The response of sweet corn canopy development to timing and severity of wat
er deficit was determined in an experiment using a mobile rainshelter. Six
irrigation treatments were applied such that plots experienced: (1) no wate
r deficit; (2) full water deficit; (3) moderate pre-silking deficit; (4) se
vere pre-silking deficit; (5) moderate post-silking deficit; or (6) severe
post-silking deficit. Soil moisture content profiles were measured using ne
utron moisture probes and water deficit was quantified using the concept of
'potential soil moisture deficit' (Dp), which was calculated from climatic
data. Water deficit reduced leaf area, and the effect varied depending on
its timing and severity. Early water deficit reduced the rate of leaf expan
sion (but not duration of expansion) and, consequently, the maximum area of
individual leaves; it therefore reduced the maximum leaf area index (LAI).
Moderate post-silking water deficit did not significantly reduce maximum L
AI, but it hastened leaf senescence. Severe water deficit late in crop grow
th reduced canopy development by decreasing maximum LAI and advancing leaf
senescence. A model was developed which accounted for these effects. Two me
asures of Dp were defined which related to both short-term transient respon
ses and those integrated over longer times. The model made it possible to s
imply and mechanistically describe the effects of water deficit on canopy d
evelopment.