Overall objectives:

1 - Evaluation of the importance of the production and consumption of organic fruit products in the World, Europe and Portugal
2 - Identification of the limiting factors of production, in order to evaluate the productive potential of each region
3 - The study of the physiology of commercial and traditional autochthonous varieties and the study of the production techniques of these crops, in order to enable the student for the planning, implementation and technical management of organic orchards
4 - The study, in particular, of the production systems in organic farming
5 - The study of the vegetation and fruiting habits of the main species and of the autochthonous regional varieties
6 - The current research objectives

Syllabus:

1 - Production and consumption of organically grown fruit products
2 - Ecophysiology and regulation of growth, development and production (common themes to several species)
3 - Flowering, setting and fruit growth, fruit weeding
4 - Nurseries, propagation and rootstocks
5 - Crop establishment and maintenance
6 - Physical, chemical and biological limitations of the soil
7 - Replanting situations
8 - Soil preparation and planting techniques
9 - Soil and climate requirements, factors affecting productivity, pruning and training of fruit species in organic farming
10 - Tropical species Banana, Avocado, Mango, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Guava and Papaya
11 - Sub-tropical species: Passion fruit, Anona, Citrus and Avocado
12 - Temperate climate species: Pome fruit (Apple and Pear), Stone fruit (Cherry, Peach and Plum), Nuts (Almond, Chestnut and Walnut) Red fruit (Raspberry and Blueberry) and Kiwi
13 - Conservation of fruit genetic resources from the different regions studied

Literature/Sources:

Hartmann, H. T., Kester, D.E., Davies, F.T., Geneve, R.L. , 2011 , Hartmann and Kester?s plant propagation: principles and practices ,
Regulamento (UE) 2018/848 , Regulamento (UE) 2018/848 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho, de 30 de maio de 2018, relativo à produção biológica e à rotulagem dos produtos biológicos e que revoga o Regulamento (CE) n.º 834/2007 do Conselho ,
Rodrigues, J. R. , 2021 , Enxertia de árvores de fruto ,
Velarde, F. G. A. , Tratado de arboricultura frutal: Poda de frutales ,
Willer, H., Schalatter, B., Trávnícek, J., Kemper, L., & Lernoud, J. , 2020 , The world of Organic Agriculture - Statistics and Emerging Trends ,

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
The teaching and learning methodologies are in line with the pedagogical model of the study cycle as they have been structured according to the principle of 75% of ECTS in distance learning (30h) and 25% in face-to-face activities (10h). The course syllabus is organized into modules, with learning activities being taught in an introductory theoretical component (synchronous classes) and the respective in-depth topics through asynchronous activities carried out by students guided by active tutors. The course includes theoretical-practical classes, practical and laboratory classes and seminars. Synchronous theoretical-practical classes are held for the theoretical components of the syllabus, with expository methodologies using audiovisual projection media. In the practical components, classes are held using explanatory and questioning methodologies of the UC contents with practical exercises, encouraging discussion of the topics and group interaction. The assessment of knowledge and skills, whenever possible, will include: Questionnaires to measure activities; preparation of group work on specific topics; presentation and discussions in class on topics related to the UC programme, 2 theoretical-practical tests (60% of the final grade) and a written proposal on ?Installation and maintenance of an orchard in organic production mode? or ?conversion plan of a orchard for MPB? with oral presentation and discussion (40% of the final grade).