Course Topics
Topics covered in the course: Morphology of the aerial and root part of trees Elements of tree physiology Bud formation and floral biology Fruit growth and ripening Growth and vegetative development Propagation of trees and organisation of the nursery system Genetic improvement of tree crops Rootstocks Growing environment and interactions with trees Arboretum planting Training forms and pruning Irrigation Fertilisation Soil surface management Thinning and use of growth regulators Harvesting

Propaedeutic courses
no

Teaching format
Lectures, tutorials, laboratory activities and excursion; face-to-face teaching

Educational objectives
Knowledge and understanding of the biological and physiological characteristics of cultivated trees and their interactions with the environment. Applying Knowledge and understanding through the analysis of growth and reproductive cycles to predict growth and yield scenario as a consequence of environmental changes and management practices. Making judgments To be able to identify for a given environment and production system, the most suitable management techniques in order to improve its economic and ecological sustainability. Communication skills Ability to present and discuss the acquired knowledge using a scientific terminology and sound arguments. Learning skills Ability to autonomously extend the knowledge acquired during the course by critically reading of scientific literature.

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of the morphology, biology and physiology of trees in relation to the environment and cultivation techniques. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding through the analysis of the vegetative and reproductive cycles of cultivated trees and the student's ability to predict their behaviour under varying environmental and cultivation conditions. Autonomy of judgement in the critical analysis of the level of sustainability of cultivation techniques and the choice of plant material for a given environment .

Assessment
The course examination is conducted on the basis of an oral test with questions testing the knowledge acquired, its understanding and its application and transfer to applied cases.

Evaluation criteria
Awarding a single final grade. Criteria for awarding the grade: the clarity of the answer, the appropriate use of the terminology, the ability to summarise, the argumentative pertinence, the autonomy of judgement and the ability to re-elaborate are assessed.

Required readings

Copies of the slides presented by the lecturer, available in the 'reserve collection'

- Sansavini S. et al. (ed.), General Arboriculture. Patron publisher. 2012.

Supplementary readings

Dizionario tecnico trilingue "The terms related to grapes and fruit: a small technical dictionary"

Applied Tree Biology di Andrew D. Hirons e Peter A. Thomas. 2018

Gentile, Inglese e Tagliavini (ed.), Arboricoltura Speciale. Edagricole. 2022

Further information
Lessons are recorded by the lecturer