The rate of photosynthesis (PN) in leaves and pods as well as carbon isotope content in leaves, pod walls, and seeds was measured in well-watered (WW) and water-stressed (WS) chickpea plants. The PN, on an area basis, was negligible in pods compared to leaves and was reduced by water stress (by 26%) only in leaves. WS pod walls and seeds discriminated less against 13CO2 than did the controls. This response was not observed for leaves as is usually the case. Pod walls and seeds discriminated less against 13CO2 than did leaves in both WW and WS plants. Measurement of carbon isotope composition in pods may be a more sensitive tool for assessing the impact of water stress on long-term assimilation than is the instantaneous measurement of gas exchange rates. and M. H. Behboudian ... [et al.].