Kulundinskiy 4 is an early-maturing sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) variety created by individual selection from hybrid populations and adapted to the conditions of the Kulundinskaya steppe in the Altai Krai and the West Siberian region. The plant is of medium height (140-160 cm), with a straight stem and a semi-downwards-facing medium-sized head. The leaves are green, ranging from small to medium in size, with weakly pronounced serration and a concave cross-sectional shape. The seeds are large, narrowly egg-shaped, black in color with weakly pronounced gray stripes, with a 1000-seed mass reaching 91 g.
The variety is characterized by high and stable yields: average indicators range from 12.8 to 14.0 c/ha in various regions, with a maximum yield of up to 24.6 c/ha recorded in the Omsk region. The fat content in the seeds is high — from 49.4% to 54.3%, which ensures an average oil yield of about 9.0 c/ha. Kulundinskiy 4 belongs to the confectionery type and is characterized by enhanced processability, making it attractive for processing.
The variety shows resistance to unfavorable conditions: it is drought-resistant, frost-resistant, and has high resistance to white and gray rot, as well as to dodder strains A and B. Moderately resistant to downy mildew. The recommended sowing rate is 55-60 thousand seeds per hectare. Due to its characteristics, Kulundinskiy 4 is a reliable choice for growing in regions with similar climatic conditions, providing a stable and high-quality yield.
