Aromatic and Medicinal Plant Cultivation

A.Y. 2020/2021
3
Max ECTS
24
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/04
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The learning objective is the presentation of the sector of the production of aromatic and medicinal plants, describing characteristics, problems and perspectives. Above all the aim is to provide basic knowledge about the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants, with particular reference to organic farming, highlighting the effects that agronomic practices can have on product quality.
For this purpose, some of the most commonly cultivated species will be presented in detail, in order to allow the acquisition of specific competences regarding their propagation and cultivation.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will acquire a good knowledge of the characteristics and problems of the sector of aromatic and medicinal plant production and will achieve a basic preparation to grow aromatic and medicinal plants, in order to maximize the quantitative and qualitative production in respect of the environment.
The knowledge will be evaluated during an oral exam about the information presented with the lessons and the slides in Ariel. The evaluations will be in thirtieths.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Lesson period
Second semester
Teaching methods
The lessons will be held asynchronously via Power point with audio, loaded into Ariel according to the teaching schedule. Periodically (approximately every five lessons) a synchronous lesson will be held on the Teams platform to answer students' questions and carry out any further information.
Information about the organization of lessons will be available in Ariel, that is therefore recommended to consult frequently.

Program and reference material
The program and the reference material will not change.

Assessment methods
Learning will be assessed with an oral examination using Skype or similar platform.
The evaluation will consider the achievement of the objectives, in particular the acquired knowledge, the critical ability and the properties of language. The evaluations will be expressed in thirtieths.
Course syllabus
- Description of the sector of aromatic and medicinal plant production.
- Effect of genetic, pedological, climatic and agronomic factors on the content of secondary metabolites.
- The soil: chemical, physical, biological and hydrological properties; tillage and other soil works.
- Crop rotation and intercropping.
- Principles and technique of fertilization and irrigation.
- Control of weeds, pathogens and parasites.
- Harvesting and storage.
- Protocols of cultivation; organic cultivation methods.
- Botanical description, composition, utilization, pedological and climatic requirements, propagation and cultivation of some important species, such as: mint, sage, chamomile, echinacea, lavender, mauve, saffron, aloe, hemp.
Prerequisites for admission
Optional courses do not require preparatory courses.
Biochimica agraria (Agricultural Biochemistry) is however a strongly recommended pre-requisite.
Teaching methods
In the case of persisting health emergency, the lessons will be held asynchronously via Power point with audio, loaded into Ariel according to the teaching schedule. Periodically (approximately every five lessons) a synchronous lesson will be held on the Teams platform to answer students' questions and carry out any further information.
Teaching Resources
Slides in Power point with audio in Ariel.
Catizone P., Barbanti L., Marotti I., Dinelli G. (2013): Produzione ed impiego delle piante officinali. Pàtron editore.
Marzi V., De Castro G. (2008): Piante officinali. Adda Editore.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning will be assessed with an oral examination using Skype or similar platform.
The evaluation will consider the achievement of the objectives, in particular the acquired knowledge, the critical ability and the properties of language. The evaluations will be expressed in thirtieths.
AGR/04 - VEGETABLE AND ORNAMENTAL CROPS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor: Martinetti Livia