29371 - Fruit Science

Learning outcomes

The aim of this teaching is to provide the basic knowledge on: 1) tree morphology and physiology; 2) tree vegetative and reproductive cycles; 3) fruit biochemical composition, development and physiology, 4) quality of fresh and processed fruits of apple, pear, peach, cherry, apricot, plums, kiwi. This knowledge will allow the student to manage fruits delivered from the orchad to the processing facilities according to their final use (fresh market or processing). Students will be able to select and introduce the most appropriate techniques to obtain a high quality product with the lowest environmental impact

Course contents

Canopy and root decription: trunk, branches, twigs, shoots, buds, leaves, flowers and fruits. Endogenous and exogenous bioregulators. Bud differentiation and development. Bud dormancy. Apical dominance. Fruit growth and maturation. Biochemistry of ripening fruit. Ripening index, fruit quality for fresh market and processing. Tree propagation. History, botanical classification, development, agronomical techniques and market of apple, pear, peach, cherry, apricot, plum and kiwi fruits. Processing techniques.

Readings/Bibliography

Manuale di ortofrutticoltura - ed. Sansavini S. and Ranalli P. Edagricole il sole 24ore (first part 300 pages)

Arboricoltura Generale- ed.  Sansavini S., Costa G., Gucci R., Inglese P., Ramina A., Xiloyannis C. Patron (BO). Recommended to who wants to study in deep the tree physiology. 
Specific articles and notes

Teaching methods

 

Lab activity (on fruit maturation index). Classes and visits to orchards and processing plants. Seminars by experts

Assessment methods

The teaching of Basic Horticulture is part of the integrated course of vegetal Production in the Degree of Food Science, consequentely the student learning acquisition will be evaluated at the end of the teaching lessons here mentioned and consist of a 40 minut final exam, which aims to quantify the skillness and expected expertise through an oral examintion with no possibility to use books, notes, or any other supports.

The oral examination includes an interview on, at least, 3 topics discussed in class, with the aim to evaluate the student learning level, ability of critical analysis, capability to link the different topics taught in class, and apply the knowledge to the different environmental conditions.

Teaching tools

Power point slide shows. Laboratory practical lessons. Field visists

Office hours

See the website of Moreno Toselli