Sunflower Vranac — this is a confectionery hybrid of Serbian selection, developed at the Institute of Field Crop and Vegetable Growing in Novi Sad. It belongs to the mid-early maturing group with a vegetation period of 112–118 days. Seeds are calibrated, treated, and packaged in paper bags of 1 sowing unit, corresponding to 150,000 seeds per 3 hectares. Plants reach a height of 175–180 cm, and the flower head diameter is 24–26 cm. Seeds are black, elongated, with a 1000-seed mass of about 100 grams. Oil content in the seeds ranges from 44 to 48%, and meal content is 20–22%.
The Vranac hybrid has a high genetic yield potential, exceeding 40 centners per hectare. It is resistant to major races of downy mildew (A, B, C, D), genetically protected against rust (Puccinia helianthi), and shows high tolerance to Phomopsis. Vranac is adapted to adverse environmental conditions, highly drought-tolerant, and very resistant to lodging, making it a reliable choice for various climatic zones. The optimal plant density before harvest is 42–46 thousand per hectare.
This hybrid is widely used in the confectionery industry due to its large seeds with high oil and protein content, as well as good meal release properties. Sunflower Vranac is suitable for producing halva and other confectionery products, ensuring high quality and nutritional value of the final product. Its seeds are valued for their excellent technological characteristics and stable productivity.
