Derkul

Derkul sunflower is an early-maturing three-line hybrid developed by the Lugansk Institute of Selection and Technologies (LIST) specifically for cultivation in the Steppe and Forest-Steppe zones of Ukraine. The vegetation period is 104-108 days, allowing the hybrid to successfully adapt to the regional climatic conditions. Plants reach a height of 160-170 cm, and the flower head diameter ranges from 18 to 20 cm. Derkul is characterized by high plasticity and low requirement for soil preparation, which simplifies its cultivation and reduces agronomic costs. One of the key features of the hybrid is its high drought resistance, making it an optimal choice for dry Steppe conditions. Sowing is recommended at optimally late dates — after May 25, but not later than June 10, which contributes to more stable yields. The hybrid quickly releases moisture from seeds, facilitating harvesting and ensuring good oil extraction. The optimal plant density at harvest is 56-60 thousand per hectare. Derkul also demonstrates resistance to lodging and shattering, further improving crop quality. The hybrid possesses genetic resistance to six races of downy mildew, as well as high resistance to major diseases, including fusarium, fusariosis, rust, powdery mildew, gray and white mold, ensuring stable and reliable yields. The yield potential is 38-43 centners per hectare with oil content in seeds at 52-53%. Practical trials in the Dnepropetrovsk and Lugansk regions confirmed the hybrid's stability and high productivity even under prolonged drought conditions. Derkul is suitable for conventional cultivation with soil herbicides, making it a versatile and profitable choice for farmers in the region.