Search    Print

ORNAMENTAL, WOOD AND FRUIT TREE CULTURE AND PHYSIOLOGY
BRUNO MEZZETTI

Seat Agraria
A.A. A.A. 2016-2017
Credits 9
Hours 81
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code STA 3A478

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of chemistry, physics, botany, plant biology, genetics, agronomy

Development of the course

Course contents:

The course provides elements of biology, physiology and plant genetics applied to arboriculture and the applications of modern arboriculture for the realization and management of orchards for quality productions and for the designing and sustainable management of ornamental and wood systems.

 

Development of the course

The teaching method is based on lectures supported by slides in digital format (6 ECTS), supplied in copies to the students, and experiences in arboriculture systems (3 ECTS). 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 provides elements of biology, physiology and plant genetics applied to arboriculture and the applications of modern arboriculture for the realization and management of orchards for quality productions and for the designing and sustainable management of ornamental and wood systems.

Applying knowledge and understanding. The aim of the course is to develop the student ability to know and develop modern perennial plant cultivation systems for the environment and high production efficiency and product quality.

Cross-expertise: (i) making judgements: identifying the information needed to know plant reproduction, development, management, cultivation and quality of perennial plants and products; (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 arboriculture sector.

Program

1. Life Cycle: Stages and phases of ontogenesis. Plant growth and development. Propagation principles and methods (1 ECTS).
2. The above-ground structures: functional organization and morphology. The phenotype of the plant and its balance. The root. Types of buds and branch. Development of the foliage (1 ECTS).
3. Manipulation of the aerial part: Getting pruning (crown and root). Period intervention. Types of training systems. Canopy formation and pre-training in the nursery. Production pruning. Pruning of reform. Pruning of rehabilitation and rejuvenation. Green pruning and thinning (1.5 ECTS).
4. Floral biology and fruit (growth, harvesting, aging and storage) (1 ECTS).
5. Setting up of the arboretum. Criteria for site selection, species to be cultivated and the cultivation methods. Pre-planting operations, methods of planting. Plant care. Case studies: Olive, Grape, Peach (1.5 ECTS).
6. Soil, water and nutrition: Soil management of an orchard (machining and grassing). Fundamentals of management of nutrition and irrigation (timing, dose and plants) of woody plants. The management of the arboretum (1 ECTS).
7. Water relations in woody plants: Water movement in the plant. Plant response to water stress (1 ECTS).
8. From the leaf to the plant: Allocation and distribution of carbon. Measurements of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis/transpiration balance (1 ECTS).

Development of the examination

Learning evaluation methods

The final examination includes a oral exam on the arguments developed by the program. The examination is designed to evaluate the ability to identify and learn to manage a cultivated plant tree. 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 deep knowledge of the different arguments developed by the course. To pass the written or oral exam, the student must 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 a complete 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

• AA.VV., 2012. Arboricoltura generale, Patron Editore
• Baldini E., 1986. Arboricoltura generale - Ed. Coop. Libraria Univ., Bologna
• Zucconi F., 2003. Nuove tecniche per i fruttiferi – Edagricole, Bologna
• Journals: Frutticoltura, Informatore agrario, Colture Protette

 

Tutorial session

Wednesday 10 am – 1 pm

Courses

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