Assessing pod shattering resistance in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): identification and evaluation of genotypic variability

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a vital oilseed crop known for its high oil content and nutritional benefits, yet its production in Cameroon faces challenges, particularly due to pod shattering during harvest. This study aimed to evaluate the shattering resistance of seven sesame genotypes and analyze their seed retention capabilities. Conducted at the Garoua Multipurpose Research Station, the experimental design was a Fisher blocks design, with seven sesame genotypes as the sample trait, with each genotype replicated three times. Each experimental unit was 1.5 m × 3 m, and plants were sown a dimension of 30 cm between plants and 75 cm between rows, with two plants per stand. The collected data was subjected to a Univariate analysis on SPSS version 26, to determine if temperature of oven drying, number of drying days at ambient temperature and number of field drying days and varieties influenced the shattering susceptibility of capsules. The research utilized three drying methods: oven-dry, ambient, and field drying, assessing pod integrity under varying conditions. Key findings indicated that variety ‘SN 403’ exhibited the lowest shattering rates, particularly at 30 °C (6.67 ± 8.17%) and, while variety ‘SN 01–06’ showed the highest shattering (96.14 ± 4.00%) at ambient drying after 10 days, followed by variety ‘SN 203’ (90.00 ± 8.94% at 30 °C, 93.38 ± 5.79% at ambient drying). Statistical analysis revealed that as temperatures and drying days increased, the susceptibility to shattering of the different varieties also increased. Additionally, a strong positive correlation (r = 0.645, p < 0.01) between upright and inverted shatter resistance was observed, suggesting that improving one could enhance the other. This research highlights the need for producers to understand the practices, such as varietal selection and drying methods, to implement to reduce seed losses, which could increase yield stability and economic viability in both traditional and mechanized farming systems.