MORFOFISIOLOGIA DELLE COLTURE ARBOREE E CARATTERIZZAZIONE E VALORIZZAZIONE DEL GERMOPLASMA ORTOFLORICOLO

12 CFU - 1° Semester

Teaching Staff

GAETANO DISTEFANO - Module Morpho-physiology of tree crop - AGR/03 - 6 CFU
FERDINANDO BRANCA - Module Characterization and exploitation of germplasm of interest for vegetable and flower crops - AGR/04 - 6 CFU

Learning Objectives

Morpho-physiology of tree crop
Provide information on the tree structure with particular attention to the peculiarities that distinguish it from the herbaceous species;

Provide information about the ontogenic cycle of the tree, exploring aspects related to propagation methods, the fruiting cycle and fruit ripening;

Provide knowledge on the response of tree plants to soil and climatic conditions;

Provide knowledge on the genetic heritage of tree crops with particular reference to those typical of the Mediterranean environment. This information will be useful in order to prepare genetic improvement interventions useful for improving production efficiency and product quality in a Mediterranean environment
Characterization and exploitation of germplasm of interest for vegetable and flower crops
Provide the student with the knowledge for the characterization and enhancement of spontaneous and / or cultivated species of horticultural interest spread in Italy, with specific reference to Sicily. Particular attention will be paid to the structure of the plant with particular attention to the bio-morphological features that characterize the main species and the different traditional Italian subspecific entities. Particular attention will be paid to the health aspects of typical horticultural products.

Provide information about the vegetative and reproductive phases of the plant, referring to its different phenological phases.

Provide knowledge on the response of horticultural plants to soil and climatic conditions;

Provide knowledge on the genetic heritage of horticultural crops with particular reference to those typical of the Mediterranean environment, and on genetic improvement interventions useful for increasing production efficiency and product quality in the Mediterranean environment

Course Structure

Morpho-physiology of tree crop
The course will be held by frontal lessons. Participation in class by students is highly encouraged. The understanding verification takes place from the front of the classroom.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.
Characterization and exploitation of germplasm of interest for vegetable and flower crops
The structure of the course is articulated by lecture related to vegetable crops, producce quality and innovation.

The students will be evaluated by oral test on the topics of the course and by a power point presentation on one topic individuated with the teacher.

Is suggested to interact with the teacher during the course leactures and the lab exercises.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Detailed Course Content

Morpho-physiology of tree crop
Morphology and physiology of arboreal plants: root system and epigeal organs. Endogenous and environmental signals that regulate the development of the tree. Tree ontogenic cycle. Development and fructification control: bud dormancy, vegetative cycle, fruiting cycle; Flower induction: sporogenesis, antesis, pollination, fertilization, sterility, allegation, senescence and abscission of fruits, maturation. Peculiar aspects of tree biology. Propagation and reproduction; recalls on the morphology and structure of the seed: apomixis and polyembryony, juvenility, seed dormancy, germination. Multiplication: topophysis, cuttings, micropropagation, offshoots, grafting.
Characterization and exploitation of germplasm of interest for vegetable and flower crops
Spontaneous species of horticultural interest and their process of domestication and diffusion. Methods and techniques of preservation of horticultural germplasm. Morphology and physiology of the plants of orthophloric interest: hypogeal and epigeal organs. Phenological phases of the plant during its vegetative and reproductive phases. Multiplication and reproduction of species of horticultural interest. Distinctive features of the product in relation to species, types and cultivars. Objectives of the genetic improvement of the species of horticultural interest.

1 Evolution and relevance of agrobiodiversity, the most specific intrespecific categories in horticulture Cap 3 Genetic improvement of vegetable species. Orticoltura, principi e pratica. Pardossi et al. Edagricole

2 Propagation by seed, herbaceous grafting, micropropagation of vegetable species, Chap 4. Propagation of horticultural species. Orticoltura, principi e pratica. Pardossi et al. Edagricole

3 Classification of vegetables. Chap 12. Orticoltura, principi e pratica. Pardossi et al. Edagricole

4 Apiacee, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Liliaceae, Solanaceae. Chapters 13, 14. 15, 17, 18, 20 and 21. Orticoltura, principi e pratica. Pardossi et al. Edagricole

Textbook Information

Morpho-physiology of tree crop
ARBORICOLTURA GENERALE
Arboricoltura generale. 2012. A cura di Sansavini et al. Pàtron Editore, Bologna
Characterization and exploitation of germplasm of interest for vegetable and flower crops
Pardossi A., Prosdocimi Gianquinto G., Santamaria P., Incrocci L., 2018. Orticoltura. Principi e pratica. Edagricole-New Business Media

Marzi V., De Mastro G. 2008. Piante Officinali. Mario Adda Editore, Bari

Sansavini S., Ranalli P., 2012. Manuale di Ortofrutticoltura. Edagricole

Appunti e schemi delle lezioni forniti dal docente.

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