The Stevia variety 'Primorsky Slastena' was bred at FGBNU 'Primorsky NIISKH' using individual selection and in vitro microclonal propagation, which enabled high yield. The green leaf biomass yield is 3.79 t/ha, and dry leaf yield is 1.16 t/ha, which is 0.37 t/ha higher than the control Ramonskaya Slastena variety and 0.28 t/ha exceeds its dry leaf indicators. These data indicate the significant potential of this variety for commercial cultivation.
The glycoside complex (steviosides) content in leaves reaches 13.6%, and vitamin C level is 67.5 mg/100 g. High percentage of steviosides ensures strong sweet taste without calories, making the product attractive for production of diabetic and functional food products. Resistance to lodging and leaf shattering, as well as a short vegetation period – 70 days when grown from seedlings – allow efficient use of both open and closed ground.
The 'Primorsky Slastena' variety is suitable for cultivation not only in the Primorsky Krai, but also in other regions of Russia. Expanding the area of plantings of this variety contributes to replenishing the domestic raw material market and developing local production of sweet and functional food products, ensuring sustainable development of agriculture and the food industry.
