The aim of the course “Pomology” is to familiarize students at both theoretical and practical levels with the characteristics (morphological and physiological), requirements (soil, climatic, etc) and cultivation practices of the main fruit tree species grown in our country.

In particular, the theoretical course aims to analyze the following issues:

•          Origin, evolution, and classification of fruit tree species

•          National and international economic importance of fruit tree products

•          Botanical and morphological traits of fruit trees species

•          Bearing (fruiting) habit of the main fruit tree species

•          Anthesis, pollination, fertilization as well as fruit setting, growth, and maturation

•          Ecological (soil and climatic) requirements of pomological species

•          Fruit tree dormancy

•          Fruit tree propagation (sexual and asexual; grafting and rootstocks)

•          Orchard site selection – Designing and planting an orchard

•          Pruning and training systems

•          Irrigation

•          Orchard mineral nutrition and soil management

•          Frost protection

•          Harvesting criteria and quality standards of fruits

Emphasis is given to some fruit crops of high pomological importance for Greece, such as olive, citrus, peach, apricot, sweet cherry, apple, pear, pistachio, almond, and walnut.

The goal of the Laboratory classes is to familiarize the students with:

•           Identification of main fruit trees (pomes, stone fruits, citrus, olive, pomegranate, loquat, fig, etc.)

•           Fruiting organs and fruit bearing habits of the main fruit trees

•           Fruit tree propagation (sexual and asexual; grafting, cuttings)

•           Pruning of olive and citrus trees

•           Designing an orchard and planting trees

Therefore, upon successful completion of the course, the students will:

•           Be capable of identifying the main fruit trees cultivated in Greece

•           Be able to understand the ecology, morphology, and physiology of fruit crops cultivated in Greece

•           Obtain the basic knowledge concerning the cultivation practices applied in fruit trees