The implementation of sustainable development in agriculture demands new knowledge on the growth and development of plants as the use of numerous "additives" is limited (fertilizers, pesticides, phyto-regulators ...). In order for us to produce health food, the knowledge on physiological processes of growth and development of a certain species or cultivar is necessary, as well as the use of appropriate technologies in certain pedo-climatic conditions. At Fruit Growing we will study natural development of fruit trees (tree architecture) of various species (walnut, apple, pear). The analyses will then form the basis for further investigations (research into primary and secondary metabolites, and the state of hormones in the trees). In apple we will study the impact of minerals on stress - photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductivity, the synthesis of primary metabolites. Adding to this, we will evaluate the inner quality of fruits of various fruit tree species and find out how the quality varies with regard to different environmental conditions and technological measures applied. With the analysis of synthesized phenolic substances in leaves and fruits of apple we will look into the resistance mechanisms against apple scab and establish anti- oxidative potential of certain cultivars. In cherry the impact of rootstocks on vigour, bearing potential, and metabolism of minerals will be studied. Further, we will determine the role of auxins in the formation of roots of woody plant cuttings and the importance of auxins for the growth and development of walnut and apple when a certain growing method is used. At Viticulture we will perform research into enzymatic activities, resistance mechanisms against stress conditions, and the adaptation potential of vine with its sanitary status. Taking into consideration the limits in the grape production set by the "vine- land- technology" complex, we will try to put down the basis for the concept of terroir in viticulture in Slovenia. At Vegetable Plant Growing we will investigate the absorption and distribution of nutrients in the cycle "vegetable plant- soil- environment" where the highest attention will be paid to the quality of final products (anti-oxidizing substances). We will establish possibilities for the production of functional vegetable with the addition of selenium (bean, potato, corn salad). Additionally, we will try to cultivate selected vegetable plants in- season and out- of- season in control conditions. At Plant Protection we will research into the possibilities for combating fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) without using antibiotics. In the experiment we will use proheksadion-Ca and retardants. The efficiency of SAR (systemic induced resistance) induced with the agents prepared on Al-fosetil and acibenzolar-S-metil (Bion) will also be studied. We will try to evaluate their effectiveness, side effects they may cause, and the impact on the accumulation of anti- microbial substances (phenolic compounds). At Mechanization we will determine the force with which the fruit is fixed to the shoot, and may vary depending on the species, cultivar, rootstock, soil properties (soil type, fertilization, irrigation), growing method, phenophasis, and maturity. The mechanic properties of fruits will be determined in order to improve the harvesting method, transportation and storage. We will examine the resistance of the genetic material of corn (population and line) against the most important diseases (Fusarium spp., Exserohilum turcicum). This wil be carriedd out with artificial infection of corn in natural conditions. The resistant genotypes will be used in further breeding processes.