- Scientists have recovered 145-year-old rye seeds from the James R. Bentley shipwreck in Lake Huron.
- The seeds, though no longer viable for germination, will have their genetic traits revived using modern sequencing techniques.
- The project aims to create a hybrid crop combining Bentley rye and Rosen rye to produce whiskey.
- This initiative bridges Michigan’s agricultural past with its future, promoting agrotourism and rural farming.
In a groundbreaking effort reported by Interesting Engineering, scientists have retrieved rye seeds submerged for 145 years in Lake Huron’s James R. Bentley shipwreck. The seeds, now being studied, represent a lost crop variety with potential to reconnect Michigan’s agricultural heritage to its modern economy through whiskey production.
The Sinking of the James R. Bentley
In 1878, the schooner James R. Bentley sank in Lake Huron while carrying rye bound for Chicago. Although the crew survived, the unique rye shipment was lost. The shipwreck remained hidden until its discovery in 1984.
Recovering a Historic Rye
On September 17, 2024, scientists ventured to the shipwreck using specialized metal tubes to retrieve the ancient rye seeds. Dubbed “Bentley rye,” the seeds were transported to Michigan State University (MSU) for further study. Preserving their viability was a challenge after 145 years underwater, with exposure to oxygen and temperature changes posing significant risks.
Despite the seeds’ intact appearance, initial attempts at germination failed due to the degradation of essential cellular structures.
Breathing New Life Through Genetics
MSU researchers, led by Associate Professor Eric Olson, turned to genetic analysis as an alternative to germination. Using modern sequencing techniques, they aim to extract and revive the genetic material from the Bentley rye. By combining these traits with another historic variety, Rosen rye, they hope to create a new hybrid crop.
This hybrid rye would not only preserve the legacy of the Bentley rye but also adapt it for modern agricultural and commercial purposes.
Whiskey with a Story
The hybrid crop is set to be used in whiskey production, offering a unique product that blends historical significance with modern craftsmanship. Chad Munger, CEO of Mammoth Distilling and Consolidated Rye and Whiskey, envisions this project as a catalyst for Michigan’s agrotourism and rural farming revival.
The initiative seeks to recreate the economic vitality of Michigan’s rye industry from over a century ago, establishing Bentley rye and Rosen rye as valuable assets for local and global markets.
A Legacy Reimagined
This ambitious project transforms a shipwreck’s forgotten cargo into a symbol of innovation, connecting Michigan’s rich agricultural history with its future. Through whiskey production, the Bentley rye will leave a lasting impact on farming, tourism, and cultural heritage.
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Source: Interesting Engineering
