Orzhitsia

The winter wheat variety Orzhitsia was created by hybridizing the varieties Lelya and Donetskaya 46, followed by individual selection, which ensured high yields and adaptability. This variety belongs to the intensive type and is intended for cultivation both after steam and non-steam predecessors. Orzhitsia is distinguished by high winter hardiness, resistance to lodging and drought, as well as resistance to major diseases such as brown rust, powdery mildew, and fusarium. The vegetation period ranges from 257 to 294 days; the variety is early maturing and exhibits high plasticity, enabling it to successfully adapt to various growing conditions. Plants of the Orzhitsia variety have a semi-dwarf type with a height ranging from 56.2 to 86.9 cm and contain three dwarfing genes, contributing to resistance against adverse weather conditions. The ear is cylindrical, medium density with white awns, and the grain is red, weighing from 33.1 to 46.6 g per 1000 grains. The variety is characterized by high photoperiodic sensitivity and an extended period of vernalization, which prevents excessive growth in autumn and ensures resistance to winter frosts and return cold spells. Due to these features, Orzhitsia demonstrates high adaptability to stressful environmental conditions. The yield of this variety in production fields reaches 68.5–94.2 c/ha (6.9–9.4 t/ha), with protein content in grain approximately 14%. The recommended seeding rate is 4.0–5.5 million germinating seeds per hectare. The variety tolerates both optimal sowing dates (September 10–25) and earlier dates (from September 1), without excessive growth and possesses high tillering ability during autumn and spring periods. Orzhitsia is suitable for cultivation in steppe zones and exhibits high yield when mineral and organic fertilizers are used.