Dr. Leskovar's vegetable physiology program focuses on understanding plant morphological and physiological adaptation mechanisms to environmental stresses, and development of integrated sustainable vegetable cropping systems. His research emphasis is on: 1) seed-transplant production and physiology to increase plant survival and enhance stand establishment; 2) plant hormones to modulate seedling growth; 3) root/shoot developmental responses to water conservation strategies and irrigation technologies; 4) impact of cropping systems on antioxidants and sensory attributes of vegetable crops; and 5) genotype selection for drought resistance, high yield, quality, and phytochemical content. Dr. Leskovar's program involves international cooperators.