PLANT PRODUCTION

Module FRUIT TREE PRODUCTS

Knowledge and understanding skills

Acquisition of knowledge concerning the main physiological and biochemical aspects of the fruiting cycle and the determinants of fruit quality during fruit growth, ripening, and storage, with particular reference to pre- and post-harvest factors.

Applying knowledge and understanding

Ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the assessment of fruit quality through the analysis of quality attributes and the interpretation of the main physiological and metabolic processes underlying their evolution.

Making judgments

Ability to critically interpret the main factors affecting fruit quality and to formulate independent assessments of the quality characteristics of different fruit species and of the conditions of production and storage.

Communication skills

Ability to use appropriate technical and scientific terminology to describe and discuss physiological processes, quality attributes, and the main factors affecting the quality of fruit products.

Learning skills

Development of the ability to integrate acquired knowledge and independently deepen understanding of the physiological, quality-related, and technological aspects of major fruit products, including through consultation of the scientific literature.

The course consists in 21 hours of lectures and 42 hours of practical activities (case studies, seminars, technical visit). Lessons could be held through videoconference if needed. If teaching will be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus. 

Basic knowledge of plant biology required to understand the content of the course.

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

Active participation allows the student to more easily acquire the ability to connect between the various topics covered by the program, the ability to report examples and the property of technical language, which are the subject of evaluation.

General part 

• Notes of organography and morphology of fruit trees 
• Botanical and commercial classification of fruits 
• Fruit quality Fruiting process and ripening physiology 
• Cold treatment and storage of fruits 

Special part 

• Citrus 
• Olive 
• Apple and pear 
• Stone fruits 
• Table grape 
• Strawberry 
• Tropical and sub-tropical fruits 
• Kiwifruit 
• Minor fruit species 
• Nuts 

1. Postharvest Physiology and Biochemistry of Fruits and Vegetables. Ed. E.M. Yahia. Woodhead Publishing. 978-0-12-813278-4
   

Didactic materials provided by the professor (lecture notes) in the website http://studium.unict.it

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.

Unsuitable

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important 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

Analysis and synthesis skills: 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

30-30L

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).

• Fruiting cycle
• Maturation indices
• Fruiting biology of citrus fruits