Sunflower Gepard

The hybrid sunflower 'GERARD' is a medium-maturing, high-yielding intensive type variety developed for cultivation in the North Caucasus and Ural regions. It is characterized by a vegetation period from emergence to physiological maturity of 88–115 days, allowing effective use under various climatic conditions. Plants are medium-height, reaching 160–170 cm, with good stem leafiness, and the flower head is downward-facing, dense, and slightly convex with a diameter of 18–22 cm. Optimal sowing dates are from the end of April to mid-May; sowing after May 25 is considered risky. Planting density at harvest can reach up to 55,000 plants per hectare.

'GERARD' is intended for cultivation using herbicide technology and exhibits resistance to imidazolinone group herbicides (Clearfield). The hybrid is resistant to strains A-E of downy mildew, false powdery mildew (Pl1, Pl2, Pl3), and tolerant to infection by Fomopsis, ensuring reliable protection and stable yield. Seed oil content is 50–51%, reaching 52–53% on soils with sufficient phosphorus. Average seed yield in the North Caucasus region is approximately 23.5 c/ha, and in the Ural region — 18.4 c/ha.

The 1000-seed mass varies by region and is 50.4 g in the North Caucasus and 43.5 g in the Ural region. Oil content in seeds reaches 45.9% and 47.6% respectively, making the hybrid attractive for oil production. 'GERARD' is a simple interline hybrid developed by LLC NPO 'Triumph' and included in the State Register of Selection Achievements, confirming its quality and compliance with modern agronomic requirements.