We identified ten current key challenges for plant protection in cities each of them belonging to a specific field of action of IPM in urban horticulture according to Directive 2009/128/EC. The challenges are: appropriate plant selection, microbiome engineering, nutrient recycling, smart, digital solutions, diversification of vegetation, avoidance of pesticide side effects on beneficials, biorational efficacy assessment, effective pest diagnosis, efficient outbreak control and holistic approaches. They are discussed on the background of the defined urban horticultural core sectors (a) public green infrastructure, including professional plant care, (b) professional field and greenhouse production systems and (c) non-professional private homegardens and allotments.