ECOFISIOLOGY AND PLANT BREEDING IN FRUIT CROPS

Knowledge and understanding

Acquisition of knowledge concerning the main physiological processes of tree crops and their interactions with environmental conditions, as well as the principles of genetic improvement of rootstocks and cultivars through conventional and biotechnological approaches.

Applying knowledge and understanding

Ability to apply physiological and genetic knowledge to the management of tree crop systems, identifying agronomic strategies aimed at optimizing productivity and production quality.

Autonomy of judgment

Ability to critically interpret the physiological responses of tree crops to different environmental conditions and to independently evaluate management strategies and genetic improvement approaches in relation to production objectives.

Communication skills

Ability to describe and discuss the main physiological processes, crop management strategies, and genetic improvement methodologies using appropriate technical and scientific terminology.

Learning skills

Development of the ability to integrate acquired knowledge and independently deepen understanding of the physiological, agronomic, genetic, and biotechnological aspects of tree crops, including through consultation of the scientific literature.

Lectures (14 hours) and tutorials (42 hours) by case studies and/or seminars, also on line.

If teaching is given in a mixed formula or remotely, necessary changes may be introduced to what was previously stated in order to comply with the provided and reported syllabus.  Learning assessment may be done remotely if necessary.

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

• Origin and biodiversity in fruit crops
• Plant breeding traditional methods in fruit crops: selection, induced mutagenesis, cross and hybridization
• Biotechnology in plant breeding: in vitro culture, genetic transformation, molecular markers
• Photosynthesis
• Transport and role of photosynthesis products
• Water - plant relationships: root uptake, phloem transport, transpiration
• Environmental factors of development: Light (Photomorphogenesis and photoperiod ) gravity, temperature
• Physiology of fruit ripening and post-harvest
  
• Mineral nutrition
• Plant hormones

n.1 - Arboricoltura Generale AA.VV. a cura di S. Sansavini - Patron Editore - Bologna

n.2 - Biotecnologie sostenibili AAVV. a cura di Galbiati et al.-Edagricole- Bologna

n.3 - Genetica e Genomica. G. Barcaccia, M. Falcinelli Vol. II e III - Liguori Editore - Napoli

n.4 - Elementi di Fisiologia Vegetale. N. Rascio. EdiSES - Napoli 

Teaching aids provided by the teacher: scientific articles and power point presentations of the lessons objectives of genetic improvement in arboriculture

Verification of learning takes place through an oral interview. The evaluation of the student's preparation will take place on the basis of the following criteria: learning ability and level of depth of the topics covered, properties of synthesis and exposition, and the student's ability to reason. Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it.

The vote follows the following scheme:

Unsuitable
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize
Use of references: Completely inappropriate

18-20
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At the threshold level. Obvious imperfections
Analysis and synthesis skills: Just enough skills
Use of references: As appropriate

21-23
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge 
Analysis and synthesis skills: It is capable of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently
Using references: Use standard references

24-26
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good knowledge
Analysis and synthesis skills: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently
Using references: Use standard references

27-29
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good
Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis
Use of references: Has explored the topics

30-30L
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge
Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable 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).

• objectives of genetic improvement in arboriculture
• what is meant by somaclonal variability?
• which pigments play a role in the photosynthetic process?
• what effects does a treatment with auxins have on the plant?