The hybrid sunflower 'Zalik' was developed by Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Viktor Vasilievich Burlov, and registered in the Ukrainian Plant Variety Register in 2004. The breeder of this plant is the agro-industrial company 'Flora'. This hybrid was created by interline hybridization using the CMS (cytoplasmic male sterility) genetic system with complete restoration of pollen fertility, ensuring high viability and productivity of the plant.
According to its biological characteristics, 'Zalik' belongs to simple mid-season hybrids with a vegetative period of 105-110 days. Plant height reaches 170-180 cm, with medium-sized leaf blades having a moderate green tint. Early flowering onset and medium-sized flower heads with a thin and convex shape are characteristic features of this hybrid. Disc florets have a moderate yellow color, while tubular florets are yellow. Seeds are of medium size, narrowly oval in shape, with a 1000-seed mass of 65-75 grams.
The main advantage of the 'Zalik' hybrid is its high drought resistance, making it especially valuable for cultivation under conditions of insufficient moisture. In addition, the hybrid exhibits genetically determined resistance to the 7th most virulent race of downy mildew and race 730 of false powdery mildew, significantly reducing the risk of crop losses due to diseases. Like other sunflower hybrids, 'Zalik' is widely used for oil production, ensuring a stable and high-quality yield.
