VLM 11

Breeding Excellence: The VLM 11 Willow

The VLM 11 willow variety, developed by VNIILM under the supervision of Gennady Antsiferov, stands as a prime example of specialized selection for basketry and weaving. Unlike wild varieties, this cultivar is engineered for intensive cultivation, focusing on the structural integrity and quality of the shoot.

Growth Dynamics and Efficiency

The hallmark of VLM 11 is its exceptional biomass accumulation rate: the plant can grow up to 1.5 meters in a single season. Mature plants reach heights of 5–7 meters, serving as a highly productive source of long, flexible rods. This rapid vegetative growth is a key advantage for commercial nurseries, ensuring high yields within a condensed timeframe.

Phytosanitary Resilience

The selection process at VNIILM prioritized biological defense mechanisms to reduce dependency on synthetic pesticides. VLM 11 exhibits strong resistance to several key threats:

• Willow Rust: significantly lowers the risk of defoliation and subsequent photosynthesis inhibition.
• Willow Scab: effectively prevents deformation and necrotic lesions on annual shoots, maintaining the aesthetic and structural quality of the raw material.
• Willow Leaf Beetle: innate resistance reduces damage, keeping the plant healthy without heavy chemical intervention.

These traits make VLM 11 an ideal candidate for commercial operations aiming to produce clean, high-grade rods for professional basketry, furniture manufacturing, and landscape architecture.