Ancient plant seeds germinated 2,000 years ago

It succeeded in raising dates by germinating seeds 2,000 years ago. It is pointed out that the seeds were obtained from ancient Middle Eastern ruins and caves, and the success of this growth indicates that humans do not understand the long-term viability of the seeds.

The research team was published by the Hadassah Medical Center research team. The research team classified hundreds of species from world heritage Masada, a world heritage site near the west bank of the Dead Sea in the east of Israel, and from caves used as warehouses and residences near the Dead Sea. Planted in dragon soil. Then, 6 seeds out of 34 seeds germinated and eventually grew into dates.

All seeds that succeeded in germination are a few centimeters in size and are said to be 30% larger than modern date palm seeds. In other words, the date palms at that time were much larger than modern fruits. It is a concern whether the unearthed seeds were really 2,000 years old, but the research team conducted radiocarbon dating on pieces of seed shells after the seeds germinated. As a result, it is said that the seeds are from 2,200 to 1,800 years old.

The research team plans to use moisture from date palms that have succeeded in this growth in the future. Rather than resurrecting the ancient date palm itself, it can be said that it is an attempt to improve the modern species by introducing its advantages. In addition, the study could be the key to solving the question of how seeds can preserve DNA over centuries. Normally, DNA and RNA break down over time. In order for seeds to germinate, DNA must remain intact, and the results of this study are contrary to knowledge about DNA storage. It implies the existence of biological systems that researchers do not yet know.

The research team believes that seed storage is likely to affect seed lifespan by the altitude, temperature, and humidity of the place where it was found. Also, seeing that the seeds are larger than modern ones suggests that there is a lot of genetic material, so there is a possibility that much genetic material remains. Related information can be found here .