2000 year old seed

18 years ago

Scientists at the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jeruselem have coaxed a 2,000 year old seed of a date palm in to producing a 12 inch tall sapling. The seed was discovered at a archaeological dig . The seed was sown Jan 25, 2005

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Comments (10)

morz8 - Washington Coast
18 years ago
Pretty amazing, isn't it. Especially when you consider the things we try to germinate at home that won't sprout when stored dry just 10 or 12 weeks :)
janw
18 years ago
very interesting and yes amazing
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I'm not sure what you're asking, Garnetmouth. Frankly, I'd seriously doubt that seed from the Tudor period would sprout, no matter how it was treated. So, if that's the dates your asking about I would guess that for practical purposes they are extinct (except in those cases where people continued to grow them, generation to generation). England does have some pretty old vegetable varieties still being grown. Carlin peas, for instance, date from the Elizabethan period.
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christie_sw_mo
18 years ago
Awesome! I googled an article. It was from an extinct tree.

Here is a link that might be useful: Seed of extinct date palm sprouts after 2,000 years
janw
18 years ago
definitly fascinating thanks for the link keep us informed if any more info comes up
triple_b
18 years ago
That was SOOOO awesome!
shrubs_n_bulbs
18 years ago
Now if they can just do the same with a dinosaur egg ...
october17
18 years ago
That is so cool. It gives hope, huh? Maybe my stuff will sprout. Have to get some of that giberellic acid and some T8!
geoffhandley
18 years ago
Wonder if they would be able to get some of the seeds that I have bought from T and M. to germinate. Bet that would be more of a challenge!
averybird
18 years ago
LOL Geoff!
jview
18 years ago
Amazing! Maybe now that she has demonstrated that it can be done she could convince the seed curators to let her try with a few more of these ancient trees and greatly increase the probability of having at least one male and one female. Wouldn't that be great?
Jerry

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2000 year old seed

Comments (10)

morz8 - Washington Coast

janw

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christie_sw_mo

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triple_b

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