Overall objectives:

1 - Teach knowledge and concepts about the main horticultural and fruit wood crops, integrating basic knowledge with technological solutions, with a view to decision making in problem solving.
2 - Develop skills to intervene in the main permanent and herbaceous crops, through knowledge of plants, their biology, ecology and use; propagation methods, and production techniques.
3 - Obtain technical knowledge about pruning and driving, fertilization, irrigation, protection against pests, diseases and weeds, regulation of growth and production, harvest and preparation.
4 - Develop skills to reflect on the knowledge acquired and value its application in agricultural practice and in the planning of crops.
5 - Develop skills to interpret, evaluate, decide and intervene responsibly in situations related to future activity professional.
6 - Develop and demonstrate initiative, autonomy and work habits.

Syllabus:

1 - Theoretical content (17h): Characteristic horticultural systems: Crop planning; System preparation.
2 - Crop implementation: Plant propagation; Seeding; Planting.
3 - Biology and use of vegetables.
4 - Biology and use of fruit crops.
5 - Fertilization and nutrition of vegetables and fruits.
6 - Irrigation: Irrigation techniques; Water needs of vegetables and fruits.
7 - Development of cultures: Key stages of cultural development and respective cultural practices.
8 - Cultural and management techniques applied to specific case studies: Vine; Custard apple; Banana tree; Sweet potato; Onion.
9 - Applied Content (PL 17 + TC 25h): Laboratory and field activities related to the theoretical and practical topics of the course.
10 - Visit nurseries and producers of grapes, fruit and vegetables.

Literature/Sources:

Hessayon, D. G. , 2001 , Manual de Horticultura , Barcelona, Blume
Silveira, G. S. R. , 2010 , Manual de Hortaliças Não‐Convencionais , Brasília, Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento
Mourão, I. M. , 2007 , Manual de Horticultura no Modo de Produção Biológico , Ponte de Lima, Escola Superior Agrária de Ponte de Lima/IPVC
A Fruticultura na Macaronésia. Contributo do projecto Interfruta para o seu desenvolvimento , 2006 , Lopes, D., Pereira, A., Mexia, A., Mumford, J., Cabrera, R. , Sersilito

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
The course's teaching and assessment methodologies are diversified to cover the various teaching components and are in line with those expected for higher professional technical courses and the vision of promoting active and contextualized learning. Assessment is formative, with continuous feedback, and summative, with written exams, practical assignments, oral presentations, and participation in field activities. Assessment follows the institution's learning assessment regulations and consists of assessment moments, the weight of which is adjusted to the weight of the course's teaching components. The weight of any single assessment moment cannot exceed 50% of the course's final grade. The assessment methods, number of assessment moments, and their weight in the final grade are determined by the instructor at the beginning of the semester.