Sunflower hybrid variety Don 60 is an early-maturing hybrid with a vegetation period of 95-100 days, enabling its effective use in various agroclimatic zones of Ukraine and CIS countries. The plant is tall, reaching a height of about 180-190 cm, with an unbranched stem and average leaf mass. The head size varies from 17 to 25 cm in diameter, and the 1000-seed mass is 75-95 grams. The seeds are dark, nearly black, with weak dark-gray striping, containing 50-54% oil, making this variety one of the highest-oil content varieties in Ukraine. Seed germination rate ranges from 20-24%. Don 60 is characterized by high yield, which varies depending on climatic conditions from 27.1 to 39.9 c/ha, with a potential genetic maximum of 45 c/ha. The variety is resistant to a wide range of stress factors and diseases, including drought, lodging, rust, fomopsis, verticillium, false powdery mildew, sunflower rust, and rot. Resistance to the complex of pests reaches 97-100%, significantly reducing the risk of yield loss. Due to its high adaptability, the variety successfully grows in various soil-climatic conditions, demonstrating stable productivity. For optimal development and maximum yield, it is recommended to maintain a specific plant density: for steppe zone — 35-40 thousand plants per hectare, for forest-steppe zone — 42-55 thousand plants per hectare. Don 60 poorly responds to dense planting, so it is important to adhere to these norms. The variety has been included in the Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine since 2003 and is accompanied by full documentary certification, confirming its quality and reliability for agricultural production.
