The advancement of horticultural systems has increasingly relied on the integration of innovative techniques aimed at enhancing productivity, structural efficiency, and plant quality. This study presents a model-based assessment of modern horticultural techniques, with particular emphasis on plant growth regulators, nursery management strategies, and environmental control mechanisms. By synthesizing empirical evidence from existing literature, the study develops a conceptual and analytical framework to evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques in improving plant architecture, branching patterns, and overall yield performance. The methodology incorporates a systems-based modeling approach that integrates biological responses with environmental and management variables. The findings reveal that the strategic application of growth regulators significantly influences lateral branching, shoot formation, and tree uniformity, thereby contributing to higher productivity levels. However, variability in environmental conditions and cultivar-specific responses presents challenges in standardizing these techniques. The study contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of horticultural innovation by offering a structured model for optimizing productivity while identifying critical limitations and areas for future research.

Horticultural systems, plant growth regulators, productivity enhancement, model-based assessment

Dorić M., Keserović Z., Magazin N., Milić B., Miodragović M. (2016): Enhancing feathering of one- and two-year-old nursery trees of ‘Granny Smith’ apple cultivar using benzyladenine and gibberellins. Acta Horticulturae (ISHS), 1139: 503–508.

Elfving D.C., Visser D.B. (2006): The use of bioregulators in the production of deciduous fruit trees. Acta Horticulturae (ISHS), 727: 57–66.

Kumawat K.L., Raja W.H., Chand L., Rai K.M., Lal S. (2023): Influence of plant growth regulators on growth and formation of sylleptic shoots in one-year-old apple cv. ‘Gala Mast’. Journal of Environmental Biology, 44: 122–133.

Laňar L., Mészáros M., Kyselová K., Náměstek J., Sus J., Bělíková H., Čonka P. (2020): Branching of nursery apples and plums using various branching inducing methods. Journal of Central European Agriculture, 21: 113–123.

Lordan J., Robinson T.L., Sazo M.M., Cowgill W., Black B.L., Huffman L., Grigg-McGuffin K., Francescatto P., McArtney S. (2017): Use of plant growth regulators for feathering and flower suppression of apple nursery trees. HortScience, 52: 1080–1091.

Nečas T., Wolf J., Kiss T., Göttingerová M., Ondrášek I., Venuta R., Laňar L., Letocha T. (2020): Improving the quality of nursery apple and pear trees with the use of different plant growth regulators. European Journal of Horticultural Science, 85: 430–438.

Robinson T.L., Sazo M.M. (2014): Effect of promalin, benzyladenine and cyclanilide on lateral branching of apple trees in the nursery. Acta Horticulturae (ISHS), 1042: 293–302.

Rufato L., Marchioretto L.R., Orlandi J.C., Michelon M.F., Rossi A., Sander F., Macedo T.A. (2019): Lateral branch induction at nursery with growth regulators in ‘Maxi Gala’ apple trees grafted on four rootstocks. Scientia Horticulturae, 253: 349–357.

Tromp J. (1996): Sylleptic shoot formation in young apple trees exposed to various soil temperature and air humidity regimes in three successive periods of the growing season. Annals of Botany, 77: 63–70.

Wertheim S.J., Webster A.D. (2003): Propagation and nursery tree quality. In: Ferree D.C., Warrington I.J. (eds): Apples: Botany, Production and Uses. Wallingford UK, CABI Publishing: 125–151.