The acquisition of the knowledge functional to the application of agro-biotechnologies to vegetable and floral-ornamental crops through the analysis of the structure and needs of plants, the interaction of these crops with the agroecosystem, the ontogenic cycle of the plant, the plant structures used and the qualitative characteristics of the products.

Teaching will take place through classroom lectures (35 hours) and laboratory activities (15 hours). Classroom lectures are conducted using a video projector; laboratory activities include qualitative and quantitative analysis of the main bioactive compounds contained in vegetable products and molecular analysis. Should teaching be given in mixed mode or at a distance, the necessary variations from what was previously declared may be introduced, in order to comply with the programme laid down and reported in the syllabus.

Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the department.

• Characteristics and importance of the vegetable and floral-ornamental industries
• Characterization and classification of vegetable and floral-ornamental plants
• The sexual propagation of vegetable and floral-ornamental plants (seed characteristics, germination requirements, seed dormancy, pre-germinative treatments)
• The vegetative propagation of vegetable and floral-ornamental plants (description and production technique of tubers, rhizomes, bulbs, bulb-tubers, cuttings, micropropagated plants and grafted plants)
• Objectives of the genetic improvement of vegetable and floral-ornamental species
• Quality of horticultural and floricultural products

1) Pardossi G., Prosdocimi Gianquinto G., Santamaria P., Incrocci L., Orticoltura - Principi e pratica, Edagricole Bologna

2) Scariot V., De Pascale S., Ferrante A., Romano D., Florovivaismo – Principi e tecniche, Edagricole Bologna

3) Teaching material provided by the teacher

The exam is divided into three questions, each of which is assigned a score from 6 to 10. The final grade will be determined by the sum of the three scores. To pass the exam you must achieve a passing grade in each of the three questions. 

The evaluation of the student's preparation will take place on the basis of the following criteria: learning ability and level of depth of the topics covered, synthesis and exposition properties, and the student's reasoning ability.

Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

Attribution of examination grade

The vote is expressed in thirtieths according to the following scheme:

• Unsuitable

Knowledge and understanding topic: significant shortcomings and inaccuracies

Analysis and synthesis skills: irrelevant, frequent generalizations

Using references: completely inappropriate

• 18–20

Knowledge and understanding topic: very modest, obvious imperfections

Analysis and synthesis capabilities: just sufficient

Using references: just appropriate

• 21–23

Knowledge and understanding topic: little more than sufficient knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: Decent analysis and synthesis skills, argues logically and coherently

Using References: Use standard references

• 24–26

Knowledge and understanding topic: good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: has good analysis and synthesis skills, the topics are presented coherently

Using References: Use standard references

• 27–29

Knowledge and understanding topic: more than good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: has remarkable analysis and synthesis skills

Use of references: he went into more detail on the topics

• 30–30 with honors

Knowledge and understanding topic: excellent knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: has remarkable analysis and synthesis skills

Use of references: significant insights

Describes the typical characteristics of vegetable crops

Describes the main production types of the floral-ornamental sector

What is meant by seed dormancy and how can it be overcome?

Describes asexual propagation by cuttings

What are the main objectives of genetic improvement of a vegetable crop?

What are the main traits selected in floral-ornamental nursery?