# Evaluation of the Biostimulatory Potential of Waste Protein Hydrolysates in Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

## TL;DR

This study shows that protein hydrolysates from fish collagen and sheep keratin can improve coriander seed germination and plant resilience to heat stress.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is demonstrating the biostimulatory potential of waste-derived protein hydrolysates in enhancing seed quality and stress recovery in coriander.

## Key findings

- Seeds treated with collagen and keratin hydrolysates showed higher germination rates after heat stress compared to controls.
- Treated seedlings exhibited increased biomass, chlorophyll, and antioxidant synthesis.
- Hydrolysates altered cell wall composition and protein structure, as shown by ATR–FTIR analyses.

## Abstract

This study evaluated protein hydrolysates from fish collagen (Col) and sheep keratin (Ker) as potential biostimulants in the hydro-priming of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seeds. Seeds treated with low, non-nutritional doses of Col (0.5%) and Ker (1%) were compared with non-primed (C) and water-primed (H) controls under optimal conditions and after high-temperature stress (35 °C, 9 days). After stress removal, H-Col and H-Ker seeds achieved ~90% germination, whereas H and C reached 78% and 60%, respectively, confirming improved seed quality and post-stress recovery. Seedlings from Col- and Ker-treated seeds showed enhanced growth, higher biomass, and increased chlorophyll and precursor content. High-temperature stress also acted as a priming factor, modifying elemental profiles and stimulating carotenoid antioxidant synthesis. ATR–FTIR analyses indicated changes in cell wall composition and protein structure, particularly in the H-Ker variant. The results demonstrate that collagen and keratin hydrolysates, as industrial by-products, possess strong phytobiostimulatory potential and can be applied in sustainable strategies to improve seed quality and plant stress resilience.