Unknown plant sprouts from 'zombie seeds' buried 144 years ago

Exactly 144 years ago, botanist William Beal buried some seeds in a study to check its longevity. The research was conducted at the University of Michigan.

In a new study recently carried out by experts at the same university, the seeds buried by Beal in bottles were brought to the surface again. To everyone's surprise, when they were planted it was found that they were still germinating correctly.

The results of this research not only prove the ancient botanist's theories, but also set precedents for the listing of weather-resistant plant species.

“It’s amazing that something this old can still grow,” said botanist Frank Telewski, also at the University of Michigan.

Old seeds germinating after being planted. (Image: Derrick Turner/Michigan State University/American Journal Of Botany/reproduction)

Details of the experiment done by William Beal

In 1879, William Beal buried 20 bottles, each containing 1,000 seeds from 21 different species.

On that occasion, the botanist placed the bottles with the lids facing downwards, so that the humidity did not penetrate directly into the containers.

Most of the buried seeds were weed seeds, as Beal's primary goal was to discover the resistance of these plants, in order to give parameters to farmers to combat pests in plantations.

Of the buried seeds, the majority (about 95%) died. However, among the “zombie seeds” that remain active, the Verbascum or Mullein species stands out.

Grace Fleming, a biologist at Michigan University, commented on this fact. “The molecular genetic work confirmed the phenotypes we saw, which is that the plants were Verbascum blattaria, or “moth mullein”, and a hybrid of Verbascum blattaria and Verbasco thapsus, or “mullein common,” she said.

Exact moment when the bottles with the seeds were unearthed. (Image: Derrick Turner/Michigan State University/American Journal Of Botany/reproduction)

The study is not over yet

Of the 20 bottles originally buried by William Beal, four have yet to be unearthed or opened. This should only occur in 2100.

In other words, the experiment It will only truly be completed when it turns 221 years old. Meanwhile, no one will even be able to touch the bottles.

Ecologist Lars Brudvig, another associate at Michigan State University, set the tone for the real importance of the study that began in 1879.

“In the more than 140 years since the experiment began, the issue of seed bank longevity has gained new relevance, including for the conservation of rare species and the restoration of ecosystems; for example, prairie plantations on former farmland,” he said.

* With information from Science Alert and American Journal of Botany

Graduated in History and Human Resources Technology. Passionate about writing, today he lives the dream of working professionally as a Web Content Writer, writing articles in several different niches and formats.