The Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) conducts basic plant science research with a view to possible applications in vegetable and ornamental plants and the use of plant biodiversity. The aim of the research is to make fundamental advances in the understanding of plant systems in order to accelerate the development of sustainable horticulture. The research areas of the IGZ are functional plant biology, plant-microorganisms system, plant quality and food security and horticultural systems of the future.