Sorghum Irina

The grain sorghum variety Irina is a mid-season crop developed at the Southern-East Agricultural Research Institute. It is designed for cultivation in the Lower Volga and Urals regions and recommended for producing feed and edible grain. The variety is characterized by high yield, reaching 45-55 c/ha, and rapid maturity — the full maturation period is 92-100 days. Plants of the variety reach a height of 123-128 cm, with one productive stalk and a medium-density head 23-25 cm long. The grain is round, white with a semi-glassy endosperm of a light yellow shade; the weight of 1000 grains is 27-31 g. Biological features of the Irina variety include the presence of new-type restorer genes of sterile cytoplasm, which allows its use for producing F1 hybrids based on M35-1A cytoplasm. The grain is characterized by improved digestibility of reserve proteins (kaherins) up to 70-75%, which increases its nutritional value. The variety stably forms high-quality grain, confirmed by indicators such as 1000 grain weight, natural weight, fall number, and starch gelation speed. This makes Irina a universal variety suitable for starch production as well as components for confectionery, culinary, and bakery products. The economic efficiency of cultivating the Irina variety is due to the combination of high productivity and excellent grain quality. Thanks to adaptability to growing conditions and stability of indicators, this variety is a reliable choice for farmers focused on producing high-quality grain. Irina contributes to the development of grain sorghum production as a promising crop capable of successfully competing with other grain crops.