Woody plant morphology. Root and shoot growth physiology. Flower biology and fruit growth. Orchard management: soil management, mineral nutrition, irrigation, pruning. Planting systems and tree shape. Frost damages. Description of the main fruit tree species (peach, apple, olive).
BOOKS
Arboricoltura generale – 2012 by S. Silviero, G. Costa, R. Gucci Eds.
OTHER MATERIAL on MOODLE
Slides of the lessons; video + audio with comments of the slides.
Learning Objectives
Comprehension of how woody plants (fruit tree species) grow, produce and respond to external stimuli. Knowledge of the main aspects related to the planning and the rational management of a specialized orchard; identification of the main fruit tree species.
The course entails a cycle of lectures with the support of slides and some laboratory and field supplementary activities.
Type of Assessment
The end assessment will be held through an oral test
Course program
Canopy and root morphology and physiology. Bud dormancy, sprouting and shoot elongation; growth control mechanisms. Flower bud induction and morphological differentiation. Flowering, pollination, fertilization. Morphological, cytological and genetic sterility. Flower drop, fruit set and fruit drop. Fruit and seed growth. Parthenocarpy. Ripening and maturation indexes. Alternate bearing. Orchard management: soil management, mineral nutrition and irrigation. Pruning: classification and techniques. Training systems: choice and classification. Harvest: manual, mechanical and integrated. Protection from late frost.
Description of the main fruit tree species (peach, apple, olive): origin, diffusion, morphology and physiology, genetic resources, breeding and cultivars, propagation and orchard management.