Temperate Fruit Production

Code: FIT10441M

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Agronomy

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

Fome zero e agricultura sustentável - Acabar com a fome, alcançar a segurança alimentar e melhoria da nutrição e promover a agricultura sustentável.

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Trabalho decente e crescimento económico - Promover o crescimento económico sustentado, inclusivo e sustentável, emprego pleno e produtivo, e trabalho decente para todos.

Inovação infraestrutura - Construir infraestrutura resiliente, promover a industrialização inclusiva e sustentável, e fomentar a inovação.

Consumo e produção responsáveis - Assegurar padrões de produção e de consumo sustentáveis.

Learning Goals

To known the particular factors of temperate fruit zone and the training systems of these species. To develop the capacity to project a new orchard. To deep learning about floral biology and fruit set, pruning trees and water and nutritional management.

1- The species of temperate fruit zone. Centre of origin and the actual fruit production region 2- Orchard establishement. Root system of fruit trees. Preparation and soil correction to planting. Plant distance, training system and project design.3- Floral biology and fruit set. Flower bud development.Hormonal control. Time of bloom and pollination process,events in fruit set and fruit growth.4- Prunus species and rootstocks.Training systems, Vigour management and productivity. Alternate bearing. Maturity process and quality.Pruning. 5- Pome fruit species and rootstocks. Training systems and pruning. Fruit set control and quality.6- Nut species and production systems. Mechanical harvesting and pruning. Fruit drying 7-Floor orchard management and soil conservation.8- Canopy fruit trees protection and microclimate control.9-Water and nutrient utilization by fruit trees. Water requirements, control of tree growth by water management. Nutritional status of fruit trees.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes and practical discussion in commercial orchards. Evaluating by final exam and presentation and discussion of a orchard design project.