Molecular Authentication, Propagation Trials and Field Establishment of Greek Native Genotypes of Sambucus nigra L. (Caprifoliaceae): Setting the Basis for Domestication and Sustainable Utilization

Abstract

In the context of sustainable utilisation of valuable but neglected plant resources, a multifaceted study is presented herein for Greek native genotypes of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L., Caprifoliaceae), a species with an appreciated pharmaceutical and nutritional value. At the first phase, fresh plant materials (leaves, softwood cuttings) were collected from nine geographically separated genotypes originating from wild-growing Greek native germplasm of S. nigra. The leaf samples were genetically authenticated using DNA barcoding (ITS2). The next phase included the development of an asexual propagation protocol via cuttings which included screening of the collected genotypes in terms of propagation success, and further experimentation over a two-year period on a prioritised genotype. The propagation results highlighted the importance of external application of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) rooting hormone at levels of 2000–4000 ppm, which consistently presented high rooting rates (100%) of summer softwood, leafy cuttings of apical or sub-apical type. At the same time, rooting quality in terms of root number and length as well as early plant growth after rooting, were improved by external hormone application resulting in high rates of plant survival. This study reports first-time data on multifaceted assessment of Greek native S. nigra genotypes on molecular authentication and asexual propagation, thus ultimately setting the basis for domestication and sustainable utilization of this species.

Documenting Greek Indigenous Germplasm of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) for Sustainable Utilization: Molecular Authentication, Asexual Propagation, and Phytochemical Evaluation

“…In general, DNA barcoding may offer support to classical morphological identification of samples and insight into phylogenetic relationships of closely related species; thus it is an efficient method for the discernment of various genotypes independently from the stage of plant development [ 6 , 10 ]. Herein, we provide the first-ever report regarding the molecular authentication of Greek native germplasm of Cornus mas , with the NJ (Neighbor-Joining) tree classification obtained from the ITS2 barcoding discerning clearly the DNA fingerprints of the Greek genotypes.…”

“…Apart from widely used crop varieties, phytogenetic resources also include wild-growing plant species which are often neglected or underutilized, especially in biodiversity-rich areas [ 1 ]. Such germplasm resources involve a wide variety of plant species, including small fruit trees of potentially high alimentary value, relating to nutritional health benefits, but also pharmaceutical value [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Local native fruit species can be an important source of natural food products rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols with known importance for human health [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…Local native fruit species can be an important source of natural food products rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols with known importance for human health [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. The natural heritage of Greece and its rich biodiversity at all levels offer new possibilities for evaluating and utilizing valuable wild germplasm such as small stone fruits and berries with high nutritional and medicinal (in one word nutraceutical) value [ 6 , 10 ]. Prior to domestication and sustainable exploitation of wild germplasm resources of interest, multifaceted research approaches are required in terms of taxonomic validation and molecular authentication of wild plant material, agronomical assessment propagation-wise, and comprehensive phytochemical evaluation aiming at the selection of promising genotypes with high potential for further applied research and future breeding.…”

“…Prior to domestication and sustainable exploitation of wild germplasm resources of interest, multifaceted research approaches are required in terms of taxonomic validation and molecular authentication of wild plant material, agronomical assessment propagation-wise, and comprehensive phytochemical evaluation aiming at the selection of promising genotypes with high potential for further applied research and future breeding. To this end, Greek native Rosa canina and Sambucus nigra germplasms constitute recently developed example cases [ 6 , 10 ].…”

“…To support classical taxonomic identification and to enable the establishment of a distinct genetic identity, molecular authentication can be performed through novel DNA barcoding and bioinformatic analysis methods in selected plant materials collected from natural habitats [ 30 ]. DNA barcoding as a tool for molecular authentication of plant germplasm has been greatly developed and to date is being widely used for many medicinal plant species and phytogenetic resources [ 6 , 10 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. There are also reports of DNA barcodes being successfully used in identification of ancient DNA (aDNA) of C. mas from fossils [ 36 ].…”