The climatic challenges of recent years are forcing Ukrainian farmers to rethink their approach to seed selection. When every millimetre of rainfall is worth its weight in gold, two key indicators come to the fore: drought resistance and stability. Pegasus and Ajax sunflower hybrids have become the solutions that allow for high yields even in unpredictable weather.
Pegas: a strong player in drought-prone areas
If your farm is located in a high-risk farming area or you are looking for a reliable hybrid for Euro-Lightning technology, Pegas is the optimal choice. Its main advantage is its maximum drought resistance score (9/9) and its super-powerful root system, capable of extracting moisture from deep soil layers.
Actual yield indicators:
- Sumy region: 43.8 cwt/ha
- Poltava region: 41 cwt/ha
- Cherkasy district: 38.3 cwt/ha (after wheat)
Key feature: Pegas’ genetic potential allows it to ‘take the heat’ in stressful conditions while maintaining high oil content (48-50%).
Technical characteristics of Pegas:
- Vegetation: 107-112 days (mid-season).
- Resistance: High immunity to rust, septoria, phomosis and all types of rot.
- Recommended density: * Sufficient moisture: 58-63 thousand plants/ha
* Dry conditions: 48-53 thousand plants/ha
Ajax: The benchmark for stability in classic technology
For farms that prefer classic cultivation technology, the Ajax hybrid has been a real find. It is a top player in the central regions of Ukraine, valued for its predictability: it demonstrates decent results regardless of how difficult the year has been, and high productivity.
Why do farmers choose Ajax?
- Growth energy: Fast start at the beginning of the growing season.
- Strength: The stem is resistant to lodging, and the basket ripens evenly.
- Potential: The possibility of obtaining up to 60 cwt/ha under ideal conditions.
Results in the fields:
- Sumy region: 40 cwt/ha
- Kyiv region: 37.3 cwt/ha (at a density of 60 thousand/ha)
- Poltava region: 36 cwt/ha
Technical characteristics of Ajax:
- Type: Classic hybrid.
- Oil content: An impressive 50-52%.
- Protection: Full resistance to major sunflower diseases (alternaria, phomopsis, rot).
- Recommended density: * Sufficient moisture: 65–70 thousand plants/ha
Arid conditions: 50–55 thousand plants/ha
What to choose?
Both hybrids demonstrate excellent adaptability to Ukrainian soils.
Choose Pegas if you work with imidazolinone herbicides and need maximum protection against drought.
Go for Ajax if you need a stable ‘classic’ hybrid with high oil content and powerful yield potential.