Our research on the environmental stress physiology of plants includes the physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms and other traits that confer tolerance to environmental stresses. In Weslaco, our research focuses especially on drought, temperature extremes and nutrient imbalance. 

A key theme of this research is integrating measurements obtained at leaf, whole-plant and stand levels to study factors that regulate photosynthetic efficiency, water and nutrient use efficiency, assimilate partitioning, yield and quality. Our aim is to use the information gained in these studies to develop practical strategies to optimize plant productivity and quality by improving plant tolerance to environmental stresses.