96564 - Fruit Growing and Viticulture

Learning outcomes

For the most relevant temperate tree fruit species and vinegrapes, the students acquire knowledge relative to: the economic importance; the botany and main physiological traits; the cultivars and rootstocks; the management techniques, including training systems, pruning, thinning, harvest; quality indices and harvest date. Elements of precision growing techniques.

Course contents

Regarding the Fruit Growing module, for each of apple, apricot, citrus, cherry, chestnut, kiwifruit, olive, peach, pear, plum, strawberry, table grapes, walnut, the following are discussed: environmental requirements, including chill requirement and flowering dates; adaptability to soils, including fertilization requirements; irrigation needs; training and maintenance pruning; thinning; rootstocks and varieties.

Pests and diseases are only listed, without in depth discussion; soil-borne diseases and problems related to replanting; proper soil management for preservation of soil's fertility. Biological traits addressed include flower biology; self-sterility; graft incompatibility. Mechanization of pruning, thinning, harvesting aids.

Regarding the Vinegrape Growing module, the following are discussed: vine and fruit development, growth and ripening; grape propagation; variety/rootstock choice; winter and summer pruning techniques; training systems; grape nutrition and irrigation; mechanical harvesting. 

Both modules are comprised of in-class and in-field visits at the University's Experiment Station (AUB); further visits include the Macfruit Trade Show in Rimini and private nurseries and vineries.

 

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student has awareness of the complexity of fruit and vinegrape growing, including specific details on variety/rootstock choice, training systems, management and harvesting techniques. The main pests and diseases of each individual crop are also discussed.

Readings/Bibliography

The lectures are made available by the instructors via the ad-hoc UNIBO repository. The students will have to gain access to the repository by using their UNIBO credentials.

Other reference materials are represented by:

Arboricoltura Speciale, a cura di: A. Gentile, P. Inglese, M. Tagliavini, Edagricole, Bologna

Rivista di Frutticoltura e di ortofloricoltura, Edagricole.

Viticolture Manual, Edagricole 2018, Palliotti, Poni, Silvestroni (eds).

Teaching methods

Classroom lectures.

Field outings.

Additional reading material provided by the instructor.

Assessment methods

The final exam is a multiple choice, computer assisted test.

The exam dates are announced at the beginning of the semester.

Students must enroll in the exam date of their choice by using the platform "Almaesami.unibo.it".

For students with Specific Learning Disorders (LSD), or temporary or permanent disabilities, it is recommended to contact the University Office in charge (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) in advance. The office will propose any necessary accommodations to the interested students, which must in any case be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their appropriateness in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Multimedia, including slides, video, podcasts, technical and field visits. 

Office hours

See the website of Luca Corelli Grappadelli

See the website of Gabriele Valentini