IGZ

Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops

The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) is member of the Leibniz association. The IGZ conducts basic plant research with a view to possible uses for vegetable and ornamental plants and the use of plant biodiversity.

Advances in basic science have resulted in exciting research questions and new analytical techniques for advancing the understanding of plants and their interactions with the environment. IGZ contri­butes to these advancements and uses them to help designing sustainable management systems in horticulture. IGZ strives for excellence in horticulture research and related areas and thus operates at the interface between plant biology and environmental sciences with the principles of plant utilization. IGZ has its focus on fundamental aspects of plant health and nutrition in horticulture, plant composition and quality, analysis of plant production systems, and the contribution of plants to food security and human nutrition.

Through our work, we also hope to promote sustainable development of the basic necessities of life in countries and regions defined by low incomes and insecure living conditions. Our work is interdisciplinary, international, and substantially characterized by third-party funding for projects.

The IGZ aims to be a link between progress in the natural sciences and the reality of horticultural producers and consumers. We aim to support our staff in their professional development.




Reception by the Director of Research

Mission

of the IGZ

The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) develops the scientific basis for an ecologically sensible and at the same time effective production of horticultural crops. In this way, we want to serve the environment, the competitiveness of horticulture and the needs of consumers.

We want to make contributions

  • on the success of horticulture in Germany and other countries
  • to the scientific foundations in horticultural and plant science
  • the development of environmentally sound production methods
  • sustainability in the cultivation and use of plants, and
  • to the healthy nutrition and well-being of the population

 

Our success is measured

  • in the acceptance and recognition by the practical horticulture and the society
  • in scientifically high-ranking publications
  • the acquisition of third-party funds in competition with other research institutions
Products of horticulture should be of high quality, come from environmentally compatible cultivation and be affordable for the consumer. Vegetable plants are the basis of many high-quality foods that taste good and are healthy; ornamental plants make a decisive contribution to the daily well-being of many people.