Hybrid sunflower "Stepok" is an ultrarapid three-line hybrid with a vegetation period of 95-100 days. Plants reach a height of 130-150 cm, and the head diameter is 20-21 cm. The weight of 1000 seeds varies from 55 to 62 g, with oil content in seeds reaching 52.5-54.5%. The hybrid has high potential yield — up to 50-55 centners per hectare, confirmed by trials in various regions of Ukraine and Belarus. "Stepok" is genetically resistant to false powdery mildew, drought-tolerant, and tolerant to crowding, making it a reliable choice for cultivation in steppe zones.
To achieve maximum yield, it is recommended to maintain optimal plant density during the vegetation period — 60-70 thousand/ha. When sowing is delayed (from May 20 to June 20), density can be increased to 80-90 thousand/ha, allowing harvest without desiccants in late August. The hybrid requires careful crop rotation and use of high-quality seeds with laboratory germination not less than 85%. Seed production involves using maternal form L-45A and paternal form Lv-55B, sown with empty rows to obtain conditioned seeds with yield of 7-8 centners/ha.
Sunflower "Stepok" features a powerful root system up to 260-280 cm in length, ensuring high drought tolerance and enabling the crop to efficiently utilize soil moisture. This is especially important for steppe regions with limited water availability. Sunflower seeds are recommended to be treated with fungicides, insecticides, and microelements for protection against diseases and pests. Due to its agronomic and biological characteristics, "Stepok" is a promising hybrid for obtaining high and stable sunflower yields with high oil content.
