Abstract

Being peculiar for its unique chemical and nutritional characteristics, sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a good option for farmers. It is used as human food, animal feed and has great potential for the production of bio diesel. Despite these potentials, studies on ideal maturity stage for harvesting and physiological quality of sesame seeds in different parts of the plant are rare and also there is insufficient information on it. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the physiological quality of sesame seeds harvested at different maturity stages and plant positions. It employs complete randomized design consisting of factorial scheme 2 × 3 × 3, with four replications. Treatments are composed of two beige and black sesame seed cultivars, harvested at three maturity stages (50, 70 and 90%) and in three parts of the plant (superior, medial and inferior). The unproductive part was discharged and the productive part was divided into three equal parts. The evaluation of physiological quality of seeds in treatment was verified by the following tests: Standard Germination Test (TPG - Teste Padrão de Germinação), first count, plant length, speedy aging and electrical conductivity. The data were subjected to variation analysis, and when suitable, it was subjected to the Skott and Knott test at 5% probability. The results of physiological analysis indicated that the seeds harvested with 90% of mature capsules have higher percentages mean values for vigor and viability. Therefore, the realization of harvest in these conditions it is the most appropriate to obtain a high quality product.

Key words: Sesamum indicum L., maturity stages, seed position viability, vigor.