Wheat Kharkivska 18

Hard wheat variety Kharkivska 18 is a interspecific hybrid created based on the soft wheat variety Kharkivska 12 and the selection line of hard wheat 89-752. This medium-maturing variety is characterized by a vegetative period that is one day shorter than standard, and it exhibits high yield — approximately 3.5 tons per hectare. The thousand-grain weight is 46.6 grams, and the overall pasta quality score reaches 7.9 points, indicating high grain quality. The variety shows resistance to major diseases such as powdery mildew, septoria, and brown rust at standard levels. Kharkivska 18 has a cylindrical, red, and awned ear of medium density, 5-7 cm long. Plants reach heights of 80 to 115 cm, and the vegetative period varies from 79 to 96 days. The variety demonstrates high drought resistance and moderate resistance to lodging, with easy threshing. It surpasses the standard in resistance to rust and brown rust, and for other diseases such as hard rust and wheat moth, it meets standard levels. The grain is amber-colored with increased glassiness, making it indispensable for the production of cereal and pasta products. The potential yield of the variety reaches 4.9–5.8 tons per hectare when optimal seeding rates are followed, as the variety does not lodge. Protein content in the grain ranges from 14–17.2%, and gluten content from 33–37%, ensuring good technological qualities. Seed treatment with fungicides and insecticides is recommended before sowing. The variety is intended for cultivation in the steppe zone of Ukraine and requires storage at +7–10°C and humidity not exceeding 10%. Recommended preceding crops are peas, corn, rapeseed, and soybeans.