Plant biostimulants are widely recognized as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers due to their beneficial effects on soil health and plant growth. This study evaluated the effects of a microbial plant biostimulant on soil microbial activity, photosynthetic performance, and grain productivity of winter wheat grown under greenhouse conditions. Four treatments were tested: control (C), microbial plant biostimulant (MPB, 1 kg/ha), chemical fertilizer (CF, 100 kg/ha), and combined application (CF+MPB, CF dose reduced by 25%). The experiment used winter wheat variety KWS Lazuli and each treatment comprised six replications at completely randomized design. Studied parameters included soil chemical analysis, microbial metabolic activity, photosynthetic performance, and wheat grain productivity. The results showed that application of microbial plant biostimulant (MPB) did not affect soil chemical composition but increased soil dehydrogenase activity. Microbial plant biostimulant (MPB) also affected plant growth parameters and grain productivity. The combined application (CF+MPB) showed no synergistic effects and for net photosynthetic rate and grain productivity did not exceed the results obtained with the CF. However, the overall positive trend across studied parameters supports further research on the partial replacement of chemical fertilizers with microbial plant biostimulants under field conditions.
This paper discusses innovation and technology strategies with a specific focus on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into corporate strategic planning. As businesses face growing pressure to adapt in an increasingly digital and competitive landscape, AI has emerged as a transformative tool with the potential to enhance decision-making, streamline innovation processes, and optimize resource allocation. Drawing on, theoretical frameworks and empirical process, this study investigates how AI is reshaping the formulation and execution of innovation and technology strategies. Particular attention is paid to the dual nature of AI’s impact: its capacity to generate strategic advantage and the managerial and ethical challenges it poses. Based on an approach, including case studies and thematic analysis, the research highlights emerging patterns in AI adoption, and the organizational capabilities required to manage this technological shift. The findings aim to contribute to both theoretical understanding and managerial practice in the field of innovation and technology strategy.
Soil-borne phytopathogens pose a global threat to sustainable agriculture. In general, they cause root rot, collar rot, wilt, and crown dieback. In fruit species, diseases caused by soil-borne pathogens can lead to the sudden, acute decline of trees. In an attempt to improve the control of the soil-borne pathogens, belonging to Phytophthora sp. Fusarium sp., and Dactylonectria sp., an experiment was conducted by applying fungicides with the irrigation systems (fungigation) in sweet cherry. Fungicide treatments were carried out after the harvest of the cherry fruits in two modes: a) through a drip irrigation system, b) through micro-sprinkling. The results of analyses of nutrient elements and leaf pigments, and of the mean terminal shoot length, showed that fungigation (drip irrigation and micro-sprinkling) has a beneficial effect on the chemical composition of the leaves and the mean terminal shoot length of the trees. Comparing with micro-sprinkling, drip-irrigated fungicide application proved more effective for controlling soil-borne pathogens in sweet cherry. The lower incidence of the foliar diseases shot hole and cherry leaf spot observed in the fungigated variants demonstrated that fungigation provides an opportunity for disease management of both soil-borne and foliar pathogens in sweet cherry. Keywords: sweet cherry, soil-borne pathogens, fungigation, drip irrigation, micro-sprinkling.
Bulgarian mountain agriculture operates in a dynamic environment, dependent on many factors, which are accompanied by numerous problems, the resolution of which will determine their opportunities for market realization of the produced products. Their activities are exposed to risks related to the depopulation of the area, lack of a clearly established regulatory framework, deteriorated infrastructure, and others. In recent years, there has been a pronounced trend of outflow from agriculture, a decline in traditional labor-intensive practices, and depopulation of mountainous areas, as well as territories with high natural value. - Association of Local Initiative Group Kirkovo – Zlatograd (2018). In the Western Rhodopes, there are great opportunities for the development of mountain agriculture, prospects for the development of an industry processing relevant crops and the creation of enterprises with the necessary raw materials. The purpose of thе research is to analyze and establish the impact of all factors influencing the strategic management of mountain agriculture in the region and economic activity. The specifics of the production structures of agricultural products and the possibilities for differentiation of agricultural products will be clarified. Trends in the development of mountain agriculture and the sale of the produced products as a means of improving the living status of the region. Keywords: agriculture, mountain, economic
The present study aims to establish the effectiveness of organic essential oils extracted from lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia Mill) and peppermint ( Mentha piperita ) on some sucking insects in organic oil-bearing rose plantations. The contact action of 2%, 4%, and 6% essential oil solutions has been tested on Macrosiphum rosae L, Thrips tabaci, and Tetranychus urticae Koch, identified as the most important and common sucking insects on oil-bearing roses. The study was conducted in an organic rose plantation located in the region of the village Kliment between 2023 and 2025. The field experiment was organised according to the randomised block design with four replications and a plot size of 18 m 2 . The study finds that as the solution concentration increases, its effectiveness increases. The 6% lavender essential oil solution reduced the populations of Thrips tabaci and the green rose aphid by up to 41%, and that of the two-spotted spider mite by up to 27%. The highest concentration of peppermint essential oil showed efficacy of up to 30% against Thrips tabaci , up to 34% against the green rose aphid, and up to 21% against the two-spotted spider mite. While essential oil solutions do not match the efficacy of the commercial organic insecticide Limocide®, their effectiveness makes them a valuable addition to plant protection strategies aimed at reducing conventional chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable agriculture. Essential oils hold significant potential that requires careful research to optimize their use. Further investigations are necessary to improve their field performance while safeguarding non-target organisms and human health.
