SARATOVSKAYA 73 is a variety of soft spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), type grekhum, created at the Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture of the South-East. It has been included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation since 2008 and recommended for cultivation in the Lower Volga and Ural regions, including the Volgograd, Saratov, and Orenburg regions. The variety is mid-early ripening, with a vegetation period of 70 to 88 days, maturing 2-3 days later than standard varieties. The plant stands upright, the stalk is of medium thickness and strength, slightly longer than the standard Saratovskaya 70. The ear is pyramidal, of medium density, white, awned, and non-hirsute, the grain is white, the mass of 1000 grains is 33-38 grams. SARATOVSKAYA 73 is distinguished by high drought resistance, exceeding standard varieties by 1 point on this indicator, as well as resistance to lodging. The variety is practically resistant to powdery mildew, moderately susceptible to dusty bunt, and susceptible to loose smut and brown rust. Due to disease tolerance and high responsiveness to improved nutrition, it is capable of forming high-quality grain with good baking qualities. The average yield in the Lower Volga region is about 11.6 centners per hectare, while the maximum yield can reach 47.4 centners per hectare. SARATOVSKAYA 73 has high grain productivity and competitiveness in the seed and grain markets. The variety is recommended for early sowing with a sowing rate of 4-5.5 million grains per hectare, which allows for effective use of its potential. Due to higher yield and high-quality grain characteristics, this variety provides a significant economic effect, allowing for about 1600 rubles of conditional net income per hectare compared to standard varieties.
