Protected Cultivation Systems

1. Introduction
1.1. Horticultural systems: protected and open-field cultivation
1.2. Importance and spread of protected crops in Italy
1.3. Classification of protected crops
2. Structure and Types of Greenhouses
2.1. Covering materials
2.2. Thermal balance in greenhouses and design of a heating system
2.3. Solar radiation spectrum and artificial lighting systems
3. Temperature Management
3.1. Heating and cooling in greenhouses
3.2. Environmental control
4. Irrigation Management
4.1. Estimating crop water needs
4.2. Irrigation methods in greenhouses
4.3. Quality of irrigation water
5. Hydroponic Cultures
5.1. Substrate-based cultivation
5.2. Physical and chemical characteristics of substrates used in greenhouses
5.3. Open-loop and closed-loop systems
5.4. Nutrient solution management
5.5. Methods for sterilizing recirculating solutions
6. Use of Plant Growth Regulators
6.1. Rooting of cuttings
6.2. Flowering
6.3. Fruit set
7. Improving the Quality of Greenhouse Products
7.1. Nitrate control in leafy vegetables
7.2. Herbaceous grafting technique
7.3. Pollination in greenhouses
8. Botanical Characteristics and Agronomic Requirements of Major Species
9. Floricultural Systems for Ornamental Greenery
9.1. Response of crops to high and low irradiance and adaptation strategies
9.2. Water stress and its effect on crop quality, yield, and ornamental plant quality
9.3. The effect of salinity on crop quality and ornamental plants