OMSKAYA 28 is a mid-late variety of soft spring wheat bred by Russian breeders of the Siberian Research Institute of Agriculture. The vegetation period ranges from 82 to 104 days, allowing the variety to mature simultaneously or slightly earlier than the standard Omskaya 18 variety. The plant is tall with a strong, hollow stem covered with a strong waxy coating, which provides resistance to lodging. The spike is cylindrical, 8-9 cm long, of medium density; the grain is elongated and red with a shallow furrow. The mass of 1000 grains varies from 32 to 39 grams, while the natural weight reaches 804 g/l. The variety is distinguished by high and stable yield, which averages about 29.2 c/ha across the region and can reach 33.1 c/ha under favorable conditions. OMSKAYA 28 has good drought resistance, especially to steppe conditions, making it a reliable choice for cultivation in complex climatic zones. Moreover, the variety is characterized by high flour strength, vitreousness of grain, and excellent baking qualities, confirmed by high protein content (about 16.6%) and raw gluten (32%). Despite its advantages, the variety requires careful care as it is susceptible to certain diseases, such as powdery bunt, brown rust, and powdery mildew. For crop protection, seed treatment and fungicide treatments are recommended. Thanks to the combination of high yield, resistance to lodging and drought, as well as superior baking qualities, OMSKAYA 28 is a demanded variety of soft spring wheat for agricultural production.
