Development and maturation of sesame seeds and capsules

Seed loss is a major problem for sesame producers. If growers could accurately assess seed and capsule maturity, then harvest times could be adjusted to maximise yield of mature seed. The development of seeds and capsules of three sesame cultivars was investigated. Maximum seed dry weights were reached about 35 days after seeds began developing. Maximum germination rates were reached when seeds were 35–53 days old. Changes in seed appearance clearly signalled that mass maturity and germination maturity had been reached. Capsule senescence commenced more than 53 days after capsules began developing. Senescence resulted in shrinkage of mesocarp cells in the capsule wall, creating tension that forced capsules open. All sesame cultivars had a window of at least 18 days between seed mass maturity and capsule senescence, suggesting that mature seed could be harvested before seed loss from a sesame crop as long as the cultivar sown has a flowering period of less than 25 days.