Meridian sunflower is an early-maturing hybrid with a vegetation period of 100-105 days, developed by the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad (Serbia). This variety is characterized by high yield, reaching over 45 centners per hectare, as well as high oil content in seeds — up to 50-52%. The seeds are elongated and have a deep black color, with protein content of 16-17%. Plant height varies from 155 to 170 cm, ensuring good soil coverage by leaves and suppressing weed growth. The Meridian hybrid exhibits high resistance to various adverse factors, including drought, powdery mildew, rust, sunflower moth, and ragweed (Ambrosia) types A, B, C, and D. Thanks to these qualities, along with resistance to lodging and shattering, sunflower maintains yield and seed quality even under challenging climatic conditions. Excellent leafiness and well-filled heads with a diameter of 21-24 cm contribute to effective yield formation. Meridian is versatile and suitable for cultivation in all regions of Ukraine, including reseeding on winter cereal fields. It demonstrates high growth rates and is capable of forming stable yields regardless of soil type. The recommended plant density at harvest is 50-55 thousand per hectare, optimizing land use and maximizing crop productivity.
