Theoretical bases on the main physiological cycles of fruit trees, as carbon balance, water relations, tree-light interactions. Interactions between trees and the environment influencing productivity and quality of fruit productions. Internal regulative systems at genetic and epigenetic levels, and interactions with the physiological background to induce tree plant adaptation and production of metabolites. The knowledge is integrated in the study of fruit growth physiology, with a strong approach towards actual application in the orchard. Particular attention will be paid to on: a) tree water relations, training system effect on water potentials, environment conditions and water potentials; b) tree-light energetic and regulative relations, physical properties of light and methods of detection in the orchard, genetic and physiological light signal regulation of plant development, flower induction and fruit growth, the shade avoidance response and the effect on growing practices on tree-light interactions, orchard design, c) photosynthesis, photosynthetic parameters and efficiency, environment effects on tree photosynthesis and biological adaptation, light excess and consequences on primary photo-productivity, photo-oxidation, water-water cycle and photorespiration, d) definition of growth and parameters to express its relevance in orchard, fruit growth models, fruit maturation and ripening, effect of time of thinning on the growth of fruit, thinning strategies and environment effects on fruit growth; e) the flows of fresh and dry matter that allow fruit growth, daily growth in apple, peach and in other fruit, importance of phenological stages, the xylem and phloem contribution to fruit growth, the role of transpiration in fruit growth; f) fruit quality definition, factors affecting fruit quality (genetic, biological and physiological aspects); g) main cultural management practices affecting fruit quality, pruning, fertilization, plant bioregulators, definition and bioregulators affecting ethylene emission and fruit ripening; h) methods to assess fruit quality: penetrometer, refractometer, titrator, colorimeter, NIRs, DA-Meter, electronic nose.
Hints on genetic determinants that regulate the production and quality of the metabolic pathways of secondary metabolites in the fruit. Bio-fortified food. Hints on characters of apple, pear, peach, cherry, apricot, plum, kiwi, table grape, olive.

Monografie della collana “Coltura & Cultura” (melo, pero, pesco, olivo, Vite) edite da Bayer CropScience srl Milano, Alcuni Capitoli saranno forniti dal docente
Zucconi F. Nuove tecniche per i frutteti: Fisiologia e metodi innovativi nell'allevamento di fruttiferi. Edagricole.
Arboricoltura Generale. A cura di S. Sansavini et al, 2012. Patron Editore, Bologna
Nuove frontiere dell'arboricoltura italiana. A cura di S. Sansavini. 2007. Alberto Perdisa Editore
Manuale di ortofrutticoltura. 2012. A cura di S. Sansavini e P. Ranalli. Edagricole Editore, Bologna.
Students will receive reviews on secondary metabolites and their synthesis into fruits.