SEED RETAINING MODEL OF NON-DEHISCENCE SESAME (Sesamum indicum L.) GENOTYPES AT RIPENING

The retention of seeds in capsules of 25 sesame genotypes intended for mechanized harvesting was investigated. The mentioned share is determined for capsules which when ripe open tops, but retain their seeds because they have attached placenta and narrowing. Before opening, the capsules stay with the tip down to reach 12% humidity of the seeds under natural conditions. A statically adequate regression model for the percentage of seeds retained in the capsules was obtained. The model testifies that the distance of the capsule narrowing relative to its base is most strongly influenced by said percentage, followed by the force by which the placenta retains the seeds. Least but significantly and directly proportional effect on the percentage of retained seed has the average number of branches of a plant. As the number of branches in one plant increases, a greater degree of capsules narrowing are observed. The genetic progress and the opportunities to increase the number of branches in the future sesame crop is shown for breeding improvement.