Sea buckthorn is a promising species that, under the conditions of Eastern Europe, has shown high productivity and is also a good and possible source of a wide range of bioactive compounds that have a positive effect on the human body, especially polyphenols and carotenoids. Due to the content of biologically active substances in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), the species is of growing interest to scientists, the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the cosmetics industry and consumers. The aim of this study is to investigate the productivity and the correlation between the chemical composition and the antibacterial effect of four cultivars of sea buckthorn (Clara, Dora, Cora, Mara), cultivated in the Republic of Moldova. Sea buckthorn fruits were harvested at the stage of full ripening. Berry samples were frozen at minus 25 °C, stored for 6 months and whole fruits of sea buckthorn were studied. All quantitative characteristics were calculated in terms of absolutely dry raw material (dry weight). The sea buckthorn cultivars tested were found to have a different carotenoid contents (1.79–48.92 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid contents (74.36–373.38 mg/100 g), organic acids (malic acid 5.8–13.4 mg/100 g, citric acid 0.08–0.321 mg/100 g, succinic acid 0.03–1.1 mg/100 g), total dry matter contents (16.71–24.54%), titratable acidities (2.15–8.76%) and pH values (2.73–3.00). The antimicrobial activity of sea buckthorn, evaluated by the diameter of the inhibition zone, constituted for Bacillus pumilus 3.70–15.91 mm/g⁻¹ for whole sea buckthorn fruits and 13.33–26.67 mm/g⁻¹ for sea buckthorn purees.

The presence of Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) in agricultural landscapes raises concerns due to its impacts on agroecology. Physically removed biomass can serve as a feedstock for solid biofuel, representing a viable strategy reducing reliance on herbicides. Giant Hogweed’s bioenergy potential is currently underexplored, particularly regarding its seasonal variations in properties and the environmental impacts resulting from its use as a biofuel. This study assessed the processability of Giant Hogweed biomass into briquettes, to determine their mechanical durability and to evaluate their basic emission characteristics during combustion in a device commonly used at the household level. Biomass was sampled at two specific stages of plant development for a comparative study of briquette properties. For both summer- and autumn-harvested biomass, a high mechanical durability of the produced briquettes, approximately 97%, was achieved. Only carbon monoxide emissions from summer-harvested biomass exceeded the limits; nitrogen oxides concentrations were within the limits for both. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry revealed decomposition patterns. Autumn-harvested biomass showed better potential for briquetting, highlighting the advantages of later collection. The findings demonstrate the potential of plant and applied processing technology for valorisation as a solid biofuel, while certain aspects still need consideration.

When starting a business in sea buckthorn cultivation, the entrepreneur’s essential task lies in selecting the appropriate planting technology and business model that ensures the highest competitiveness of the final product while seamlessly integrating into the fresh value chain. This research aims to provide economic insights for the judicious selection of planting schemes for sea buckthorn cultivation and the development of a competitive business framework. At the same time, the research delves into the analysis of investment budgets, offering an assessment of the economic viability of sea buckthorn cultivation across various planting options. Income and expenditure budgets were developed by the authors for the useful fruiting period of sea buckthorn, enabling a comparative analysis of economic efficiency among different planting schemes. Research findings have shown that entrepreneurs venturing into sea buckthorn cultivation should prioritize the establishment of intensive plantations, as, despite the higher initial investments required, the latter yield advantageous economic outcomes compared to conventional methods, with faster recovery of investments. Moreover, they facilitate the production of competitive products, primarily through efficient cost management and quality control, thus ensuring the business’s sustainability. Sea buckthorn represents a promising branch within the Republic of Moldova and the international market, constituting a valuable component of the horticultural and fruit- growing sector. Being cultivated within both conventional/conservative and organic farming systems, this branch underscores its versatility and potential for high-value agriculture. În cazul lansării afacerii de cultivare a cătinii albe un rol important pentru antreprenor are selectarea corectă a tehnologiei de plantare și a modelului de business ce oferă cea mai înaltă competitivitate a produsului finit cu integrarea garantată în lanțul valoric în stare proaspătă. În acest context, cercetările articolului vor asigura cu informații economice pentru selectarea argumentată a schemei de plantare la cultivarea cătinii albe și dezvoltarea afacerii competitive. Totodată, cercetarea a inclus și analiza bugetelor de investiții, care prevede analiza eficienței economice a cultivării cătinii albe în baza variantelor de plantare analizate. Autorii au elaborat bugete de venituri și cheltuieli la cultivarea cătinii albe pentru perioada utilă de rod și au comparat eficiența economică pentru variantele de scheme de plantare aplicate la cultivarea cătinii albe. Rezultatele cercetărilor au demonstrat că antreprenorii care doresc să inițieze afaceri cu cultivare a cătinii albe trebuie să planteze doar plantații intensive, deoarece permit să înregistreze rezultate economice avantajoase în comparație cu tehnologiile obișnuite, cu toate că din start sunt necesare investiții mai mari. Toate aceste investiții sunt recuperate mult mai rapid și permit de a avea produse competitive în primul rând prin cost unitar și managementul calității, care în final asigură durabilitatea afacerii. Cătina albă este o cultură de perspectivă în condițiile Republicii Moldova și comerțului durabil internațional, face parte din sectorul horticol-pomicol și este o parte componentă a agriculturii de valoare înaltă, care poate fi cultivată atât în sistem de agricultură convențional/ conservativ, cât și în agricultura ecologică.