Successive botanical expeditions resulted in the collection of 18 samples of genotypes from distant C. A multifaceted evaluation was conducted herein including authorized collection-documentation, taxonomic identification, and molecular authentication (DNA barcoding), asexual propagation via cuttings and phytochemical evaluation (multiple antioxidant profiling) of neglected and underutilized Greek native C. mas populations have not yet been investigated or sustainably utilized. However, apart from local consumption directly from wild growing individuals, Greek native C. Modern research has highlighted the value of Cornelian cherries as functional food with exceptional health benefits on account of the fruits’ biochemical profile. Wild-growing Cornelian cherries (Cornus mas L., Cornaceae) are well-known native fruits in Greece since ancient times that are still consumed locally nowadays. Rootstock did not have an influence on the creation of total flavanols, total polyphenols, and total hydroxycinnamic acid compounds in comparison to own-rot plants. 'Jolico' in rootstock was characterized by a much higher content of polyphenolic compounds (1750.6 mg100 g−1) and total anthocyanin (871.46 mg100 g-1) compared to the other tested Cornelian cherry cultivars. However, the fruits of ‘Jolico’ from rootstock showed a significantly increased content of anthocyanin (871.46 mg100 g−1). Cornelian cherry 'Jolico' from rootstock were characterized by higher inhibition of antidiabetic enzymes (α-amylase IC50 4.17, α-glucosidase IC50 13.25) and free-radical scavenging activity (DPPH 40.9 μmol g-1, ABTS+ 48.7 μmol g-1). The fruits were yellow ('Yellow') to dark red ('Jolico'). The fruit weight was in the range of 156 g (‘Schönbrunner’) – 477 g (‘Jolico’), and firmness 129 Gmm−1 (‘Jolico’), 211 Gmm−1 (‘Shumen’).

Had to varying degrees an impact on the content of macro and micronutrients in the leaves and fruit and their mass. The rootstock should not negatively affect the quality of the fruit, and even it would be advisable to increase their consumer value. The Cornus amomum seedlings used as a rootstock significantly reduced the size of the cornelian cherry trees.

Four cultivars of Cornelian cherry were planted on rootstock or on own-root. These fruits are characterized by a high content of bioactive substances and high taste qualities. There is a growing interest in the fruits called 'superfoods' (functional foods). PCA can be a very useful tool for segregating natural accessions with the best fruit physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity. However, correlations between fruit physical traits and content of primary and/or secondary metabolites were not significant in most cases or were of weak intensity, indicating that larger fruits were generally poorer in phytochemicals content. The fruit physical characteristics correlated significantly and positively with each other. The 'AFTM 27′ had the lowest RI, whereas 'AFTM 24′ had the worst TPC and TFC. The most acidic fruits had 'AFTM 11′ and 'AFTM 27′. The highest RI was found in 'AFTM 8′ and 'AFTM 10′. The worst vitamin C content, TAc and TPC had 'AFTM 21′ and 'AFTM 24′, respectively, whereas the lowest TFC and TAC were registered in 'AFTM 11′. The 'AFTM 18′ had the best antioxidant capacity, whereas 'AFTM 19′ had the highest TFC. The lowest values of all fruit physical traits were registered in 'AFTM 6′. The 'AFTM 1′ characterized with the highest FW, FRa, both fruit dimensions, D g, SA, FV, TAc and TPC and with the lowest SSC. In general, the best fruit physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity had 'AFTM 1′, 'AFTM 7′, 'AFTM 8′, 'AFTM 10′, 'AFTM 18′ and 'AFTM 19′ although there were similarities between certain accessions in the values of the evaluated traits. The results indicated significant differences in FW, SW, D g, L/D ratio, φ, FRa, SA and FV and contents of primary metabolites, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity among accessions. From 2018-2020, we evaluated main fruit phisico-chemical properties and antioxidant capacity of 27 natural cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) accessions selected at western Serbia.

Cornus mas form