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FRUITCULTURE
FRANCO CAPOCASA

Seat Agraria
A.A. A.A. 2016-2017
Credits 6
Hours 54
Period 1^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code STA 3A121

Prerequisites

Useful for this course basic knowledge of Arboriculture, Agronomy and Ecology.

Development of the course

The course is organized on powerpoint lectures (available in the e-learning system before each lesson) (4 ECTS), laboratory exercises and guided tours at fruit farms (2 ECTS).

The course will be also available on e-learning system, using the Moodle platform. Within this platform will be available: teaching materials composed by different learning units, the results of evaluation test and various information.

 

 

 

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding. The course enables students to acquire knowledge on the analytical capabilities of the choices that affect the production chain of fruit and the identification of species and varieties of interest for the different cultivation areas.

 

Applying knowledge and understanding. The main aim of the course are: to introduce students to the problems of fruit three species cultivation with particular attention to the varietal characteristics and fruit quality; to supply an opportunity to know about origin and spread of the main fruit species; to allow to know the reality of fruit culture; to develop students’ interest in learning the technical knowledge, to help the designing of new plants and spread the cultivation of fruit trees.

 

Cross-expertise. (i) making judgements: capability of identify the information needed to manage the main varietal decision; (ii) communications: capability of clearly and exhaustively communicate notions, ideas, problems and technical solutions to interlocutors, either professional or not, representative of the various and specific competencies involved in the management and realization of orchards

Program

1. Introduction to Fruitculture: history and evolution of fruit cultivation, statistics of fruit production in the world, European and Italian situation (0.5 ECTS).

2. Fruit production chain: The chain of fruit production and determination of the quality of the fruit; physical maturation index, chemical and nutritional quality of fruits (0.5 ECTS).

3. The main species belonging to the group of Pome (Apple and Pear) and Stone Fruit (Peach, Apricot, Japanese plum, European plum and Cherry), Strawberry and the Small fruits (Raspberry, Blackberry and Blueberry). Varietal choice (rootstocks and varieties), vesting schedules, agricultural and commercial characteristics of the main varieties. Recent results of the breeding. Cultivation technique: forms of training and pruning, spacing, soil management and nutrition. Overview of ripening date, fruit picking and storage aptitude of the fruit. Laboratory activities (3.5 ECTS).

4. The Nuts (almond, chestnut, hazel, etc.), the minor fruit (Table Grape, Kiwi and Table Olives) and Citrus fruit (Sweet orange, Mandarin orange and Lemon). Varieties description, technical cultivation, planting material, only aspects of the cultivation techniques and material properties of the fruit are considered (1.5 ECTS).

 

Development of the examination

Learning evaluation methods

Test final examination will be based a written test (optional) and / or oral examination..

 

Learning evaluation criteria

 

The student in the course will have to possess the following knowledge i) the fruit tree species explained during the course ii) identify the species most suitable for cultivation, including the choice of rootstocks and varieties that corresponds to the soil and climate, the corporate structure and destination of the product; iii) the ripening index and management of post-harvest fruits.

The students, during the oral test, will have to demonstrate an overall knowledge of the contents, using appropriate technical terminology and to be able to handle with deductive reasoning that enable him to create links within matter, and to have acquired a complete mastery of discipline.

 

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 written test (optional) consists of 33 open-ended questions about the topics. for each one questions will be evaluated with score maximum of 10 point. The final result of the written test will be expressed in thirtieths.

The oral examination consists of three questions concerning the subjects listed in the teaching program. The degree of 30 “cum laude” is attributed when the student demonstrates complete mastery of the subject.

If the student wants to perform both tests (written and oral), the final grade will result from the average of the two results expressed in thirtieths.

 

 

Recommended reading

1.         Autori Vari (1991). Frutticoltura Speciale. Reda – Edizioni per l’agricoltura

2.         Sansavini S., Errani A. (1998). Frutticoltura ad alta densità. Edagricole.

3.         Sansavini S. (2007). Nuove frontiere dell’arboricoltura italiana. Oasi Albero Perdisa

4.         Autori Vari (2012). Arboricoltura generale. Patron Editore Bologna

 

 

Tutorial session

Tuesday from 01:30 pm to 03:30 pm.

 

 

Courses

• C.L.T. - Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie Curriculum TECNOLOGIE AGRARIE (STA - TA)