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Ruseed, a breeding and seed company, will introduce three innovative sunflower hybrids by the end of the year, announced Mark Gekht, managing partner of the company, at a meeting of the State Council Commission on Technological Leadership during the Golden Autumn exhibition. Together with the V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Meat Extraction (VNIIMK), the company has already developed two highly productive sunflower hybrids, "Mars" and "Pluton," adapted to various climatic conditions, as part of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program (FSTP) for the Development of Agriculture.

"The FSTP sets us the task of not only creating hybrids but also ensuring their share of planting," noted Mark Gekht. "Therefore, an important stage of our work is market promotion and working with farmers." The entire volume of "Mars" and "Pluton" hybrids has already been contracted for next season, he added.

This year, Ruseed also launched seed production for the first domestic clubroot-resistant spring rapeseed hybrid, "F1 Airos," developed jointly with the Timiryazev Academy. Its development utilized a combination of classical breeding methods, as well as modern biotechnology and in vitro cell technologies. The company plans to develop 15 sunflower hybrids and 12 rapeseed hybrids under the Federal Scientific and Technical Program by 2030. Ruseed also plans to launch sugar beet and lentil projects by the end of the year.

Also during the exhibition, Mark Gekht presented the Vavilov Cluster agrobiotechnopark project to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the Republic of Adygea exhibit. The cluster will specialize in genetics, plant breeding, and the creation of comprehensive technological solutions for the industry. An important part of its work will be the introduction of unmanned technologies, artificial intelligence, and platform solutions into the breeding process. The infrastructure will include a molecular genetics laboratory, a breeding and seed production center, a phytotronic complex, and experimental plots, and will enable the full cycle of breeding development—from concept to commercial seed market launch. More than 30 research institutes and companies are already willing to become residents of the cluster.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, self-sufficiency in domestically bred seeds by the end of this year could reach approximately 70%, compared to 67% in 2024.