Genetics, lighting, growing techniques, nutrition, temps and luck all play a part.
I found a combination of humic acid, fulvic acid and amino acids as a supplement throughout the entire cycle and the addition of mycorrhizae to my soil mix made the biggest difference to bud size and density....all for the positive.
Personally, I am not a fan of autos due to these sort of results (inadequate bud development and poor yields) and these days only ever grow much more reliable, more stable and more rewarding feminized photoperiod plants.