Field Crops and Fruit Tree Production

The course aims to provide a general understanding of the characteristics and peculiarities of crop and tree growing systems, with particular reference to the effects of environmental and management factors on grain yield and on the production of fruit, biomass, valuable wood. In module I (field crops), for each of the crop systems, elements relating to ecophysiology, the quality of the useful product, agronomic management, harvest times and issues related to abiotic and biotic stress will be provided. In module II (fruit tree production, basic knowledge will be provided relating to the choice of species / cultivars and the principles on which the design of an arboretum is based, based on the environmental suitability of the planting site. The course will provide knowledge relating to modern cultivation techniques and their application with the aim of reconciling high yields and product quality with the rational and economic use of resources and environmental protection.

Expertise in setting the rotation of herbaceous crops in the farm, also in relation to farm needs and market prices of raw materials. Knowledge of the agronomic practices to be adopted in the management of the various field crops in cereal and cereal-livestock farms. Ability to evaluate the environmental suitability of a site towards specific tree species and to be able to identify the plant material (cultivar and, possibly, rootstock), the forms of farming and the cultivation operations necessary for the correct planting of the arboretum. Ability to rationally carry out the ordinary and exceptional management operations of a fruit and wood orchard. Detailed knowledge of the dynamics and mechanisms that lead to the formation, development and ripening of the fruit and the ability to apply this knowledge in the planning of harvesting operations and in the post-harvest phase, in order to preserve the quality of the product.