ORZICHA NOVA

The winter wheat variety Orzicha was created by hybridizing the varieties Lelya and Donetskaya 46, followed by individual selection, which ensured high yield and adaptability. This variety belongs to the intensive type and is intended for cultivation both after steam and non-steam predecessors. It has high winter hardiness, resistance to lodging, drought, and infection by diseases such as brown rust, powdery mildew, and fusarium. The high plasticity of the variety allows it to successfully develop under various climatic conditions, with optimal sowing dates from September 10 to 25, although it tolerates earlier sowing starting from September 1 without excessive growth.

Plants of the Orzicha variety have a semi-dwarf type with three dwarfing genes, height ranging from 56.2 to 86.9 cm. The ear is cylindrical, medium density and size, with white awns and characteristic glumes. Grain is red, with a 1000-grain weight ranging from 33.1 to 46.6 grams. The vegetation period lasts from 257 to 294 days, making the variety medium-early. Due to increased photoperiod sensitivity and extended vernalization period, Orzicha demonstrates resistance to winter thaws and return frosts, significantly enhancing its adaptability to stressful conditions.

The variety is characterized by high protein content — about 14%, indicating its high quality. Yield potential reaches 6.9–9.4 tons per hectare (68.5–94.2 c/ha). Sowing rate is 4.0–5.5 million viable seeds per hectare. Orzicha is recommended for cultivation in steppe zones, where it demonstrates stable and high results due to its disease resistance, stress tolerance, and optimal agronomic characteristics.