FRUITCULTURE

The course is aimed at supplying knowledges onto main fruit tree species with a special emphasis on those cultivated in mediterranean area. 

In detail the course deals with crop situation, varietal and rootstock choice, agronomic management of plantations, and coltural techniques aimed at sustainable and high quality productions. 

- Knowledge and understanding: Make independent agronomic decisions and support operators in the fruitculture supply chains.

- Apply knowledge and understanding: Support operators in fruitculture in making the most appropriate pre-planting and management decisions  aimed at achieving sustainable and high-quality production.

- Independent judgment: Critically evaluate different agronomic strategies and crop management practices.

- Communication skills: Be able to communicate clearly and effectively with the various operators involved in the fruitculture supply chains.

- Learning skills: Be able to constantly update and expand one's knowledge

Lessons, discussion on specific topics, excursion and visits.

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 also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Attendance at lectures and other teaching activities is strongly recommended to facilitate learning and to develop a critical approach to understanding the subjects covered.

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

The course directly contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, providing knowledge and skills related to the sustainable management of fruit trees.

 Goal 2 - Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure the sustainability of food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and yields, contribute to the maintenance of ecosystems, and improve the capacity to adapt to climate change.

Goal 12 - Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, promoting agronomic production models that reduce waste, pollution, and loss of soil fertility.

Goal 13 - Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related risks through low-impact agricultural practices and the rational use of water and soil resources.

Goal 15 - Target 15.9: Integrate the conservation of agricultural biodiversity into agricultural and land-use planning processes, enhancing local varieties and promoting sustainable management practices for rural landscapes and agricultural ecosystems.

FIRST PART

Introduction: importance of fruitculture

Summary of general fruitculture: cultivar, clone, clonal selection. Hybridization, mutagenesis. Fruti quality. 

Nursery and certification. Tree growth cycle and fruit set. Fruit classification.

SECOND PART 

Description of the following species: 

-              pome fruits (apple and pear)

-              stone fruits (apricot, cherry, peach, plum)

-              nuts (almond, hazelnut, chestnut, pistachio, nut)

-              actinidia

-              minor fruit trees species (carob, pomegranate, prickly pear)

-              subtropical fruit tree species (avocado, anona, mango)

These species will be presented according to the following scheme: systematics and origin; diffusion and economic importance; floral and fruitification biology; varieties and rootstocks; breeding;  propagation; tree adaptation to the environment; training an pruning; soil management; irrigation and water relations; mineral nutrition and fertilization; ripening and harvest; product utilization. 

THIRD PART

Basic information on citriculture, olive culture and viticulture

Basic information on wood production and forestry 

Basic information on ornamental trees 

"Arboricoltura speciale" (a cura di Gentile, Inglese, Tagliavini). Edagricole-New Business Media. 2022  

---

Further study in english: Janick, Jules, and Robert E. Paull, eds. The encyclopedia of fruit and nuts. CABI, 2008.

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).