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GENERAL VITICULTURE
ORIANA SILVESTRONI

Seat Agraria
A.A. A.A. 2016-2017
Credits 6
Hours 54
Period 1^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code STA - VE W000214

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of general biology, botany, genetics, agronomy and tree biology and physiology.

Development of the course

The teaching method is based on lectures supported by slides in digital format (6 CFU), supplied in copies to the students, and experiences in field vineyard and laboratory (3 CFU). The course is also available in e-learning using the Moodle platform. Within this platform are available: a) teaching materials composed by learning units; b) self-assessment tests and their results; c) information and reservations for field trips educational visits.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge. The course enables students to acquire adequate basic knowledge on grape growing and its historical evolution, morphology and biology of the grapevine, vineyard establishment and management in the light of environmental and economic sustainability and adaptation to the new climate phase.

 

Applying knowledge and understanding. The aim of the course is to develop the student ability to design new vineyards through the choice of rootstocks, scions, training and pruning systems, to manage the main vineyard operations by limiting the impact on the environment and ensuring health and safety of operators and to follow and regulate the evolution of berry ripening.

 

Cross-expertise. (i) making judgements: identifying the information needed to establish and manage vineyards in different environmental contexts; (ii) communications: communicate clearly and comprehensively information, ideas, problems and related technical solutions to interlocutors, either professional or not, representative of the various and specific competencies in the wine sector (winemakers, grape-growers, administrators, journalists, sommeliers, etc.).

Program

1. Presentation of the course. The Vitaceae family, the genus Vitis, the relevance of Vitis vinifera. Main traits of viticulture in Italy. The system of wine appellation in Italy and the cultivar choice. Morphology, biology and phenology of the grapevine: permanent and annual organ, bud and shoot system (leaves, inflorescence and flowers, tendrils, etc.). Introduction to ampelography: traits of young shoot and leaf, adult leaves and berries. The national register of grapevine varieties: how to use its on-line application (1 ECTS).
2. Grapevine rootstocks: general introduction, main features of genotypes spread out in Italy, selection criteria. Mineral elements required by the vine, their availability in the soil and the need of fertilization according to vineyard traits. Vineyard design and establishment: selection of site and cultivars, soil preparation, planning and planting the vineyard. Managing a vineyard the first year after planting (1 ECTS).
3. Training young vines: goals, principals and methods. Dormant pruning of adult vines: goals, principles and methods. Cane and spur pruning. Pruning length and fruitfulness of the basal nod. Balanced pruning and crop load. Practical activity in the vineyard: grapevine pruning (1 ECTS).
4. Relation between dormant pruning and trellis-training systems. Selection criteria of trellis training systems and planting distances in relation to environment, cultivar and mechanization. The major trellis-training systems of grapevines, their main features and management techniques to be adopted (bush system, free cordon, GDC, VSP systems such as Guyot, umbrella system, spur-pruned-cordon, sylvoz, casarsa, over-head systems  and pergolas) (2 ECTS).
5. Formation, development and growth of the shoot and evolution of stored carbohydrates and nitrogen. Fruit bud formation, Flowering, pollination and berry set. Factors affecting berry set. Berry growth and development. Factors affecting berry growth and ripening. Seasonal evolution of berry ripening: vineyard sampling and criteria for harvesting, proper maturity (1 ECTS).

Development of the examination

Learning evaluation methods

Oral discussion on three of the subjects listed in the teaching program. During the course, there are also going to be available self-evaluation tests (e-learning mode), in order to provide the students useful information about their skill level.

 

Learning evaluation criteria

The student, during the oral test, will have to prove: a) general knowledge of the grape and wine industry in Italy; b) general knowledge of genotypes used in vineyard establishment including rootstock and scion cultivars; c) knowledge of morphology and biology of the grapevine; d) knowledge of the vineyard management techniques (fertilization, vineyard planting, pruning, and trellising, grapevine training, canopy management, etc.). To pass the oral exam, the student have to demonstrate an overall understanding of the content using appropriate technical terminology, and to be able to deal with deductive reasoning that enable him/her to create links within matter, and to have an adequate mastery of the subject.

 

Learning measurement criteria

The final mark is attributed in thirtieths. Successful completion of the examination will lead to grades ranging from 18 to 30 “cum laude”.

 

Final mark allocation criteria

The oral examination consists of three questions concerning the subjects listed in the teaching program, each of ones will be quantified in the range 0 - 10. The degree of 30 “cum laude” is attributed when the student demonstrates complete mastery of the subject.

 

Recommended reading

Palliotti, Poni, Silvestroni, 2015: La nuova viticoltura, Edagricole, Bologna - Codice ISBN-978-88-506-5453-6.

Autori vari, 2004: Viticoltura ed enologia biologica, Edagricole, Bologna - Codice ISBN88-506-4966-5.

Sansavini, Costa, Gucci, Inglese, Ramina, Xiloyannis, 2012: Arboricoltura Generale, Patron Editore, Bologna p.536, ISBN 978-88-555-3189-4.

Coombe, Dry, 2004: Viticulture Volume 1– Resources – 2nd Edition, Winetitles, Australia, Codice ISBN 0975685007 Winkler, Cook, Kliewer, Lider, 1974: General viticulture. University of California Press, Berkley.

Autori vari, 2005: Manuale di viticoltura, Edagricole, Bologna - Codice ISBN-88-5064981-9

 

Tutorial session

Wednesday from 8:15 am to 10:15 am.

Courses

• C.L.T. - Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie Curriculum VITICOLTURA ED ENOLOGIA (STA - VE)