Flower bud differentiation in apple trees is an important process that influences fruiting. The aim of this thesis was to investigate, based on literature review, the effects of different orchard management practices on flower bud induction, initiation and differentiation in apple trees and to identify the factors influencing their formation and development. The effects of rootstock selection, planting density, winter and summer pruning, fruit thinning, fertilization, irrigation, and the use of growth regulators were reviewed. The findings show that flower bud formation and development depend on genetic, environmental, hormonal and nutritional factors. Among orchard management practices, those regulating the balance between vegetative growth and reproductive development and controlling crop load are particularly important. Dwarfing rootstocks generally promote an earlier transition to generative development, while appropriate pruning and branch bending reduce excessive vegetative growth and improve light conditions within the canopy. Early fruit thinning reduces the inhibitory effect of developing fruit on flower bud formation and promotes return bloom. The effects of fertilization, irrigation and growth regulators depend on application rate, timing, cultivar and growing conditions. Successful regulation of fruiting requires the timely and coordinated application of orchard management practices during the period of flower bud induction and initiation, when flower bud formation can still be influenced.
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