Exogenous application of 1-amino; 4-sulphonate, β-naphthol; 8-amino; 3–6 disulphonate, γ-naphthol; 1, 3-dihydroxybenzene and 4, 6-Bis (diazonaphthalene sulphonate-resorcinol) 5, 20, 50 ppm) increased number of pods per plant, number of seeds/pod and improved the yield (kg/ha) in chickpea. Some of the compounds enhanced total free amino acids and soluble protein and total soluble sugars. The effects of the phenolic acids on growth and development were independent of their structural configuration.