SIBERIAN 97 is a sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) variety developed by individual selection from an interspecific hybrid at the Siberian Experimental Station of VNIIMK. It is intended for cultivation in the Ural and Western Siberia regions. The plant is of medium height, reaching up to 150 cm, and does not branch. Leaves are small, lanceolate in shape, and light green in color. Ligulate florets are yellow, the head is small, and upon maturation, it turns halfway downwards, which is a characteristic feature of the variety.
The maturity period for the SIBERIAN 97 variety varies from very early to early, allowing for harvest in short timeframes. Seeds are oval-elongated, black in color with gray stripes along the edges and sides. Oil content in seeds reaches up to 50.6%, and according to some data, can range from 53.1% to 56.6%, making this variety valuable for oil production. Yield in the Western Siberia region is about 8.2 c/ha, while in the Omsk region it reaches 14.8 c/ha.
The variety is resistant to white and gray molds, being weakly affected by them, which enhances its reliability during cultivation. Due to high oil content indicators and good yield, the sunflower SIBERIAN 97 is suitable for use in the food industry and is also well-suited for drying and frying with salt, expanding its application possibilities.
