BIOLOGY AND MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGY OF FRUIT TREE SPECIES

The course allows students to acquire knowledge on biology, morphology and physiology of fruit tree species and esepecially those related to the vegetative and productive cycle, enabling them to make informed technical choices geared toward achieving various production objectives in terms of quantity and quality.

Expected learning outcomes according to the Dublin descriptors:

Knowledge and understanding abilities: knowledge of the morphology and physiology of fruit tree species understand the mechanisms for correct management of fruit orchards

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding abilities: apply the knowledge acquired to interpret specific aspects of fruitification, of propagation and of fruit ripening 

Making judgements: ability to interpret the relationships between the environment and the plant 

Communication skills: ability to analyze, communicate, and discuss the main issues of fruitculture at a regional, national, and global level

Learning skills: independently develop the skills acquired to analyze case studies related to fruit tree species and make connections with other subjects of the degree course.

Lectures will primarily take place in the classroom, with some sessions held in the laboratory or through technical field visits.

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.

Attendance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended in order to fully benefit from lectures, discussions, and peer interaction.

For exclusively statistical and organizational purposes, classroom attendance is recorde by the teacher.

1. Introduction to the course: role and importance of arboriculture

2. Organography and morphology of fruit trees

3. Climate and fruit trees

4. Vegetative cycle and fruiting cycle; physiological and agronomic aspects

5. Propagation, nursery practices, and genetic improvement

6. Design, establishment, and principles of fruit orchards management

7. Basic principles of fruit postharvest management

Peano C., Sottile F. (2019). Principi di Arboricoltura. EdiSES, Napoli.

Additional readings:
Sansavini et al. (2012). Arboricoltura generale. Patron Editore, Bologna.

The teacher could provide or display additional teaching materials useful for training and further study.

Learning will be assessed with 3-4 questions during an oral exam. The exam is designed to assess the student's level of knowledge and understanding of the content outlined in the syllabus.Student preparation will be assessed based on the following criteria: learning ability and depth of understanding of the topics covered, ability to summarize and present, and the student's reasoning skills.

The vote follows the following scheme:

Negative:

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: just appropriate

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: ability 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: good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed 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 e lode

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)."

- Functions of the root system and types of roots

- Above-ground organs, bud classification, types of shoots

- Reproduction of fruit trees; asexual propagation techniques

- Training systems and the importance of pruning

- Relationship between tree and environment