PRINCIPI DI FRUTTICOLTURA MEDITERRANEA

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding: (i) identify and describe the main fruit tree species of interest in the Mediterranean area, including their botanical, physiological, and agronomic characteristics; (ii) understand the interactions between soil-climate conditions and fruit crops in the Mediterranean context; (iii) acquire basic knowledge of propagation methods, orchard establishment, pruning, and crop management of fruit trees in Mediterranean climates.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding abilities: (i) select the most suitable fruit species and cultivars according to environmental conditions and production objectives; (ii) plan and manage a fruit orchard, with particular attention to sustainability, irrigation efficiency, and integrated pest management; (iii) apply agronomic techniques aimed at improving yield, fruit quality, and resilience to environmental stress.

Making judgements: (i) critically evaluate agronomic practices adopted in Mediterranean fruit growing, also in relation to climate change and sustainability challenges; (ii) formulate technical proposals consistent with the principles of integrated and organic agriculture.

Communication skills: (i) use appropriate scientific and technical terminology related to Mediterranean fruit growing; (ii) communicate clearly and effectively, both in written and oral form, information, issues, and solutions concerning fruit orchard management.

The course includes 21 hours of lectures and 42 hours of practical sessions (in-class discussions with multimedia materials, presentations on specific topics, guided tours).

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.

Basic knowledge of plant biology and fruit culture.

Attendance of lectures and other educational activities is not mandatory but it is strongly recommended to support learning and to develop a critical understanding of the topics covered.

Introduction to the course: importance and characteristics of Mediterranean fruit crops
General principles of fruit culture
Stone fruits: Peach, Apricot, Cherry, Plum
Nut crops: Almond, Pistachio
Pomegranate
Carob
Prickly pear
Fig

Mulberry
Kiwifruit
Tropical and subtropical fruit trees: Annona, Avocado, Mango, and Papaya
Notes on citrus, grapevine and olive

The monographic discussion of the species listed above will follow this scheme: origin and taxonomic classification, distribution in Italy and worldwide, floral biology and fruiting, criteria for cultivar classification, approaches to genetic improvement, environmental requirements and suitability, propagation and rootstocks, training systems and pruning, agronomic management of the orchard (fertilization and irrigation), ripening indices and harvest, notes on postharvest issues, main uses of the product.

Text 1: "Arboricoltura speciale" (edited by Gentile, Inglese, Tagliavini). Edagricole–New Business Media. 2022

Learning is assessed through an oral exam. The student's preparation will be evaluated based on the following criteria: learning ability and depth of understanding of the topics covered, synthesis and presentation skills, reasoning ability.

The vote follows the following scheme:
• Fail: incomplete or incorrect knowledge; incoherent presentation; lack of understanding of basic concepts.
• 18–20: very limited but sufficient knowledge; uncertain presentation; basic content understanding.
• 21–23: partial and/or superficial knowledge; poor fluency in presentation; difficulties in independent reasoning.
• 24–26: generally correct knowledge; mostly clear presentation with some uncertainty.
• 27–29: broad and well-structured knowledge with minor inaccuracies; organized and appropriate presentation.
• 30–30 cum laude: complete, in-depth, and well-argued knowledge; outstanding and autonomous presentation.

Present a crop of your choice.
Discuss propagation methods for a specific crop.
Discuss the main available varieties of a specific crop.
Discuss culture systems for a specific crop.
Discuss the main objectives of breeding for a specific crop.
Discuss the main climatic requirements for a specific crop.
Discuss the varieties available for a specific crop.