Presentation

Educational aims

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES Specific objectives: During the course, the technicians in Propagation and Nursery Management in the Mediterranean environment will acquire knowledge in the fields of plant production, defence, biotechnologies applied to agriculture, economics and marketing in the nursery chain. Furthermore, they will acquire knowledge on the certification of nursery productions, on the constitution and protection of new plant varieties and their subsequent registration. At the end of the Degree Course, graduates in Propagation and Nursery Management in the Mediterranean environment will be able to face and solve the problems related to: - Propagation and management techniques for plants in nurseries; - Nutrition and irrigation of plants, phytopathies, harmful insects; - Economics, marketing and management of nurseries. Professional opportunities: Freelance activity in nurseries, professional firms, public administration. The studies in 2nd cycle degrees are not a natural continuation for the courses of this class.

work perspectives

Profile: Agricultural technician Functions: The Agricultural Technician with a degree in Propagation and nursery management deals with: - The preparation of substrates for plant growth; - The preparation of nutrient solutions; - The intervention on plants through pruning, grafts, transplants, potting; - The management of nursery irrigation and air conditioning systems; - The inventory of warehouse stocks; - The treatments necessary for the defence of plants (pesticides, phytosanitary ...); - The sale of nursery products, wholesale or retail; - The routine maintenance on the nursery machinery and equipment. Skills: The Agricultural Technician with a degree in Propagation and nursery management must possess: - knowledge of botanical species and varieties (ornamental and fruit plants, garden plants, etc.); -knowledge of techniques for plant production; - ability to recognize plants and symptoms of plant diseases (phytopathology); - knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the substrate; - skills in horticulture; - knowledge of irrigation and fertilization techniques; - ability in the use of facilities, equipment and machinery for nurseries; - competence in company organization. Professional opportunities The Agricultural Technician with a degree in Propagation and nursery management will be able to operate: - as a freelancer, providing consulting services to companies in the sector; - in private nursery companies; - in public bodies (eg government nurseries); - in nursery trade associations. The studies in 2nd cycle degrees are not a natural continuation for the courses of this class.

Characteristics of the final exam

The final examination consists in the written presentation of the solution of a problem tackled during the internship, aiming at demonstrating students’ ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the Course, under the guidance of one or more supervisors (professors of the Degree Course) and possible external professionals. The topics for the final examination will be proposed by the professors of the Degree Course at the beginning of each Academic Year. The paper will be evaluated by a Board of here Professors of the Degree Course.