Asexual propagation for sustainable utilization of Greek indigenous germplasm of common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea L.), a neglected but noteworthy ornamental and nutraceutical species

The common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea L., Cornaceae) across the European continent represents a species with validated ornamental and nutraceutical value that has been utilized by humans for thousands of years but has been abandoned during modern times. It still represents however, a valuable but neglected native germplasm resource. The development of an asexual propagation protocol as a first step towards utilization of Greek C. sanguinea germplasm is presented herein for the first time. Plant material was collected from C. sanguinea‘s natural habitat during winter dormancy (hardwood cuttings) as well as during early vegetative growth (softwood cuttings). The propagation protocol was developed through preliminary trials for the successful propagation of the material sourced directly from the wild to establish enough starting material (ex situ adapted mother plants); consecutively, cutting propagation experiments over a two-year period coupled with early plant growth and survival assessment were conducted. The results showed that the use of external indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) rooting hormone application between 2,000 and 4,000 ppm delivered very high rooting rates (80-100%) via the use of primary softwood, leafy cuttings with minimum amount of lignification under mist. The proposed protocol is considered fast, reliable, easy to implement and economically viable. The study provides first time data on domestication and propagation of Greek C. sanguinea germplasm and at the same time paves the way for further research on the sustainable utilization of this species.