Abstract: Methods for improving the agriculture of sesame, an Improved Non-Dehiscent (IND) sesame class and methods for breeding IND are disclosed. The IND sesame holds its seed in capsules for four or more weeks after ideal harvesting time, during extended adverse weather conditions, thus offering the grower flexibility as to when to harvest. The methods also improve current agricultural methods for growing sesame by allowing growers to leave the crop in the field for a longer period of time without the loss of seeds and concomitant reduced yield. The grower is able to reduce the ratio of combine harvesters required for mechanical harvest of sesame crops. Further, a method of growing crops in geographical areas previously unsuitable for sesame agriculture is disclosed. IND allows ready release of seed from the capsule during mechanized harvesting with minimal broken seed.

Abstract: Improved non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) designated Sesaco 27 (S27) is herein disclosed. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S27 suitable for mechanized harvesting and for selection for sesame crop growth in certain geographical locations, particularly where lodging is a high risk factor.

Abstract: Improved non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) designated Sesaco 32 (S32) is herein disclosed. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S32 suitable for mechanized harvesting.

Abstract: Improved non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) designated Sesaco 30 (S30) is herein disclosed. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S30 suitable for mechanized harvesting.

Abstract: A non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) designated Sesaco 29 (S29) has been found. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S29 suitable for mechanized harvesting.

Abstract: A non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) designated S28 has been found. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S28 suitable for mechanized harvesting.

Abstract: A non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) designated S25 has been found. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S25 suitable for mechanized harvesting.

Abstract: A non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) designated S26 has been found. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S26 suitable for mechanized harvesting.

Abstract: A breeding method for a non-dehiscent sesame plant has been developed. Non-dehiscent sesame varieties are characterized by having sufficient capsule split, capsule opening, capsule placenta attachment, capsule constriction, and capsule membrane attachment to allow seed retention in the field after physiological maturity during adverse weather conditions such as rain, wind, and dew and also to allow ready release of seed from the capsule during mechanized harvesting with minimal broken seed. A mechanical method is also provided for quantitative screening of sesame plants for non-dehiscence.