Valorization of Collagen and Keratin By-Products from Leather Industry to Increase the Quality of Production from a Cherry Orchard

This paper presents the results of valorization of the protein by-products recovered from the leather processing industry in the horticultural field. Collagen and keratin extracts were the starting point for protein combinations containing nanometric particles that indicate the presence of amino acids and oligopeptides, recognized for the effects of biostimulation, nutrition and systemic protection of plants. The protein extracts associated with plant extracts for the development of a biofungicidal product, with the double action of antifungal protection of plants and stimulation of agricultural production, were tested in a cherry orchard. The test results of two of the variants of the biofungicidal product show better fruit quality indicators and increased production, both compared to a standard treatment and compared to a variant to which no specific treatment was applied.