Temperate Fruit and Nut Crop Management

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Abstract

This subject covers the principles of growing temperate climate plants that must flower before they produce fruits or nuts. There is a strong focus on climatic influences on flowering and fruiting and managing crop load. Utilising apples as a case study crop, students will study the biology, principles, and practices of deciduous fruit and nut crop production. Students will develop a crop production manual for a chosen fruit/nut crop and research innovative and sustainable improvements to the production cycle. Consideration of markets will also be utilised to inform the decision making needed to establish a new orchard.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: 1. Introduction, Origin, Distribution, Utilization, Genetic Diversity;2. Horticultural macro and micro markets;3. Climate;4. Soils, nutrients, & water;5. Planting materials;6. Establishment;7. Care & maintenance;8. Growth & development;9. Flowering, pollination and fruit set;10. Crop quantity;11. Crop quality & postharvest; and12. Machinery & new technologies.

This subject will cover the following topics:

1. Introduction, Origin, Distribution, Utilization, Genetic Diversity;
2. Horticultural macro and micro markets;
3. Climate;
4. Soils, nutrients, & water;
5. Planting materials;
6. Establishment;
7. Care & maintenance;
8. Growth & development;
9. Flowering, pollination and fruit set;
10. Crop quantity;
11. Crop quality & postharvest; and
12. Machinery & new technologies.

Assessment items

1. Crop portfolio Part 1

2. Crop portfolio Part 2

3. Literature review

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

describe the range of fruit and nut crops produced in Australia and discuss how the influences of climatic factors on vegetative growth & development, flowering, fruit set, and fruit growth and development determine optimal orchard management procedures;

analyse market data to inform judgments about the establishment of new orchards;

assess the maturity of a range of fruit and nut crops and develop a management program, including suitable post-harvest procedures for optimal quantity and quality of final product; and

critically review current and new technologies used in the production of a horticultural crop and synthesise a plan to utilise a new proven technology into the orchard management cycle.

Assumed knowledge

It is assumed that students have a basic knowledge of botany, by having studied Botany (PSC102 or PSC103) or Biology in Agriculture (AGR130) or equivalents, and plant physiology, by having studied Plant Physiology (PSC215) or equivalents.

Learning activities

Intensive school

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Prescribed texts: McMahon, M. Kofranek, A.; Rubatzky, V.; Hartmann, H, (2011). Plant science : growth, development, and utilization of cultivated plants. (5th ed.). Prentice Hall. Jackson, D., Looney, N. E., Morley-Bunker, M. (2011). Temperate and subtropical fruit production. (3rd ed.). CABI Students attending compulsory intensive schools will incur costs associated … For more content click the Read More button below.

Prescribed texts:

McMahon, M. Kofranek, A.; Rubatzky, V.; Hartmann, H, (2011). Plant science : growth, development, and utilization of cultivated plants. (5th ed.). Prentice Hall.
Jackson, D., Looney, N. E., Morley-Bunker, M. (2011). Temperate and subtropical fruit production. (3rd ed.). CABI

Students attending compulsory intensive schools will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources.