Arboricoltura Generale di E. Baldini. Edizioni CLUEB Bologna, 1986 and subsequent years.
Arboricoltura generale a cura di S. Sansavini, G. Costa, R. Gucci, P. Inglese, A. Ramina, C. Xiloyannis, 2012. Ed. Pàtron, Bologna.
Fundamentals of temperate zone tree fruit production di J. Tromp, A.D. Webster, S.J. Wertheim, 2005. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Thr Netherlands.
Learning Objectives
Competence acquired (at the end of the course): Growth, yield and plant responses to external stimuli.
Skills acquired (at the end of the course): Rational orchard management
Theoretical lessons with projection of text and slides.
Field exercises on the topics covered in the theoretical lessons.
Further information
Frequency of lectures, practice and lab, although non compulsory, is strongly recommended.
Type of Assessment
Oral examination.
Course program
Canopy and root morphology and physiology.
Bud dormancy (eco, para and endo-dormancy).
Sprout elongation. “Apical control” and “apical dominance”.
Flower bud induction and morphological differentiation
Flowering, pollination, fecundation. Morphological, cytological and genetic sterility. Flower drop, fruit set and fruit drop. Fruit and seed growth. Parthenocarpy.
Ripening: hormonal activity, climateric and a-climateric fruits, respiration activity during ripening. Maturation indexes. Alternate bearing. Orchard design: soil management and irrigation. Pruning: Classification and techniques. Training systems: choice and classification.
Harvest: manual, mechanical and integrated. Protection from late frost.
Plant propagation.