3.2. Diffusive leaf resistance
The diffusive leaf resistance, which was significantly affected by the three factors
(irrigation regime, cultivar and measurement date) (Table 2), showed the opposite trend
to the photosynthetic rate. It increased significantly both with the age of the crop and as
a consequence of moderate water deficit (Fig. 2). Irrespective of cultivar and
measurement date, diffusive leaf resistance increased by 16% (1.72 s cm_1 versus
1.48 s cm_1) in the first planting and by 13% (1.74 s cm_1 versus 1.54 s cm_1) in the
second planting.