Topinsunflower 'Bashgau' – a hybrid of sunflower and Jerusalem artichoke from the aster family, created at the Bashkir State Agrarian University. The plant is distinguished by high yield of both green mass (451–584 centners/ha) and tubers (82–123 centners/ha). The plant height is 180–270 cm, bushiness ranges from one to eight stems, ensuring a compact tuber placement. Leaves are large, elongated obovate with serrated edges; inflorescences are small, bright yellow, 6–8 cm in diameter.
The fodder value of the topinsunflower is high: in the green mass, protein content is 4.4–6%, fiber is 24.3–31.6%, and biologically available carbohydrates (BEC) are 50.4–61.4%. Tubers contain 4.5–8% protein, 4.7–6.6% fat, 74.2–78.5% BEC, and important trace elements. Tubers also contain the polysaccharide inulin (85–95% fructose), making them a valuable energy source for animals.
The 'Bashgau' variety is resistant to white rot, drought, diseases, and pests, has good cold hardiness, and can be grown on the same land for more than 8–9 years. It is suitable for various soil types due to its unpretentiousness and easily adapts to the conditions of the southern forest-steppe zone of Bashkortostan. Due to its high nutritional properties and resistance, the topinsunflower 'Bashgau' is widely used in agriculture as a source of feed in the form of green mass, silage, hay, as well as tubers for direct consumption by animals.
Seeds of this variety are available through FGBOU VPO 'Bashkir State Agrarian University' and are used in agronomic practice throughout the region. Their cultivation ensures a stable yield and high-quality feed, making the topinsunflower 'Bashgau' a valuable resource for farm enterprises.
