The winter wheat variety 'Stepna Volna' was developed by Russian breeders of the Federal Altai Scientific Center of Agrobiotechnology through double individual selection from a hybrid population obtained by crossing the local selection line 'Lutescence 376' and the variety 'Altai 50'. This variety belongs to the lutescence group, characterized by a white, awnless, and non-hairy spike with a pyramidal shape, medium density, and large size. The grain has a red color. The variety is mid-season, ripening simultaneously with the standard 'Altai 100', and is distinguished by its dwarfism and medium resistance to lodging.
'Stepna Volna' is recommended for cultivation in steppe areas, in particular in the Kulundinskaya steppe of the Altai Krai. Over four years, the average yield of the variety was 2.56 t/ha (25.6 c/ha), which exceeds the indicators of 'Altai 100' by 0.21 t/ha. In the West Siberian region, the yield reaches 18.8 c/ha, and the mass of 1000 grains is 40.2 g. The protein content in the grain reaches 11%, and the raw gluten is 26%, which ensures good baking qualities.
The variety has high resistance to the main limiting factors of steppe areas, including resistance to lodging and shattering at a level of 4.8 points, as well as drought — 3.6 points. At the same time, 'Stepna Volna' is susceptible to some diseases such as hard smut, brown rust, and septoria. Thanks to its agronomic characteristics and adaptation to the climatic conditions of the region, this variety is a promising choice for effective cultivation under the conditions of Altai Krai.
