
Plants of this variety are compact, reaching a height of 0.65–0.80 m. They have an average number of first-order branches from seven to nine, and the leaves are entire, sessile: lower ones are broadly lanceolate, upper ones are obovate. Heads are dome-shaped and large (diameter 30–40 mm), each typically containing from thirty to forty seeds. At full maturity, heads partially open, facilitating threshing.
Seeds are white, elongated with two ribs, mass of 1000 seeds – 35–40 g (in some sources 47.1–50.1 g). Oil content is 57.4–59.1%. Seed yield is high: average yield is 10.3 c/ha, but under favorable conditions can reach 15 c/ha. Under elevated summer temperatures (24–26 °C) and high soil evaporation on light chestnut soils, the variety can produce over 1.63 t/ha of seeds.
Astrakhan 747 is distinguished by good drought tolerance, heat resistance, and winter hardiness. It is resistant to pests at the medium level and is suitable for mechanical harvesting. The oiliness of the seeds allows it to be used as an oilseed variety; the obtained oil has an acid number of 1.66, making it suitable for food applications.
Thus, this variety combines high yield, good oil content, and resistance to adverse climatic conditions, making it attractive for both oil production and feed purposes.
