The tree as a complex biological system which integrates organs and functions, with properties to adapt to the ambient. Organography of cultivated fruit crop species. The correlative relationships among organs and development of the tree's epigeal organs and growth patterns. Natural skeleton and architecture of canopy of tree crop plants, determinism of form and size. The role of anthropic actions on fruit culture and evolution of forms of cultivated canopies. Physiognomy and development of root systems.
Physiological and genetic regulation of flowering: factors controlling flower morphogenesis and fruit set. Sterility and self-incompatibility in fruit tree plants. Fruit development and ripening: growth patterns, biochemical dynamic of fruit components. Fruit quality characteristics of different species; ripening indexes and evaluation methods of quality parameters.
Fruit tree crop canopies managements: pruning and tilling techniques for controlling fruit development and ripening.
Physiological and genetic molecular bases and techniques of adventitious rooting and agamic fruit crop propagation. Organization of nursery and control of true-to-type identity and sanity.
Plant and environment interaction. The concept of environmental vocation and suitability and hints of eco-physiology (role of environmental factors in the development of the tree). The use of environmental resources in the cultivation technique (water, fertility elements, light). Soil management techniques. Fruit quality and the influence of terroir. Conventional and sustainable production models. The orchard system, training management and functional diversity. Multifunctionality of tree production systems.
Monographic treatment of the main tree crops: vine, olive, actinidia, stone fruit, pome fruit, chestnut, walnut, hazelnut, citrus and minor fruit trees. For each species are synthetically considered: botanical and biological peculiarities; pedo-climatic needs; cultivation problems; varietal panorama; propagation; cultivation techniques (planting, foliage, ripening and post-harvest management).

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
Materiale dato dal docente: diapositive delle lezioni e articoli di giornale, capitoli di libri e review.