Volzhanka

Focus on forage resilience: Woad «Volzhanka»

In the segment of unconventional forage crops, the woad (Isatis tinctoria) variety «Volzhanka» occupies a niche for plants capable of providing farms with early green mass. Developed by specialists at RosNIIPTI SK and the Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology, and Engineering, this variety is tailored for regions with harsh climatic conditions, where traditional grasses may suffer from drought or temperature fluctuations.

Agronomic Profile

«Volzhanka» is a perennial plant valued by agronomists for its high ecological plasticity. Unlike many forage crops, woad begins vegetation very early, providing livestock with vitamin-rich green feed during periods when other pastures have not yet emerged. The root system of the variety penetrates deep into the soil, giving the plant an advantage during moisture deficits.

• Early maturity: one of the first sources of greenery in the spring.
• Adaptability: resistance to low temperatures and the ability to thrive on various soil types.
• Forage value: a balanced composition of nutrients suitable for use as silage or fresh grazing.

Who is this choice for?

This variety is optimal for farming enterprises practicing intensive livestock production that need to optimize their feed supply chain. The main advantage of «Volzhanka» is the possibility of obtaining a stable yield on low-productivity plots. However, it is important to consider the specifics of the crop: it requires strict adherence to mowing schedules to avoid excessive stem coarsening, which is common to all woad species.

The work of breeders led by Valery Ivanovich Zhuzhukin made it possible to adapt this variety for domestic farming conditions, focusing on endurance and vegetative stability. It is a reliable tool in the arsenal of an agronomist aiming for an early start to the forage harvesting season.