FONDAMENTI DI ARBORICOLTURA GENERALE

Knowledge and understanding: students will acquire knowledge of the morphology, biology, and physiology of woody plants, the processes regulating their growth and development, and the interactions among the different plant organs. They will also gain knowledge of the tree ontogenetic cycle, propagation methods, and fruiting cycle, as well as the relationships between woody plants and their surrounding environment. Finally, students will become familiar with the principles and objectives of the main cultivation techniques used in the management of modern tree cropping systems.

Applying knowledge and understanding: students will be able to recognize and describe the main morphological and functional traits of woody plants, interpret the different stages of their biological and productive cycles, and apply the acquired knowledge to the selection and evaluation of the most appropriate propagation and crop management techniques. They will also be able to analyze plant-environment interactions and assess the effects of agronomic practices on crop quality.

Making judgements: students will develop the ability to critically evaluate the design and management strategies of tree cropping systems in relation to cultivated species, environmental conditions, production objectives, and sustainability requirements.

Communication skills: students will be able to use appropriate scientific and technical terminology to describe biological processes, cultivation techniques, and management issues related to tree crops.

Learning skills: students will acquire the skills necessary to independently deepen their knowledge in the field of arboriculture through the consultation of specialized textbooks, technical materials, and scientific literature, as well as through the analysis of innovations related to the sustainable management of tree cropping systems.

The course consists of 21 hours of participatory lectures and 42 hours of practical sessions (technical visits, case-study discussions, and/or in-depth seminars).

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

The course covers various aspects relating to general arboriculture with reference to:

Role of arboriculture

• Organography and morphology of fruit trees
• Vegetative cycle
• Basic principles of reproductive cycle
• Propagation of tree plants and principles of nursery farming
• Basic principles of genetic improvement
• Planting and Management of the fruit orchard
• Tree and environment relationships

1. Peano C., Sottile F. (2019) 'Principi di Arboricoltura'. EdiSES srl - Napoli

Other texts for consultations:

2. Sansavini et al. (2012) 'Arboricoltura generale'. Patron editore Bologna

Additional teaching materials available to students will include:

• Copies of the PowerPoint presentations used during lectures and seminars.
• Scientific articles and other teaching materials provided by the instructor, including relevant links and/or outreach articles for further reading.

Assessment of learning outcomes will be carried out through an oral examination. Evaluation will be based on the relevance of the answers to the questions asked, the quality of the content, the ability to establish connections with other topics covered in the course, the ability to provide examples, the appropriate use of scientific and technical terminology, and the student's overall communication skills.

The evaluation follows the following scheme:

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

1. Functions of the root system and types of roots
2. Above-ground plant organs, bud classification, types of branches
3. The reproduction of tree plants; agamic multiplication techniques
4. Forms of farming and the importance of pruning
5. Tree and environment relationship