Germination, Genetics, and Growth of an Ancient Date Seed

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1153600
• Publication Date: 2008-06-12T23:58:53Z
• Authors: Sarah Sallon; Elaine Solowey; Yuval Cohen; Raia Korchinsky; Markus Egli; Ivan Woodhatch; Orit Simchoni; Mordechai Kislev
• Keywords: Phoenix dactylifera; Dead sea

An ancient date seed (Phoenix dactylifera L.) excavated from Masada and radiocarbon-dated to the first century Common Era was germinated. Climatic conditions at Dead Sea may have contributed longevity of this oldest, directly dated, viable seed. Growth development seedling over 26 months compatible with normal seedlings propagated modern seeds. Preliminary molecular characterization demonstrated high levels genetic variation in comparison modern, elite cultivars currently growing Israel. As a representative an extinct palm population, can provide insights into historic culture region. It also has importance for banking conservation be relevance cultivation.