**5. Conclusions**

It is possible to provide selection for cultivar resistance to stress already at the seed germination stage and on the quality of plant root systems. Quality of the embryonic roots is important for the following growth and root development. Why does this possibility exists? The answer is because in the juvenile phase and in later stages, the same genotype is still active.

The effect of plant integrity and of aboveground–belowground defense signaling on plant resistance against abiotic stresses (and also pathogens) is important and a relatively new subject of scientific research. Biochemical analysis has unequivocally proven that plant defense responses to stress and pathogen infection differ between whole intact plants and detached plant parts (leaves, roots, stems, etc.). Therefore, the question arises – which type of scientific work will reflect reality more realistically? It is possible to conclude that it is research on the basis of plant integrity.
