Varietal Features of Photosynthetic Apparatus and Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) Productivity Development in Kama Region of the Republic of Tatarstan

The article presents the results of a two-year study (2024-2025) on the development of photosynthetic apparatus and productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Kama region of the Republic of Tatarstan. The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between photosynthetic apparatus parameters (chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, leaf area and dry mass) and variety productivity. The study was conducted on light gray forest soils (4.4% humus) with triplicate samples. The objects of the study were the chickpea varieties: Privo 1, Triumf, Volzhanin and Zoovit. Leaf area was determined using digital image analysis and pigment content was determined using thin-layer chromatography followed by spectrophotometry. It was found that under more favorable conditions in 2025, the pigment content and leaf surface area increased in plants. The maximum values of chlorophyll a (1.464 mg/g), total chlorophyll (2.178 mg/g), leaf area (64.27 cm2) and productivity (2.97 t/ha) were observed in Zoovit variety. A positive relationship was found between leaf area and yield (r = 0.66), while the dependence on chlorophyll a content was weaker (r = 0.50) and statistically insignificant. There was no relationship between dry matter and yield (r = –0.03). It was shown that the sum of chlorophylls (a + b) is a more informative indicator. Zoovit variety demonstrated the highest adaptation to the conditions of Kama region.