Vika – a spring vetch (Vicia sativa L.) variety developed by individual selection from the hybrid population 'Krasnodar 7' × 'Lyogovskaya 31–292'. The variety is distinguished by high grain and seed yield, as well as broad ecological plasticity, making it suitable for cultivation in moderate climatic conditions of Russia and CIS countries. Flowering begins early, the vegetation period is 82–90 days, from emergence to harvest for green mass – 46–55 days.
Key characteristics include protein content in grain of 29.5–32.3% and in dry matter of 17.7–20.2%, which ensures the high nutritional value of the product. Dry matter yield varies from 35.7 to 61.9 c/ha in different regions, with maximum values up to 126 c/ha; average seed yield is from 18.1 to 48.2 c/ha. Plant height is 110–115 cm, stem is green, leaves are wide without strong anthocyanin coloration.
The variety is characterized by resistance to powdery mildew, fungal soil diseases (sulfur), rust and root rot, as well as moderate sensitivity to weakly irritating strains. It withstands moderate drought and excessive conditions well, while the optimal soil temperature during the growth period is 18–22 °C, humidity 60–70% RH. For intensive technology, the use of legume headers during harvest is required. Vetch does not require special soil preparation, but working with heavy soils may require preliminary plowing. Due to high yield and disease resistance, the variety is suitable as a main forage option in combined schemes, minimizing the need for pesticide application.
