Trichoderma harzianum, as a natural endophytic biocontrol agent, can ameliorate plant development, nutrient uptake, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Trichoderma harzianum inoculation on agronomical and quality characteristics of two monoecious hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties, Fedora 17 and Felina. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design of two treatments of Trichoderma harzianum with a low and high dose of the fungus (T1 and T2). The significance of differences between treatments was estimated by using a Fisher’s test with a significance level p = 0.05. The root density of both varieties was significantly affected by treatments, and higher values were recorded in Fedora 17 (2.32 mm cm⁻³). The Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) colonization of the root system and the soil emission of CO₂ were higher after the inoculation of Trichoderma harzianum. The highest values of plant height and dry weight were noticed for T2, especially in variety Felina. Trichoderma harzianum positively influenced characteristics of inflorescences such as their number, fresh weight moisture, and compactness in both varieties, while the dry weight, length, and dry yield of inflorescences were not improved. Finally, the fertigation of Trichoderma harzianum in hemp plants was beneficial by increasing the cannabidiol (CBD) content, especially in T2 treatment (4 × 10¹² CFU kg⁻¹).

The aim of this study is to evaluate the economic performance of nurseries producing Sideritis propagation material using different propagation methods. Two nurseries were compared, each employing a different method that was experimentally tested at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA). The comparison focuses on production cost and overall economic outcomes. One enterprise uses a method involving ethanolic solutions (ES), while the other applies the conventional propagation technique (Control—C). Findings indicate that the ES method demonstrates superior economic performance and achieves a lower cost per plant compared to the conventional method (C).

The aim of this study was to identify the challenges and opportunities faced by farmers in the sheep milk value chain and their impact on business activities. Techno-economic data were collected from 24 sheep farms with different capacities, management systems, and market connectivity in the Thessaly region. The results of the study show that a series of factors influence the financial situation of the farms, arising from both internal (e.g., management, performance) and external (e.g., market prices, regulations) factors. Efficient farms can reduce production costs and increase profitability, while cooperative members generally enjoy a better position than independent farmers in terms of feed costs and milk production, strengthening their bargaining power. It should be noted that, given the exploratory sample size (n = 24), the between-group differences reported here should be interpreted as indicative trends rather than statistically confirmed findings. The results were analyzed through a full techno-economic analysis, calculating key indicators such as milk production costs, net profit and income of agricultural households. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the impact of uncertainty in key input parameters (milk price, feed costs) on the net profit of each farm. Tailoring strategies to the specific characteristics of each farm can significantly enhance profitability. Further research is needed to capture the views of all actors in the value chain.

The global pet food market is influenced by the growing number of cats and dogs, the humanization of pets and the changing expectations of dog and cat owners. This study examines the role of marketing strategies in the dog and cat food market, focusing on the attitudes of Greek survey respondents, recognition of specific food categories, and factors associated with purchasing behavior. Data were collected through an online survey of 526 pet owners and guardians (n = 249 dog owners and n = 277 cat owners). The behavior toward pet foods containing selected premium ingredients was significantly linked to pet type (p = 0.021), the importance attributed to food ingredients (p < 0.001), veterinarian recommendations (p = 0.009), and the availability of scientifically substantiated information (p < 0.001). Among all factors, the importance of ingredients emerged as the factor displaying the strongest statistical association with consumer behavior (p < 0.001). Based on these findings, the study proposes a targeted marketing mix addressing product transparency, pricing, distribution, and promotion. The results contribute to the literature on pet humanization and provide practical guidance for pet food businesses, while highlighting the need for clearer regulatory definitions and scientific substantiation of marketing claims.