Woody plant morphology. Root and shoot growth physiology. Flower biology and fruit growth. Orchard management: soil management, mineral nutrition, irrigation, pruning. Planting systems and tree shape. Frost damages. Description of the main fruit tree species (peach, apple, olive).
BOOKS
Arboricoltura generale – 2012 by S. Silviero, G. Costa, R. Gucci Eds.
OTHER MATERIAL on MOODLE
Slides of the lessons; video + audio with comments of the slides.
Learning Objectives
The course plans to acquire: (1) knowledge on the methods of growth, production and response to external stimuli of the fruit tree, and recognition of the main fruit species; (2) skills and (3) abilities in the management of a specialized orchard arboreal and, more generally, of a tree species.
The course entails a cycle of lectures with the support of slides and some laboratory and field supplementary activities.
Alternatively, during the CORONAVIRUS emergency period, e-learning by audio-video lessons and weekly meetings on MEET.
Further information
Type of Assessment
Oral examination (in person or on line). The questions will be formulated so as to verify that the student, in addition to the acquisition of specific knowledge, has also acquired the ability to analyze and apply such knowledge. Greater value will be given to an answer, even incorrect, rather than a non-answer, provided that the candidate argues with critical reasoning.
Course program
Canopy and root morphology and physiology. Bud dormancy, sprouting and shoot elongation; growth control mechanisms. Flower bud induction and morphological differentiation. Flowering, pollination, fertilization. Morphological, cytological and genetic sterility. Flower drop, fruit set and fruit drop. Fruit and seed growth. Parthenocarpy. Ripening and maturation indexes. Alternate bearing. Orchard management: soil management, mineral nutrition and irrigation. Pruning: classification and techniques. Training systems: choice and classification. Harvest: manual, mechanical and integrated. Protection from late frost.
Description of the main fruit tree species (peach, apple, olive): origin, diffusion, morphology and physiology, genetic resources, breeding and cultivars, propagation and orchard management.