INIFAP of Mexico has introduced a new drought-resistant and disease-resistant variety of chickpea called "Seri", which increases yield and grain quality.

In the past few days, the National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock Research (INIFAP) of Mexico has released information about the creation of a new variety of chickpea that has improved resistance to drought, diseases, and climate changes.

Chickpeas, one of the leguminous crops, are actively cultivated in the northwestern and central-western regions of Mexico. They are attractive for agricultural use due to their low water consumption and economic value, especially for meeting the needs of local and international markets. The new variety, named "Serí," is specifically developed for production in fertile regions of Mexico, especially where the problem of Fusarium root rot disease is causing infections.

To test the resistance of the new variety, INIFAP specialists conducted comparative yield trials of chickpeas in gardens affected by root diseases. The "Serí" variety showed an average yield of around 2582 kg/ha, surpassing other varieties such as Blanco Sinaloa-92 and Blanoro, which yielded 2041 kg/ha and 2005 kg/ha respectively.

In all zoned chickpea regions, the "Serí" variety demonstrated an average grain sorting percentage of 90%, compared to 81% and 78% for the other two varieties. This new variety is characterized by white flowers, pods measuring 30 millimeters in length and 16 millimeters in width. During grain filling, the pod stems have a medium-green hue. The grain itself has a light cream color and angular shape with pronounced roughness. On average, 100 seeds weigh about 65 grams.

Assessing factors such as disease resistance, increased yield in both domestic and export markets, comparable grain qualities, and sorting capabilities compared to Blanco Sinaloa-92 and Blanoro, INIFAP recognizes the "Serí" variety as an excellent alternative for Mexican farmers.

The white variety "Blanco Sinaloa-92" chickpea, a candidate for export and known as "Mexican chickpea," is in high demand and is sold in more than 40 countries, including Turkey, the United States, Spain, Greece, Peru, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, France, Colombia, and Brazil.