FONDAMENTI DI ARBORICOLTURA GENERALE

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: STEFANIA MARIA BENNICI

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide the student with knowledge relating to the morphology, biology and physiology of the tree. Knowledge of the ontogenic cycle of the tree plant through the study of aspects related to the propagation methods and the fruiting cycle. Knowledge relating to the interaction that the tree can have with the surrounding environment. Knowledge of the different cultivation techniques that can be used for the correct creation and management of modern, sustainable tree systems with quality production.

Course Structure

There are no. 21 hours of participatory lectures and n. 42 hours of exercises (technical visits, discussion of case studies and/or seminars).

Information for students with disabilities and/or learning disorders.

As a guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current regulations, students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on learning objectives of the discipline. It is also possible to refer to the departmental contacts of CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion - Services for Disabilities and/or learning disorders).

If conditions require teaching given in a hybrid mode or remotely, necessary changes may be introduced to what previously stated in order to comply with the program.

Required Prerequisites

None. Basic knowledge of biology is considered useful.

Attendance of Lessons

Attending the classes is not mandatory, though strongly advised.

Detailed Course Content

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

Textbook Information

. 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

Other material for students, available on the STUDIUM platform, consists of:

- Copy of power points presented during lectures and at seminars.

- Scientific articles and other material provided by the teacher, including any links and/or informative articles to consult.

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Introduction to the course and role of arboricultureText 1: ch. 1, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM
2Organography and morphology of the tree plantText 1: ch. 2, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM
3Vegetative cycleText 1: ch. 4, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM
4Principles of reproductive cycleText 1: ch. 5 teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM
5Propagation and principes of nursery farmingText 1: ch. 6, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM
6Principles of genetic improvementText 1: ch. 7, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM
7Planting and Management of the fruit orchardText 1: ch. 8, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM
8Tree and climate relationsText 1: ch. 3, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM
9Tree and soil relationshipsText 1: ch. 9, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Oral test with recognition of the species under study. The assessment of the student’s preparation will be based on the following criteria: learning ability and level of study of the topics covered, properties of synthesis and exposure, and reasoning skills of the student.

The voting follows the following scheme:

Evaluation

Knowledge and understanding of the topic

Ability to analyze and synthesize

Use of references

Negative

Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies

Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize

Completely inappropriate

18-20

 

At threshold level. Obvious imperfections

Just enough skills

Just Appropriate

21-23

 

Routine knowledge

Ability of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently

Use standard references

24-26

 

Good knowledge

Good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently

Use standard references

27-29

 

Knowledge more than good

Considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis

The topic has been explored in depth

30-30L

 

Excellent knowledge

Excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis.

Important insights

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

  1. Root system functions and root types
  2. Epigeal organs, classification of buds, 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