Wildrye Sultan

Elymus sibiricus 'Sultan' is a variety of Siberian couchgrass (Elymus sibiricus L.), developed and patented by the Russian Research Institute of Sorghum and Maize (RNIPTI). It is intended for use in agronomy as feed material and for improving soil cover. The plant is characterized by erect bushes, reaching up to 135 cm in height before harvest, with a moderate density and medium internode spacing (4–6). Leaves are up to 15 cm long, 3–10 mm wide, flat, slightly rough, oriented upwards and gradually drooping.

The vegetative period for hay is 54–62 days, and for seeds is 91–102 days. Green mass yield reaches 35–72 c/ha, hay yield is 8.1–14.1 c/ha, and seed yield is 1.3–4.2 c/ha. The feed value of dry matter (protein) ranges from 6.9–7.8%, and fiber is between 25.9% and 33.4%. Ears are 10–25 mm long, straw-yellow in color with a brownish tint, and contain 3–7 florets. Seeds are elongated, 5–9 mm long, also yellow with a brownish tint.

The root system of 'Sultan' is fibrous; the main root is not developed, ensuring the plant's resistance to mechanized harvesting and good adaptation to various soil conditions. Thanks to the even distribution of leaf mass and moderate shoot density, the plant is easy to process and suitable for producing hay, feed, and improving soil structure.