SARATOVSKY 82 is an ultra-early maturing sunflower variety intended for the confectionery industry. Plant height reaches 130-140 cm, seeds are large, with a mass of 1000 seeds ranging from 80 to 120 g, ensuring a high yield of large fractions. Seed color is gray, and hullability varies within 24.9-28.5%. Protein content in seeds is 22.1-23.6%, oil content is 44.2-47.1%, and natural weight is 399-405 g. Thanks to these characteristics, the variety is widely used for producing halva, oriental sweets, and other high-quality food products. The variety was created at the Southern and Eastern Research Institute of Agriculture (NIISKH South-East) through selection from hybrid material obtained from crossing several lines, including Saratov 2, Early 38, Jubilee 60, October, and Start. During the germination period, seedlings and leaves have green coloration without anthocyanin, with medium leafiness. The maturity period under Saratov conditions is 78-83 days, making it one of the most early maturing varieties included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements. SARATOVSKY 82 exhibits high resistance to downy mildew, local races of dodder, and caterpillars, which enhances its reliability in various climatic conditions. The variety consistently forms high yields of oilseeds, reaching up to 30.5 c/ha in favorable years. Thanks to its early maturing characteristics, it ripens successfully without the need for artificial drying and desiccation, which is especially important for northern and eastern regions of Russia. Economic efficiency is achieved by obtaining seeds with optimal moisture under various meteorological conditions, as well as the ability to use the variety as a substitute for nut raw materials.
