Soybean variety "Raiduga" (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is a grain-type variety with enhanced drought resistance, developed by the Institute of Plant Growing named after V.Ya. Yuryev of NAAN and registered in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine in 2017. This early-maturing variety has a vegetation period of 96–98 days, plant height of 80–100 cm, and the attachment height of the lower pod around 16 cm. The plant pubescence is light gray, flowers are purple, and seeds are oval-round, yellow with a light-brown hilum and cotyledon. The 1000-seed weight is 140–170 g. The variety is characterized by high resistance to lodging and seed shattering, as well as high resistance to diseases.
"Raiduga" is recommended for cultivation in the forest-steppe and steppe zones of Ukraine, which correspond to the optimal natural-climatic conditions for soybean in the country. Due to its adaptability and drought resistance, the variety can achieve high yields up to 4.5 t/ha, especially when using modern agronomic technologies and optimal sowing dates. The average protein content in the seeds is 38.2%, and oil content is 21.0%, making this variety attractive for grain use.
Soybean as a whole plays an important role in agroecosystems of Ukraine, contributing to atmospheric nitrogen fixation in symbiosis with rhizobial bacteria, improving soil fertility, and protecting soils from erosion. Varieties developed by the Institute of Plant Growing named after V.Ya. Yuryev, including "Raiduga", have high yield potential, seed quality, and are adapted to regional conditions, enabling their effective use in intensive agricultural production and stable yields on both irrigated and non-irrigated lands.
