GROWTH, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND YIELD OF SWEET CORN UNDER WATER STRESS

The plant growth of economic importance in the semiarid region, such as sweet corn, is an alternative to production system, however, to know the limitation of production and growth under water deficit. So, in order to evaluate the phytotechnical aspects of sweet corn, under water stress in semi-arid region of Paraiba, Br. In randomized block design, with four replications, were studied five irrigation depth, determined from of sweet corn evapotranspiration (40%, 60%, 80%, 100% and 120% of ETc) in the experimental field of Pombal Campus, Federal University of Campina Grande, with the experimental unit consisted of eight plants. Were evaluated the growth, the dry matter formation, production and physiological aspects of culture; the data were submitted to variance analysis by 'F' test (p < 0.05) and polynomial regression analysis. The growth of the corn crop is limited by water deficiency, principally when are used depth less that 80% of ETc; the stalk corn diameter and dry mass of stalk corn are variables indicated for the study of water stress in sweet corn; the depth of 80% of ETc can be suitable for vegetable phase, without less of grains by line and line by corn cob.