ORTICOLTURA E FLORICOLTURA

Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ROSARIO MAURO

Expected Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

The student will acquire knowledge and understanding of the general characteristics of the vegetable and floricultural sector, its historical development and diffusion, cropping types and production systems, plant requirements in relation to climate, soil and nutrition, cultivars and the objectives of plant breeding, as well as the organization of the vegetable and ornamental nursery sector.

Applying knowledge and understanding

The student will be able to apply the principles of vegetable and ornamental crop production by designing and managing agronomic practices such as crop rotations and intercropping, fertilization, irrigation and fertigation, as well as planning the harvesting and postharvest stages of vegetable and ornamental products.

Making judgements

The student will be able to independently assess the quality of vegetable and ornamental products, critically evaluate the importance of product innovation, and make crop and management decisions based on technical and scientific criteria.

Communication skills

The student will be able to clearly present concepts, methods and results related to vegetable and ornamental crop production, using appropriate terminology and discussing their technical and scientific aspects with professionals and other stakeholders in the field.

Learning skills

The student will be able to develop autonomous and continuous learning skills, critically keeping up to date with innovations and the technical and scientific literature in the field, in order to address emerging issues in vegetable and ornamental crop production.

Course Structure

The course will be delivered through lectures, practical classes, farm visits, and laboratory sessions. 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.

Required Prerequisites

Knowledge of the biology of plant organisms is useful. A basic knowledge of agronomy is important.

Attendance of Lessons

Attending the classes is not mandatory, but strongly recommended, as it facilities the learning process and contributes to the achievement of the learning objectives

Detailed Course Content

The course programme covers the main horticultural production systems and the classification of vegetable and ornamental plants, with particular emphasis on their quality traits and general crop requirements. The main protection structures used in horticulture and the principles and techniques of propagation of vegetable and ornamental crops will be addressed. The course will also cover crop rotations, intercropping and soil solarization, as well as herbaceous grafting in horticulture. The principles and techniques of irrigation and fertilization of vegetable and ornamental crops, together with the main soilless cultivation systems, will be examined. The course will also address plant growth regulators and biostimulants, the main uses and processing methods of vegetables, and the postharvest handling and storage of vegetable products. Finally, the main aspects related to varieties and plant breeding in horticulture will be addressed.

Textbook Information

1. Schemi delle lezioni e appunti forniti durante il corso

2. Orticoltura - Principi e pratica. Alberto Pardossi, Giorgio Prosdocimi Gianquinto, Pietro Santamaria, Luca lncrocci (Curatori) – Edagricole

3. Florovivaismo - Principi e tecniche. Valentina Scariot, Stefania De Pascale, Antonio Ferrante, Daniela Romano (Curatori) – Edagricole

4. Gestione della qualità e conservazione dei prodotti ortofrutticoli. Giancarlo Colelli, Paolo Inglese (Curatori) - Edagricole

Course Planning

	Subjects	Text References
1	Course presentation	1
2	Main horticultural systems	1, 2, 3
3	Classification of vegetable and ornamental plants	1
4	Quality traits of vegetables	1
5	General requirements of vegetable and ornamental crops	1
6	Crop protection structures in horticulture	1, 2, 3
7	Propagation of vegetable and ornamental crops	1, 2, 3
8	Crop rotations, intercropping and soil solarization	1
9	Grafting in vegetable and ornamental production	1, 2, 3
10	Irrigation of vegetable and ornamental crops	1
11	Fertilization of vegetable and ornamental crops	1
12	Soilless cultivation systems	1, 2, 3
13	Plant growth regulators and biostimulants	1, 2
14	Consumption and processing of vegetables	1
15	Conditioning and storage of vegetables	1, 2
16	Varieties and breeding in horticulture	1, 2, 3

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Learning assessment is conducted through an oral examination, covering any of the topics and case studies addressed during the course. This assessment may also be carried out remotely if circumstances require. The evaluation of the student's preparation will be based on the following criteria: learning ability and depth of understanding of the topics covered, clarity and conciseness of presentation, and the student’s reasoning skills. The grading follows the following scale:

Negative

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: significant shortcomings and inaccuracies

Ability to analyze and synthesize: irrelevant with frequent generalizations

Use of references: completely inappropriate

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: very modest with evident imperfections

Analysis and synthesis skills: barely adequate

Use of references: just appropriate

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge is slightly above the minimum acceptable level

Ability to analyze and synthesize: a fair bility to analyze and synthesize information, presenting arguments in a logical and coherent manner

Using references: use standard references

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: good analytical and synthesis abilities, arguments are presented consistently

Using references: use of standard references

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge more than good

Ability to analyze and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis

Use of references: the topic has been explored in depth

30-30 cum laude

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: excellent knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis

Use of references: important insights

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).

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

What are the common specific features of the vegetable and floricultural supply chains?

On what does the expression of the productive potential of a vegetable or floricultural crop depend, and why is full satisfaction of the crop’s requirements generally not pursued?

When is it necessary to extend the photoperiod in a short-day species?

Degree Course in

Management of Mediterranean agricultural production systems