High-fidelity crop modelling: innovations driving sustainable fruit horticulture

Effective decision support systems rely on a clear understanding of real-world conditions and on developing strategies to manage them. In the current era of severe climate change, crop modelling has emerged as a valuable tool in fruit production. It enables farmers and researchers to mitigate the adverse effects of biotic and abiotic stresses by providing scientifically grounded, practical, and forward-looking solutions. This review aims to evaluate the influence of climate and management practices on fruit quality and to highlight how crop modelling can address challenges related to crop growth and development. It focuses on enabling timely, informed decision-making to improve outcomes. These models help in understanding perennial fruit crops with respect to canopy architecture, plant structure, root and aerial systems, light interception, photosynthesis, respiration, carbon allocation, nutrient uptake, phenology, and pest and disease forecasting. Each model's applications and limitations are considered to provide a comprehensive perspective. They facilitate the interpretation of experimental data and enhance understanding of complex biological systems. Dynamic and quantitative modelling approaches support timely decision-making, improve analysis of agricultural systems, and promote interdisciplinary research, ultimately increasing management efficiency. These technologies enhance decision-making across pre-harvest, harvest, and post-harvest stages, contributing to yield improvement and the wider adoption of precision agriculture, especially in developing countries.