# Patent

## Title
Non-dehiscent sesame IND variety Sesaco 34

## Abstract

Non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) (IND) designated Sesaco 34 (S34) is herein disclosed. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S34 suitable for mechanized harvesting and for selection for sesame crop growth in most geographical locations, particularly where whiteflies are a high risk factor. In addition, S34 sesame produces a larger, heavier seed than previously described varieties.

## Background
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a new Sesamum indicum L. variety with improved non-dehiscence (IND) appropriate for mechanized harvesting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sesame, or Sesamum indicum, is a tropical annual cultivated worldwide for its oil and its nut flavored seeds. The sesame plant grows to a height of about 52-249 cm, and at its leaf axils are found capsules, which contain the sesame seed. Upon maturity in nature, the capsules holding the sesame seeds begin to dry down, the capsules normally split open, and the seeds fall out. Commercially, the harvester tries to recover as much seed as possible from mature capsules. From ancient times through the present, the opening of the capsule has been the major factor in attempting to successfully collect the seed. Harvesting methods, weather, and plant characteristics all contribute to the amount of seed recovered.
The majority of the world's sesame is harvested manually. With manual non-mechanized methods, it is desirable for the sesame seed to fall readily from the plant. Manual harvesting is labor intensive. Efforts to mechanize or partially mechanize harvesting met with limited success.
A breakthrough was accomplished when non-dehiscent (ND) sesame was developed and patented by Derald Ray Langham. ND sesame was found to possess the proper characteristics, which would enable mechanical harvesting without the seed loss disadvantages reported with prior varieties.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,100,452; 6,815,576; 6,781,031; 7,148,403; 7,332,652; and 8,003,848 each disclose and claim non-dehiscent (ND) sesame cultivars having various characteristics.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,847,149; 7,855,317; 8,058,503; 8,080,707; and 8,207,397 each disclose and claim improved non-dehiscent (IND) sesame cultivars having various characteristics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A new sesame variety designated Sesaco 34 (S34) with representative seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707. In one aspect, the invention comprises a seed of sesame variety designated S34, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707. In another aspect, the invention comprises a sesame plant produced by growing the seed of sesame variety S34, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707.
In yet another aspect, the invention comprises plant cells derived from a sesame plant, said plant produced by growing the seed of sesame variety S34, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707. The plant cells may be selected, for example, from pollen, tissue culture of regenerable cells, and asexually reproducing cultivars.
In yet another aspect, the invention comprises a sesame plant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of sesame variety S34, a sample of the seed of said variety having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707.
In another aspect, the invention comprises a sesame plant regenerated from a tissue culture of regenerable cells produced from plant cells derived from sesame variety S34, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707, wherein said regenerated sesame plant has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of said sesame variety S34. The plant cells may be derived from S34 seeds or plant cells from tissue from a sesame plant produced by growing the seed of sesame variety S34.
In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of producing sesame seed, comprising crossing a first parent sesame plant with a second parent sesame plant and harvesting the resultant sesame seed, wherein said first or second parent sesame plant was produced by growing seed of sesame variety S34, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A-1C depicts the lineage of S34.
FIG. 2 through FIG. 8 compare Sesaco 34 (S34) to the Sesaco varieties: Sesaco 26 (S26), Sesaco 30 (S30), Sesaco 32 (S32), Sesaco 33 (S33), and Sesaco 34 (S34).
FIG. 2 depicts a comparison of the percent of seed retention during Shaker Shatter Resistance testing from 1997 to 2011 for the various Sesaco sesame varieties.
FIG. 3 depicts a comparison of the mean improved non-dehiscent visual rating for the various Sesaco sesame varieties grown under similar conditions.
FIG. 4 depicts a comparison of the composite kill resistance ratings for the various Sesaco sesame varieties grown under similar conditions.
FIG. 5 depicts a comparison of the mean days to physiological maturity for the various Sesaco sesame varieties grown under similar conditions.
FIG. 6 depicts a comparison of the yield at drydown for the various Sesaco sesame varieties grown under similar conditions.
FIG. 7 depicts a comparison of the mean weight of 100 seeds in grams from 1997 to 2011 for the various Sesaco sesame varieties.
FIG. 8 depicts a comparison of seed oil content for the various Sesaco sesame varieties grown under similar conditions.
FIG. 9 depicts a comparison of whitefly resistance for the various Sesaco varieties of sesame plants grown under similar conditions.
FIG. 10 depicts a comparison of leaf disease resistance for the various Sesaco varieties of sesame plants grown under similar conditions.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Herein disclosed is a Non-Dehiscent (ND) sesame variety designated Sesaco 34 (S34), which exhibits Improved Non-Dehiscence (IND) and novel characteristics which make it a commercially suitable sesame line. S34 has better whitefly resistance and a larger, heavier seed than heretofore described ND and IND sesame varieties leading to less seed loss when left in the field past prime harvest time in adverse weather conditions, for example, rain, fog, dew, and wind. S34 is suitable for mechanical harvesting.
The Improved Non-Dehiscent (IND) class of sesame, developed by Derald Ray Langham, are ND, but IND sesame also exhibits better adhesion between false membranes and improved placenta attachment. IND sesame holds more seed than prior sesame types, as measured four weeks after a crop is ready for harvest (could have been combined). IND characteristics offer advantages for certain growing applications.
Compared to ND sesame, IND sesame has more seed in the capsules when measured between 4 and 9 weeks after the ideal harvest time.
Without wishing to be bound by one particular theory, it is believed that this increased amount of seed in the capsules may be due to the S34 variety having the ability to better withstand adverse environmental conditions such as inclement or harsh weather. Examples of adverse weather conditions to which S34 has been subjected in this regard are rain, fog, dew, and wind. S34 variety has been tested and meets the criteria of IND.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,080,707 is herein incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. This application discloses Improved Non-Dehiscent Sesame. S34 is an example of a variety which resulted from breeding methods described therein.
S34 exhibits improved shatter resistance, acceptable resistance to common fungal diseases, and a maturity that allows a wide geographical range. Further, S34 exhibits higher yield in geographical locations desirable for sesame planting, and exhibits desirable seed size and seed color. S34 is suitable for planting in areas that have approximately a 21° C. ground temperature when planted in the spring and night temperatures above 5° C. for normal termination. An exemplary desirable geographical area for S34 is from South Texas at the Rio Grande to Central Kansas and from east Texas westward to elevations below 1,000 meters. Other exemplary areas are areas of the United States or of the world, which areas have similar climatic conditions, daylength patterns (similar latitudes) and elevations.
In describing the present invention, it is helpful to be aware of some terminology. Sesame plants have been studied for their response to seasonal and climatic changes and the environment in, which they live during the different phases and stages of growth and development. This type of study, called “phenology” has been documented by the inventor in Langham, D. R. 2007. “Phenology of sesame,” In: J. Janick and A. Whipkey (ed.), Issues in New Crops and New Uses, ASHS Press, Alexandria, Va.
Table I summarizes the phases and stages of sesame, and will be useful in describing the present invention.







TABLE I







Phases and stages of sesame















No.


Stage/Phase
Abbreviation
End point of stage
DAPZ
weeks





Vegetative
VG





Germination
GR
Emergence
0-5
1−


Seedling
SD
3rd pair true leaf 
 6-25
3−




length = 2nd




Juvenile
JV
First buds
26-37
1+


Pre-reproductive
PP
50% open flowers
38-44
1−


Reproductive
RP





Early bloom
EB
5 node pairs of
45-52
1  




capsules




Mid bloom
MB
Branches/minor plants
53-81
4  




stop flowering




Late bloom
LB
90% of plants with no
82-90
1+




open flowers




Ripening
RI
Physiological maturity
 91-106
2+




(PM)




Drying
DR





Full maturity
FM
All seed mature
107-112
1−


Initial drydown
ID
1st dry capsules
113-126
2  


Late drydown
LD
Full drydown
127-146
3  





ZDAP = days after planting. These numbers are based on S26 in 2004 Uvalde, Texas, under irrigation.






There are several concepts and terms that are used in this document that should be defined. In the initial drydown stage in Table I, the capsules begin to dry and open. This stage ends when 10% of the plants have one or more dry capsules. The late drydown stage ends when the plants are dry enough so that upon harvest, the seed has a moisture content of 6% or less. At this point some of the capsules have been dry for 5 weeks in the example used in Table I, but in other environments for other varieties, the drying can stretch to 7 weeks. The “ideal harvest time” is at the end of the late drying stage. At this point, a combine (also sometimes referred to as a combine harvester, a machine that combines the tasks of harvesting, threshing, and cleaning grain crops) can be used to cut and thresh the plants and separate the seed from the undesired plant material. However, at times, weather may prevent harvest at the ideal time. The plants may have to remain in the field for as much as an additional four weeks, and in some cases even longer. Thus, time t0 corresponds to the ideal harvest time and time t1, which corresponds to the time the grower actually harvests the sesame, is a time later than time t0.
The pedigree method of plant breeding was used to develop S34. Sesame is generally self-pollinated. Crossing is done using standard techniques as delineated in Yermanos, D. M. 1980. “Sesame. Hybridization of crop plants,” Am Soc. Agronomy-Crop Sci. of America, pp. 549-563 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452. Ashri provides an overview of sesame breeding in Ashri, A. (1998). “Sesame breeding,” Plant Breed. Rev. 16:179-228 and Ashri, A. 2007. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). In: R. J. Singh, Ed., Genetic Resources, Chromosome Engineering, and Crop Improvement, Vol. 4, Oilseed Crops, p. 231-289, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., USA.
The lineage of S34 is presented in FIG. 1. G8 (1) was a line obtained from D. G. Langham in 1977 and first planted by Sesaco in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. It was a selection from the cultivar ‘Guacara’, which D. G. Langham developed in Venezuela in the 1950s. Guacara was an initial selection from a cross that later produced one of the major varieties in Venezuela—Aceitera. Within Sesaco, G8 first carried the identifier X011 and was later changed to TG8.
111 (2) was a line obtained from the NPGS (PI173955) in 1979 and first planted by Sesaco in the Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. NPGS obtained it in 1949 from W. N. Koelz, USDA, Beltsville, Md., who obtained it from India. Within Sesaco, 111 first carried the identifier 0858 and was then changed to X111. In 1985, a selection of this line became Sesaco 4 (S04).
982 (3) was a line obtained from the Sesamum Foundation in 1977 and first planted in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. It was obtained with a designator of SF477 and was named G53.98-2. The Sesamum Foundation obtained it from John Martin in 1962 who had obtained it from the D. G. Langham breeding program in Venezuela. G53.98-2 was a cross made by D. G. Langham in 1953 in Guacara, Venezuela. Within Sesaco, 982 carried the identifier 0477 and then changed to T982.
CHINA E (4) was a line obtained from the NPGS (PI 158072) in 1979 and first planted by Sesaco in the Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. Within Sesaco, CHINA E first carried the identifier 0765 and was then changed to TCHE.
104 (5) was a line obtained from the Sesamum Foundation (D. G. Langham, Fallbrook, Calif.) in 1977 and first planted in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. It was obtained with the designator SF084. The Sesamum Foundation obtained it from Maximo Rodriguez in 1961. He had collected it from Mexico where it was known as Instituto 8. Instituto 8 was a selection from G53.48, a cross made by D. G. Langham in 1953 in Guacara, Venezuela. Within Sesaco, 104 carried the identifier 0084. In 1983, a selection of this line became Sesaco 2 (S02).
192 (6) was a line obtained from the M. L. Kinman in 1980 and first planted by Sesaco in the Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. The line was originally T61429-B-4-1-3 from the Kinman USDA sesame program, College Station, Tex., which had been in cold storage at Ft. Collins, Colo. In 1997, the line was transferred to the NPGS, Griffin, Ga. and given the identifier P1599462. Within Sesaco, 192 first carried the identifier 1479 and then was changed to X191 and X193. In 1985, a selection from X193 became Sesaco 3 (S03) and a selection of X191 became Sesaco 7 (S07).
V52 (7) was a cultivar designated as SF075 obtained from the Sesamum Foundation (D. G. Langham, Fallbrook, Calif.) collection in 1977 and first planted by Sesaco in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. The Sesamum Foundation obtained it from B. Mazzani (Maracay, Venezuela) in 1960. Originally, it was a cultivar known as Venezuela 52 developed by D. G. Langham in the 1940s. Within Sesaco, V52 first carried the identifier 0075 and was later changed to TV52.
SOMALIA (8) was a line obtained from the NGPS (PI210687) in 1979 and first planted in Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1979. The NGPS obtained it from the Administrazione Fiduciaria Italiana della Somalia, Mogadishu, Somalia. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier 0730.
118 (9) was a line obtained from the NGPS (PI425944) in 1979 and first planted in Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1979. The NGPS obtained it in 1978 from P. F. Knowles, University of California, Davis, Calif., who collected it in Pakistan. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier 1118, which was changed to X118 and then to T118.
R234 (10) was a named variety obtained from D. M. Yermanos in 1978 from his sesame program at the University of California at Riverside. It was first planted in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier 0544 and then changed to T234.
958 (11) was a line obtained from the Sesamum Foundation in 1977 and first planted in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. It was obtained with a designator of SF411. The Sesamum Foundation obtained it from John Martin in 1962 who had obtained it from the D. G. Langham breeding program in Venezuela. Within Sesaco, G958-1 carried the identifier 0411 and later changed to T958.
G53.80-1 (12) was a line obtained from the Sesamum Foundation in 1977 and first planted in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. It was obtained with a designator of SF471. The Sesamum Foundation obtained it from John Martin in 1962 who had obtained it from the D. G. Langham breeding program in Venezuela. G53.80-1 was a cross made by D. G. Langham in 1953 in Guacara, Venezuela. Within Sesaco, G53.80-1 carried the identifier 0471.
111X (13) was an outcross in the 111 (2) plot BT0458 in the Nickerson nursery (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier E0745 and was later changed to T111X.
068 (14) was a cross made by Sesaco between 982 (3) and CHINA E (4) in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1979. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier C068 and was later changed to T068.
888 (15) was a cross made by Sesaco between 192 (6) and V52 (7) in the Nickerson nursery (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, 888 first carried the identifier F888 and was later changed to T888.
804 (16) was a cross made by Sesaco between G8 (1) and 111X (13) in the Nickerson nursery (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it has carried the identifier F804; in 1988, a selection of this line became Sesaco 11 (S11).
855 (17) was a cross made by Sesaco between 192 (6) and 104 (5) in the Nickerson nursery (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier F855, which was changed to X855 and later T855.
F822 (18) was a cross made by Sesaco between 111X (13) and 192 (6) in the Nickerson nursery (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier F822.
F820 (19) was a cross made by Sesaco between 111X (13) and 104 (5) in the Nickerson nursery (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier F820.
F853 (20) was a cross made by Sesaco between 104 (5) and 192 (6) in the Nickerson nursery (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier F853.
H6778 (21) was a cross made by Sesaco between SOMALIA (8) and 118 (9) in the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1984. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier H6778.
MAXIMO (22) was a line obtained from the Sesamum Foundation (D. G. Langham, Fallbrook, Calif.) in 1977 and first planted in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. The Sesamum Foundation obtained it from Maximo Rodriguez in 1961. He had collected it from Mexico where it was known as Instituto Regional Canasta. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier 0116 and then changed to TMAX.
R234 TALL (23) was an outcross found in a population of R234 (10) in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1979. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier X026.
045 (24) was a cross made by Sesaco between G8 (1) and 958 (11) in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier B045 and then changed to T045.
036 (25) was a cross made by Sesaco between 982 (3) and G53.80-1 (12) in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1979. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier CO36 and then X036. In 1984, a selection from X036 became Sesaco 6 (S06).
195 (26) was an outcross selected in plot MN4584 in a population of 192 (6) in the McElhaney nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1983. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier E0690 and then changed to X195.
G8566 (27) was a cross made by Sesaco between 068 (14) and F820 (19) in the McElhaney nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1983. Within Sesaco it carried the identifier G8566.
K0367 (28) was a cross made by Sesaco between 888 (15) and 804 (16) in the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1986. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier K0367.
K0357 (29) was a cross made by Sesaco between 855 (17) and 804 (16) in the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1986. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier K3255.
700 (30) was a line obtained from the NPGS (PI292144) in 1979 and first planted by Sesaco in the Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. NPGS obtained it in 1963 from Hybritech Seed International, a unit of Monsanto, U.S., which obtained it from Israel. In viewing this material in 1986, A. Ashri of Israel concluded that it was an introduction to Israel. The material is similar to introductions from India and Pakistan. Within Sesaco, 700 first carried the identifier 0700 and was later changed to T700.
578 (31) was a cross made by Sesaco between F820 (19) and F853 (20) in the McElhaney nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1983. Within Sesaco, it first carried the identifier G8578 and was later changed to T578.
S11 (32) was a cross made by Sesaco between G8 (1) and 111X (13) in the Nickerson nursery (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it has carried the identifier F804. In 1988, a selection of this line became Sesaco 11
56B (33) was a cross made by Sesaco between 804 (16) and 562 (34) in the Wright nursery (Tacna, Ariz.) in 1987. Within Sesaco, it first carried the identifier KAN00 and was later changed to X56B and then to T56B.
562 (34) was a cross made by Sesaco between F822 (18) and 700 (30) in the McElhaney nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1983. Within Sesaco, it first carried the identifier G8562 and was later changed to T562.
72C (35) was a selection from 0702, which was a line obtained from the NGPS (PI292146) in 1979 and first planted in Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. The NGPS obtained it in 1963 from Hybritech Seed International, a unit of Monsanto, U.S., which obtained it from Israel. In viewing this material in 1986, A. Ashri of Israel concluded that it was an introduction to Israel. The material is similar to introductions from the Indian subcontinent. Within Sesaco, it has carried the identifier 0702 and then changed to X702. When the selection was made it carried the designator X702C and later changed to 72C. In 1986, a selection from 72C became Sesaco 12 (S12).
193 (36) was a selection from 192, which was a line obtained from the M. L. Kinman in 1980 and first planted by Sesaco in the Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. The line was originally T61429-B-4-1-3 from the Kinman USDA sesame program, College Station, Tex., which had been in cold storage at Ft. Collins, Colo. In 1997, the line was transferred to the NPGS, Griffin, Ga. and given the identifier PI599462. Within Sesaco, 192 first carried the identifier 1479 and then was changed to X191 (single capsule) and X193 (triple capsule). In 1985, a selection from X193 became Sesaco 3 (S03) and a selection of X191 became Sesaco 7 (S07)
701 (37) was a line obtained from the NGPS (PI292145) in 1979 and first planted in Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. The NGPS obtained it in 1963 from Hybritech Seed International, a unit of Monsanto, U.S., which obtained it from Israel. In viewing this material in 1986, A. Ashri of Israel concluded that it was an introduction to Israel. The material is similar to introductions from the Indian subcontinent. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier 0701 and then changed to X701. In 1984, a selection from X701 became Sesaco 5 (S05).
076 (38) was a cross made by Sesaco between MAXIMO (22) and R234 TALL (23) in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1979. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier C076 and then changed to T076.
H6432 (39) was a cross made by Sesaco between 193 (36) and 076 (38) in the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1984. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier H6432.
H6785 (40) was a cross made by Sesaco between 045 (24) and 036 (25) in the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1984. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier H6785.
H6562 (41) was a cross made by Sesaco between 195 (26) and 701 (37) in the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1984. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier H6562.
K0653 (42) was a cross made by Sesaco between 804 (16) and G8566 (27) in the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1986. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier K3255.
031 (43) was a cross made by Sesaco between 578 (31) and 118 (9) in the Ramsey nursery (Roll, Ariz.) in 1984. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier H0031 and then changed to T031.
88B (44) was a cross made by Sesaco between K0367 (28) and S11 (32) in the Wright nursery (Tacna, Ariz.) in 1987. Within Sesaco, it first carried the identifier KAC32 and was later changed to X88B and then to T88B.
J3208 (45) was a cross made by Sesaco between H6778 (21) and H6432 (39) in the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1985. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier J3208.
J3222 (46) was a cross made by Sesaco between H6785 (40) and H6562 (41) in the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier J3222.
KAK12 (47) was a cross made by Sesaco between K0653 (42) and K0367 (28) in the Langham greenhouse (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1986-87. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier KAK12.
KAK23 (48) was a cross made by Sesaco between K0367 (28) and K0357 (29) in the Langham greenhouse (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1986-87. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier KAK23.
130 (49) was a cross made by Sesaco between 56B (33) and 031 (43) in the Sharp nursery (Tacna, Ariz.) in 1990. Within Sesaco it first carried the identifier PF270 and later was changed to X13C and then T13C.
24W (50) was a cross made by Sesaco between 88B (44) and 56B (33) in the Sharp nursery (Tacna, Ariz.) in 1989. Within Sesaco, it first carried the identifier N2248. In 2000, a selection of this line became Sesaco 25 (S25)—U.S. Pat. No. 6,815,576.
7CB (51) was a cross made by Sesaco between 720 (35) and 804 (16) in the Langham greenhouse (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1986-87. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier KAB01, and later became X7CB and then T7CB.
K3255 (52) was a cross made by Sesaco between J3208 (45) and J3222 (46) in the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1986. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier K3255.
837 (53) was a cross made by Sesaco between KAK12 (47) and KAK23 (48) in the Wright nursery (Tacna, Ariz.) in 1987. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier L0475, and later became X837 and then T837.
THB (54) was a line obtained from Ray Brigham of Texas A&M in 1991. He had been given the seed by Wasana Wongyai, a breeder who developed the line in Thailand. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier 1792 and then changed to TTHB.
FXA (55) was a cross made by Sesaco between K3255 (52) and S11 (32) in the Wright nursery (Roll, Ariz.) in 1987. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier KAP11 and then changed to XFXA. In 1991, a selection from XFXA became Sesaco 16 (S16).
FDC (56) was a cross made by Sesaco between 7CB (51) and FXA (55) in the Sharp nursery (Roll, Ariz.) in 1990. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier PE975 and then changed to XFDC. In 1996 a selection from XFDC became Sesaco 22 (S22)—U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452.
73E (57) was a cross made by Sesaco between 837 (53) and 13C (49) in the Gilleland nursery (Uvalde, Tex.) in 1995. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier DN334 and then changed to X73E and then T73E.
25B (58) was a cross made by Sesaco between 73E (57) and 24W (50) in the Gilleland nursery (Uvalde, Tex.) in 1999. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier HG104, then changed to YG104, then X25B, and finally T25B.
22A (59) was a cross made by Sesaco between THB (54) and FDC (56) in the Gilleland nursery (Uvalde, Tex.) in 1996. Within Sesaco it carried the identifier ET717 and then changed to X22A and then to T22A.
S34 (60) was obtained with the following method. A cross between 25B (58) and 22A (59) was made in the Gilleland nursery (Uvalde, Tex.) in Year 1 (hereinafter “Year” is abbreviated as “YR”) and designated LM495.
The resulting seed of LM495, designated M495 was planted in a plot 7231 in YR2. One individual plant was selected based on its vigor, growth posture, and minimal capsule gap.
The seed (2342) from the selected plant described in the preceding paragraph was planted in a plot 3555 in YR3. Eight individual plants were selected from the plot based on having a phenotype similar to the S22 variety, low branches with a very long capsule zone and low height of the first capsule.
The seed (3214) from one of the eight plants was planted in plot 4353 in YR4. Six individual plants were selected after they were observed having better storm resistance than other lines grown under the same conditions, having weather shatter resistance, being erect, and being superior to S22 under the same conditions with regard to these attributes.
The designator was changed to X22K. The seed (3680) from one of the plants was planted in plot 0185 in YR5. Seven individual plants were selected based having a very good yield in a sister plot planted with the same seed, which exhibited plants similar in height and shatter resistance.
The seed (1521) from one of the seven plants was planted in plot 0051 in YR6. A bulk of 3 plants was selected based on having a lower height of the first capsule and a very good yield.
The seed (1802) from the bulk of 3 was planted in plot 3700 in YR7. Five individual plants were selected based on having a better capsule zone than sister plots.
The seed (1181) from one of the five plants was planted in plot 7616 in YR8. Eight individual plants were selected which were observed to be thriving and possessing excellent sesame plant characteristics. The population from which they were selected was considered to be low to medium. One of the selection criterions is the ability to compensate for low populations, and these plants exhibited the desired response.
The seed (0541) from one of the plants was planted in plot 4805 in YR9. A bulk consisting of the best 130 plants was selected.
The seed (0925) from the plants was planted in strip plot W900 in YR9-10 in a winter nursery. The plot was rogued (e.g. plants that had features different from the other plants eliminated in order to purify the line), and all of the remaining plants were harvested based on observed ability to do very well in low moisture conditions compared to other lines.
The seed (22KC1) from the plants was planted in a farmer field in YR10 for final verification of weather shatter resistance, lodging resistance, combinability, and yield. The line was uniform. The line repeated on having good shatter resistance and excellent lodging resistance under adverse weather conditions. Part of the strip was harvested for an increase and part was left unharvested so that it could undergo a combine test. The line combined well with no issues. The designator was changed to Sesaco 34.
Along with breeding programs for sesame, tissue culture of sesame is currently being practiced in such areas of the world as Korea, Japan, China, India, Sri Lanka and the United States. One of ordinary skill in the art may utilize sesame plants grown from tissue culture as parental lines in the production of non-dehiscent sesame. Further IND sesame may be propagated through tissue culture methods. By means well known in the art, sesame plants can be regenerated from tissue culture having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the source plant.
The present invention includes the seed of sesame variety S34 deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707; a sesame plant or parts thereof produced by growing the seed deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707; any sesame plant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of sesame variety S34; any sesame plant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a sesame plant produced by growing the seed deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707. The present invention also includes a tissue culture of regenerable cells produced from the seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707 or a tissue culture of regenerable cells from sesame variety S34 or a part thereof produced by growing the seed of sesame variety S34 having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707. A sesame plant regenerated from a tissue culture of regenerable cells produced from the seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707 or from sesame variety S34, wherein the regenerated sesame plant has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of sesame variety S34 is also contemplated by the present invention. Methods of producing sesame seed, comprising crossing a first parent sesame plant with a second parent sesame plant, wherein the first or second parent sesame plant was produced by seed having been deposited under ATCC Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-12707 is part of the present invention.
Unless otherwise stated, as used herein, the term plant includes plant cells, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue cultures from which sesame plants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant clumps, plant cells that are intact in plants, or parts of plants, such as embryos, pollen, ovules, flowers, capsules, stems, leaves, seeds, roots, root tips, and the like. Further, unless otherwise stated, as used herein, the term progeny includes plants derived from plant cells, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue cultures from which sesame plants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant clumps, plant cells that are intact in plants, or parts of plants, such as embryos, pollen, ovules, flowers, capsules, stems, leaves, seeds, roots, root tips, and the like.
Sesame cultivar S34 has been tested experimentally over several years under various growing conditions ranging from South Texas to Southern Oklahoma. Sesame cultivar S34 has shown uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the characters listed in Table II below. Table II provides the name, definition, and rating scale of each character as well as the method by which the character is measured. Under the rating section, the rating for S34 is presented in bold text. Additionally, the distribution of the character in Sesaco's sesame development program is indicated under the rating section. Sesaco uses slightly different character specifications from “Descriptors for sesame”, AGP:IBPGR/80/71, IBPGR Secretariat, Rome, (1981) and from the form “Sesame (Sesamum indicum)”, U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Variety Protection Office, Beltsville, Md. The descriptors in those documents were developed in the early 1980s and have not been updated to incorporate new concepts in sesame data collection.
Table II provides characteristics of S34 for forty-three (43) traits. Numerical ratings and values reported in this table were experimentally determined for S34 with prior sesame varieties in side by side replicated trials. Actual numerical values and ratings for a given variety will vary according to the environment, and the values and ratings provided in Table II were obtained in the environment specified in the parenthetical following the S34 rating. If “NT” is indicated, it indicates that trait was not tested. Table V provides a direct comparison between the new S34 variety and the prior varieties thus demonstrating the relative differences between the varieties in the side by side trials.







TABLE II







Characters Distinguishing the S34 Line









Character
Rating
Methodology





(44) BRANCHING
S34 = U
The amount of branching on any


STYLE
(All crops,all nurseries)
particular plant depends on the space


The potential amount of
Subjective rating based on
around the plant. In high populations,


true branching in a line
the following values:
branching can be suppressed. This rating



U = Uniculm - no
should be based on potential as expressed



branching except weak
on end plants and plants in the open.



branches in open
True branches start in the leaf axil



B = True branches
below the first flower, and they begin to



Distribution within Sesaco
emerge before the first open flower. As



based on stable lines in
long as there is light into the leaf axils,



the crossing program in
there will be additional branches that start



1982-2001 (Total number
below the first branches in subsequently



of samples tested = 1,333)
lower nodes. Weak branches occur when



U = 42.4%
a plant is in the open. They develop in the



B = 57.6%
lowest nodes and subsequent branches




start at higher nodes. There are lines that




will not branch in any circumstance.




Some lines in the open will put on




spontaneous branches late in the cycle.




True and weak branches do not have a




capsule in the same leaf axil, whereas the




spontaneous branches form under the




capsule after the capsule has formed.




Spontaneous branches are not counted as




branches.




There are rare lines where the flowering




pattern is to put on flowers on lower nodes




late in the cycle. In this case, the capsule




is formed after the branch is developed.




This pattern should not be termed




spontaneous branching, and the branch is




normally counted as a true branch.




There are branched lines that have




secondary branches on the branches. In a




few cases, there can be tertiary branches.




Additional branches generally appear in




low populations.




COMMENTS: the effects of light




appear to have more of an effect on




branching than moisture and fertility. High




populations suppress branching.


(2) NUMBER OF
S34 = 1
Rating can be taken from about 60 days


CAPSULES PER LEAF
(All crops,all nurseries)
after planting through to the end of the


AXIL
Subjective rating based on
crop.


The predominant
the following values:
NUMBER OF CAPSULES PER LEAF


number of capsules per
1 = Single
AXIL is highly dependent on moisture,


leaf axil in the middle
3 = Triple
fertility, and light. In triple capsule lines, the


half of the capsule zone
Based on potential as
central capsule forms first, and axillary



described in the methodology
capsules follow a few days later. Triple



presented herein
capsule lines have the potential to put on



Distribution within Sesaco
axillaries, but will not do so if plants do not



based on stable lines in
have adequate moisture and/or fertility. In



the crossing program in
drought conditions, some triple capsule



1982-2001 (Total number
lines will produce only a central capsule for



of samples tested = 1,327)
many nodes. In these lines, when there is



1 = 58.3%
adequate moisture through rain or irrigation,



3 = 41.7%
some will add axillary capsules on




only new nodes, while others will add




axillary capsules to all nodes. Some triple




capsule lines will not put on axillary capsules




if there is no direct sunlight on the




leaf axil. To date, lines with single capsules




have nectaries next to the central




capsule in the middle of the capsule zone




while triple capsules do not. However,




some lines have what appear to be 




nectaries on the lower capsules of triple lines,




but upon close examination, they are buds,




which may or may not eventually 




develop into a flower and then a capsule. In




most triple capsule lines, the lower and




upper nodes have single capsules. There




are some lines where the end plants can




put on 5 capsules/leaf axil and a few that




have the potential to put on 7 capsules/leaf




axil. 5 and 7 capsules only appear with




open plants with high moisture and fertility.




In some environments, single capsule lines




will put on multiple capsules on 1 node and




rarely on up to 5 nodes. These lines are




not considered triple capsule lines.


(3) MATURITY CLASS
S34 = M for 98 days
The basis for this data point is DAYS


The maturity of a line in
(Uvalde nurserya, 2008-
TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY


relation to a standard
2011)
(Character No. 29). S26 is the standard


line. Currently, the
Subjective rating based on
line to be used to compute MATURITY


standard line is S26 at
the following values:
CLASS. For each line, the physiological


100 days
V = Very early (<85 days)
maturity for each year is subtracted by the



E = Early (85-94 days)
S26 maturity for that year in that nursery,



M = Medium (95-104
and then the number of days of difference



days)
is averaged. The average is then added to



L = Late (105-114 days)
100.



T = Very late (>114 days)
See DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL



Distribution within Sesaco
MATURITY (Character No. 29) for the



based on stable lines in
effects of the environment on MATURITY



the crossing program in
CLASS.



1998-2001 (Total number
Note that S24 was formerly used as the



of samples tested = 650)
standard for this trait. S26 averages



V = 1.2%
approximately 5 days longer than S24.



E = 26.8%




M = 56.2%




L = 12.9%




T = 2.9%



(4) PLANT
S34 = U1M
The first character is the BRANCHING


PHENOTYPE
(All crops; all nurseries)
STYLE (Character No. 1), followed by the


A three character
Subjective rating based on
NUMBER OF CAPSULES PER LEAF


designation that
the following values:
AXIL (Character No. 2), and then the


provides the branching
BRANCHING STYLE
MATURITY CLASS (Character No. 3).


style, number of
U = Uniculm - no
When these characters are placed in a


capsules per leaf axil,
branching except weak
matrix, there are 20 potential phenotypes.


and the maturity class
branches in open
The phenotype provides an overview of



B = True branches
the general appearance of the plant. There



NUMBER OF CAPSULES
is a very high correlation between



PER LEAF AXIL
MATURITY CLASS and HEIGHT OF



1 = Single
PLANT (Character No. 5).



3 = Triple




MATURITY CLASS




V = Very early (<85 days)




E = Early (85-94 days)




M = Medium (95-104




days)




L = Late (105-114 days)




T = Very late (>114 days)




Distribution within Sesaco




based on stable lines in




the crossing program in




1998-2001 (Total number




of samples tested = 650)




U1V = 0% U3V = 1.1%




U1E = 3.8% U3E = 8.3%




U1M = 16.0% U3M = 12.0%




U1L = 3.4% U3L = 2.2%




U1T = 0.5% U3T = 0.6%




B1V = 0% B3V = 0.2%




B1E = 8.0% B3E = 6.3%




B1M = 23.2% B3M = 4.8%




B1L = 6.5% B3L = 1.0%




B1T = 1.6% B3T = 0.4%



(5) HEIGHT OF PLANT
S34 = 119 cm
The measurement is made after the


The height of the plant
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
plants stop flowering. For plants that are


from the ground to the
Value based on the
not erect or have lodged, the plant should


top of the highest
average of a minimum of
be picked up for the measurement. In most


capsule with viable
three plants (unit of
lines the highest capsule is on the main


seed
measure: cm)
stem. In lines with the dt/dt alleles



Distribution within Sesaco
(determinate), the highest capsule is on



based on stable lines in
the branches.



the crossing program in
COMMENTS: this height is dependent



1999-2001 (Total number
on the amount of moisture, heat, fertility,



of samples tested = 2,274)
and population. Increased values generally



low = 56 cm; high = 249
increase the height. In a high population,



cm
the height will only increase if there is



1 =< 94.6 cm; 5.2%
adequate fertility and moisture; otherwise,



2 =< 133.2 cm; 34.6%
the height will be shorter. In low light



3 =< 171.8 cm; 54.9%
intensities, the heights are generally taller.



4 =< 210.4 cm; 5.1%




5 => 210.3 cm; 0.1%




avg. = 134.8 cm, std =




23.5



(6) HEIGHT OF FIRST
S34 = 52 cm
The measurement is made after the


CAPSULE
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
plants stop flowering. For plants that are


The height of the first
Value based on the
not erect or have lodged, the plant should


capsule from the
average of a minimum of
be picked up for the measurement. In most


ground to the bottom of 
three plants (unit of
lines, the lowest capsule is on the main


the lowest capsule on
measure: cm)
stem. True branches have capsules higher


the main stem
Distribution within Sesaco
than on the main stem except when the



based on stable lines in
flowers fall off the main stem.



the crossing program in
Occasionally, on weak branches, the



1999-2001 (Total number
lowest capsule is on the branches.



of samples tested = 2,274)
There are lines that flower in the lower



low = 20 cm; high = 193
nodes late in the cycle, and thus, the



cm
measurement should be taken after



1 =< 54.6 cm; 52.7%
flowering ends. In many lines the first



2 =< 89.2 cm; 45.5%
flower does not make a capsule, and thus,



3 =< 123.8 cm; 1.5%
this height may not be the same as the



4 =< 158.4 cm; 0.3%
height of the first flower. The height is



5 => 158.3 cm; 0.1%
correlated to the length of time to



avg. = 54.2 cm, std = 14.3
flowering, the earlier the lower the height.




COMMENTS: see HEIGHT OF PLANT




(Character No. 5) for effects of




environmental factors


(7) CAPSULE ZONE
S34 = 67 cm
The measurement is derived by


LENGTH
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
subtracting the HEIGHT OF FIRST


The length of the
Value based on the
CAPSULE (Character No. 6) from the


capsule zone. The
average of a minimum of
HEIGHT OF PLANT (Character No. 5).


capsule zone extends
three plants (unit of
COMMENTS: see HEIGHT OF PLANT


from the bottom of the
measure: cm)
(Character No. 5) for effects of


lowest capsule on the
Distribution within Sesaco
environmental factors


main stem to the top of
based on stable lines in



the highest capsule on
the crossing program in



the main stem.
1999-2001 (Total number




of samples tested = 2,274)




low = 18 cm; high = 188




cm




1 =< 52 cm; 4.7%




2 =< 86 cm; 53.5%




3 =< 120 cm; 41.3%




4 =< 154 cm; 0.5%




5 => 153.9 cm; 0.1%




avg. = 80.6 cm, std = 17.2



(8) NUMBER OF
S34 = 23 pairs
The count is made after the plants stop


CAPSULE NODE
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
flowering. On opposite and alternate


PAIRS
Value based on the
arranged leaves, each pair of leaves is


The number of capsule
average of a minimum of
counted as one node pair. In some lines,


node pairs from the
three plants (unit of
there are three leaves per node for at least


lowest capsule node to
measure: number )
part of the plant, and those are counted as


the highest node with
Distribution within Sesaco
one node pair. In some plants, flowers may


capsules with viable
based on stable lines in
not have produced capsules on one or


seed on the main stem
the crossing program in
more of the leaf axils in a node. These


of the plant
1999-2001
node pairs should still be counted. Node



of samples tested = 2,154)
pairs on the branches are not counted.



low = 10; high = 54
(Total number In years when the amount of moisture



1 =< 18.8; 17.9%
available to the plant is irregular, node



2 = <27.6; 48.3%
pairs can become very irregular,



3 =< 36.4; 29.5%
particularly on triple capsule lines. In the



4 =< 45.2; 3.6%
upper portions of the plant, it may become



5 => 45.1; 0.7%
easier to count the capsule clusters and



avg. = 25.3, std = 6.4
divide by 2. While it is possible to count




node pairs after leaves have fallen, it is




much easier to count while the leaves are




still on the plant.




COMMENTS: the number of node pairs




is dependent on the amount of moisture




and fertility. Higher moisture and fertility




increases the number of node pairs.


(9) AVERAGE
S34 = 3.0 cm
Divide the CAPSULE ZONE LENGTH


INTERNODE LENGTH
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
(Character No. 7) by the NUMBER OF


WITHIN CAPSULE
Value based on the
CAPSULE NODES (Character No. 8).


ZONE
average of a minimum of
COMMENTS: this length is dependent


The average internode
three plants (unit of
on the amount of moisture, fertility, and


length within the
measure: cm)
population. Increased values generally


capsule zone
Distribution within Sesaco
increase the length. In a high population,



based on stable lines in
the length will only increase if there is



the crossing program in
adequate fertility and moisture; otherwise



1999-2001 (Total number
the length will be shorter. In low light



of samples tested = 2,145)
intensities, the lengths are generally



low = 1.09 cm; high = 8.09
longer.



cm
Past methodologies have measured the



1 =< 2.49 cm; 6.2%
internode length at the middle of the



2 =< 3.89 cm; 74.6%
capsule zone. Some have measured it at



3 =< 5.29 cm; 18.6%
the median node and others at the median



4 =< 6.69 cm; 0.4%
CAPSULE ZONE LENGTH.



5 => 6.68 cm; 0.1%




avg. = 3.35 cm, std = 0.66



(10) YIELD AT
S34 = 825 kg/ha
On 3 replicated plots, when the plants


DRYDOWN
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
are dry enough for direct harvest, cut a


An extrapolation of the
620 kg/ha
minimum of 1/5000 of a hectare (Sesaco


yield of a field by taking
(Lorenzo nurseryb, 2011)
uses 1/2620) in the plot and place the


sample yields
Values based on the
plants in a cloth bag. Thresh the sample in



average of a minimum of
a plot thresher and weigh the seed.



three replications (unit of
Multiply the weight by the appropriate



measure: kg/ha)
multiplier based on area taken to provide



Distribution within Sesaco
the extrapolated yield in kg/ha.



based on stable lines in
In the Almaco thresher there is about



the crossing program in
3% trash left in the seed. Since yields are



1999-2001 (Total number
comparative, there is no cleaning of the



of samples tested = 1,828)
seed done before the computation. If other



low = 67 kg/ha
threshers have more trash, the seed



high = 2421 kg/ha
should be cleaned before weighing.



1 =< 537.8 kg/ha; 5.6%
COMMENTS: yields increase with



2 =< 1008.6 kg/ha; 15.6%
moisture and fertility. However, too high a



3 =< 1479.4 kg/ha; 51.5%
moisture can lead to killing of plants. Too



4 =< 1950.2 kg/ha; 25.8%
high fertility can lead to extra vegetative



5 => 1950.1 kg/ha; 1.4%
growth that may not lead to higher yields.



avg. = 1114.6 kg/ha,
The optimum population depends on the



std = 331.2
PLANT PHENOTYPE, Character No. 4




(BRANCHING STYLE, Character No. 1;




NUMBER OF CAPSULES PER LEAF




AXIL, Character No. 2; and MATURITY




CLASS, Character No. 3) and row width.


(11) RESISTANCE TO
S34 = NT
In a year when there is a drought, this


DROUGHT
Average of a minimum of
rating can be used to differentiate the


The relative amount of
three plots of a subjective
effects of the different lines. This is a


resistance to drought
rating based on the
subjective rating requiring a rater that is



following values:
familiar with the performance of the line



0 to 8 scale
under normal conditions. The rating is



7 = Little effect from
based on how the drought changes the



drought
line from normal. Thus, a short line that



4 = Medium effect from
does not change significantly in a drought



drought
may have a higher rating than a tall line,



1 = Considerable effect
which is affected by the drought even



from drought
though the taller line is taller in the drought



Intermediate values are
than the short line.



used.




Distribution within Sesaco




based on stable lines in




the crossing program in




2000 (Total number of




samples tested = 632)




low = 0; high = 8




1 =< 1.6; 0.8%




2 =< 3.2; 28.0%




3 =< 4.8; 36.1%




4 =< 6.4; 34.5%




5 => 6.3; 0.6%




avg. = 4.1, std = 1.2



(12) LEAF LENGTH
S34 = NT
Select one leaf per node to measure


The length of the leaf
Value based on the
from the 5th, 10th, and 15th node pairs from


blade from the base of
average of a minimum of
the base of the plant. All the leaves for one


the petiole to the apex
three plants (unit of
line should be collected at the same time.


of the leaf from the 5th,
measure: cm)
Some lines retain the cotyledons, and the


10th, and 15th node
Distribution within Sesaco
cotyledon node does not count as a node


pairs
for 5th leaf based on stable
pair. In some lines the lowest leaves



lines in the crossing
abscise leaving a scar on the stem.



program in 2002 (Total
Abscised nodes should be counted. In



number of lines tested =
lines with alternate leaves, one node is



196 with 711 samples)
counted for each pair of leaves. In some



low = 13.8 cm; high = 42.5
lines in parts of the plant there are three



cm
leaves per node, which should be counted



1 =< 19.5 cm; 34.7%
as one node.



2 =< 25.3 cm; 48.0%
The leaves continue growing in the first



3 =< 31.0 cm; 14.3%
few days after they have separated from



4 =< 36.8 cm; 1.5%
the growing tip. The choosing of leaves



5 => 36.7 cm; 1.5%
should be done a minimum of 5 days after



avg. = 21.5 cm, std = 4.4
the 15th node has appeared. Timing is



Distribution within Sesaco
important, because the plants will begin to



for 10th leaf based on
shed their lower leaves towards the end of



stable lines in the crossing
their cycle.



program in 2002 (Total
There are lines that have less than 15



number of lines tested =
nodes. In this case, the highest node



196 with 711 samples)
should be taken and the node number



low = 9.3 cm; high = 32.9
annotated to the measurements.



cm
There can be as much as 6 mm



1 =< 14.0 cm; 22.4%
difference between a green leaf and a dry



2 =< 18.7 cm; 41.8%
leaf. The measurements can be done on a



3 =< 23.5 cm; 20.9%
green or dry leaf as long as any



4 =< 28.2 cm; 10.2%
comparison data with other lines is based



5 => 28.1 cm; 4.6%
on the same method.



avg. = 17.9 cm, std = 4.8
Generally, the lowest leaves increase in



Distribution within Sesaco
size until the 4th to 6th node and then they



for 15th leaf based on
decrease in size. This applies to LEAF



stable lines in the crossing
LENGTH (Character No. 12) , LEAF



program in 2002 (Total
BLADE WIDTH (Character No. 14), and



number of lines tested =
PETIOLE LENGTH (Character No. 15). In



196 with 711 samples)
few cases. LEAF BLADE LENGTH



low = 4.4 cm; high = 26.2
Character No. 13) can increase up the 10th



cm
node, but will decrease by the 15th node.



1 =< 8.8 cm; 5.1%
Generally, the width will decrease at a



2 =< 13.1 cm; 42.9%
greater rate than the length.



3 =< 17.5 cm; 29.8%
COMMENTS: the length is dependent



4 =< 21.8 cm; 15.8%
on the amount of moisture and fertility.



5 => 21.7 cm; 6.6%
Higher moisture and fertility increase the



avg. = 14.3 cm, std = 4.2
length. Leaf size also appears to be



cover and a general haze than in
affected by light intensity. In Korea, the



Oklahoma.
Korean lines have much larger leaves than




in Oklahoma. In Korea, there is more cloud


(13) LEAF BLADE
S34 = NT
See LEAF LENGTH (Character No. 12)


LENGTH
Value based on the
on how to collect leaves. The


The length of the leaf
average of a minimum of
measurement does not include PETIOLE


blade from the base of
three plants (unit of
LENGTH (Character No. 15). In some


the leaf blade to the
measure: cm)
leaves the blade on one side of the petiole


apex of the leaf from
Distribution within Sesaco
starts before the other side. This measure


the 5th, 10th, and 15th
for 5th leaf based on stable
should start from the lowest blade side.


node pairs
lines in the crossing
There are leaves that have enations where



program in 2002 (Total
a blade starts and then stops. The



number of lines tested =
enations are not considered part of the leaf



196 with 711 samples)
blade because they are very irregular from



low = 9.0 cm; high = 25.5
plant to plant and within a plant.



cm
COMMENTS: see LEAF LENGTH



1 =< 12.3 cm; 14.3%
(Character No. 12) for effects of



2 =< 15.6 cm; 60.2%
environment



3 =< 18.9 cm; 20.9%




4 =< 22.2 cm; 3.1%




5 => 22.1 cm; 1.5%




avg. = 14.4 cm, std = 2.4




Distribution within Sesaco




for 10th leaf based on




stable lines in the crossing




program in 2002 (Total




number of lines tested =




196 with 711 samples)




low = 8.3 cm; high = 23.4




cm




1 =< 11.3 cm; 18.9%




2 =< 14.3 cm; 42.9%




3 =< 17.4 cm; 25.0%




4 =< 20.4 cm; 9.2%




5 => 20.3 cm; 4.1%




avg. = 13.9 cm, std = 3.0




Distribution within Sesaco




for 15th leaf based on




stable lines in the crossing




program in 2002 (Total




number of lines tested =




196 with 711 samples)




low = 4.2 cm; high = 20.7




cm




1 =< 7.5 cm; 2.0%




2 =< 10.8 cm; 36.7%




3 =< 14.1 cm; 37.8%




4 =< 17.4 cm; 16.3%




5 => 17.3 cm; 7.1%




avg. = 12.0 cm, std = 3.0



(14) LEAF BLADE
S34 = NT
See LEAF LENGTH (Character No. 12)


WIDTH
Value based on the
on how to collect leaves. There are many


The width of the leaf
average of a minimum of
leaves that are not symmetrical with lobing


blade measured across
three plants (unit of
on one side and not the other. The width


the leaf blade at the
measure: cm)
should still be measured across the widest


widest point at the 5th,
Distribution within Sesaco
point on a line perpendicular to the main


10th, and 15th node
for 5th leaf based on stable
vein of the leaf.


pairs
lines in the crossing
On some lines the width exceeds the



program in 2002 (Total
length, particularly on lobed leaves.



number of lines tested =
COMMENTS: see LEAF LENGTH



196 with 711 samples)
(Character No. 12) for effects of



low = 3.4 cm; high = 31.0
environment



cm
The widest leaves are lobed. Normally,



1 =< 8.9 cm; 53.1%
the leaves have turned from lobed to



2 =< 14.4 cm; 33.7%
lanceolate by the 10th leaf with the



3 =< 20.0 cm; 9.7%
exception of the tropical lines.



4 =< 25.5 cm; 2.6%




5 => 25.4 cm; 1.0%




avg. = 9.6 cm, std = 4.3




Distribution within Sesaco




for 10th leaf based on




stable lines in the crossing




program in 2002 (Total




number of lines tested =




196 with 711 samples)




low = 1.3 cm; high = 17.6




cm




1 =< 4.6 cm; 69.4%




2 =< 7.8 cm; 25.0%




3 =< 11.1 cm; 4.6%




4 =< 14.3 cm; 0%




5 => 14.2 cm; 1.0%




avg. = 4.3 cm, std = 2.2




Distribution within Sesaco




for 15th leaf based on




stable lines in the crossing




program in 2002 (Total




number of lines tested =




196 with 711 samples)




low = 0.7 cm; high = 6.0




cm




1 =< 1.8 cm; 29.1%




2 =< 2.8 cm; 48.0%




3 =< 3.9 cm; 15.3%




4 =< 4.9 cm; 4.6%




5 => 4.8 cm; 3.1%




avg. = 2.3 cm, std = 0.9



(15) PETIOLE LENGTH
S34 = NT
See LEAF BLADE LENGTH (Character


The length of the
Value based on the
No. 13) on how to collect leaves. In some


petiole from the base of 
average of a minimum of
leaves, the blade on one side of the petiole


the petiole to the start
three plants (unit of
starts before the other side. This measure


of the leaf blade at the
measure: cm)
should end where the earliest blade starts.


5th, 10th, and 15th node
Distribution within Sesaco
There are leaves that have enations where


pairs
for 5th leaf based on stable
a blade starts and then stops. The



lines in the crossing
enations are not considered part of the leaf



program in 2002 (Total
blade because they are very irregular from



number of lines tested =
plant to plant and within a plant and should



196 with 711 samples)
be measured as part of the petiole.



low = 3.0 cm; high = 17.0
COMMENTS: see LEAF LENGTH



cm
(Character No. 12) for effects of



1 =< 5.8 cm; 35.2%
environment



2 =< 8.6 cm; 39.8%




3 =< 11.4 cm; 19.4%




4 =< 14.2 cm; 4.1%




5 => 14.1 cm; 1.5%




avg. = 7.0 cm, std = 2.5




Distribution within Sesaco




for 10th leaf based on




stable lines in the crossing




program in 2002 (Total




number of lines tested =




196 with 711 samples)




low = 1.0 cm; high = 14.2




cm




1 =< 3.6 cm; 53.6%




2 =< 6.3 cm; 31.6%




3 =< 8.9 cm; 11.7%




4 =< 11.6 cm; 2.0%




5 => 11.5 cm; 1.0%




avg. = 4.0 cm, std = 2.1




Distribution within Sesaco




for 15th leaf based on




stable lines in the crossing




program in 2002 (Total




number of lines tested =




196 with 711 samples)




low = 0.2 cm; high = 7.4




cm




1 =< 1.6 cm; 38.8%




2 =< 3.1 cm; 41.8%




3 =< 4.5 cm; 13.3%




4 =< 6.0 cm; 3.1%




5 => 5.9 cm; 3.1%




avg. = 2.3 cm, std = 1.3



(16) NUMBER OF
S34 = 2
The rating can be taken from about 60


CARPELS PER
(All crops, all nurseries)
days after planting to all the way to the end


CAPSULE
Subjective rating based on
of the crop.


The predominant
the following values:
There are many plants with mixed


number of carpels per
2 = bicarpellate
number of carpels as follows:


capsule in the middle
3 = tricarpellate
1. Some bicarpellate plants will have


half of the capsule zone
4 = quadricarpellate
one or more nodes near the center of the



(unit of measure: actual
capsule zone that have tri- and/or



number
quadricarpellate capsules and vice versa.



Distribution within Sesaco
2. Most tri- and quadri-carpellate plants



based on the introductions
will begin and end with bicarpellate nodes.



received in 1982-2001
3. Some plants have only one carpel



(Total number of samples
that develops. These capsules are



tested = 2702)
generally bent, but on examination the 2nd



2 = 97.6%
carpel can be seen.



3 = 0.0004%
4. On all types, flowers may coalesce



4 = 2.3%
and double or triple the number of



Sesaco has not developed
carpels.



lines with more than 2
5. On the seamless gene plants (gs/gs)



carpels.
the false membranes do not form locules.




These are still considered bicarpellate.


(17) CAPSULE
S34 = 2.39 cm
After the plants are physiologically


LENGTH FROM 10 cap
(All experimental
mature, take 2 capsules from five plants


TEST
nurseries, 1997-2011)
from the middle of the capsule zone. On


The length of the
Value based on the
three capsule per leaf axil lines, one


capsule from the
average of a minimum of
central capsule and one axillary capsule


bottom of the seed
three samples of the
should be taken from the same leaf axil.


chamber to the top of
length taken on the
The measurement is taken on the median


the seed chamber from
median capsule in a 10
capsule of single capsule lines and on the


the outside of the
capsule sample (unit of
median central capsule on three capsule


capsule. The tip of the
measure: cm)
lines. The measurement is taken on dry


capsule is not included
Distribution within Sesaco
capsules because the length can shorten


in the measurement.
based on 10 cap test in all
as much as one mm on drydown.



nurseries in 1997-2002
The 10 capsules can be sampled from



(Total number of lines
physiological maturity through complete



tested = 1,613 with 8,285
drydown without an effect on this



samples)
character.



low = 1.3 cm; high = 4.5
Generally, the capsules in the middle of



cm
the capsule zone are the longest on the



1 =< 1.94 cm; 2.7%
plant.



2 =< 2.58 cm; 67.9%
COMMENTS: the length of the capsule



3 =< 3.22 cm; 27.2%
is dependent on the amount of moisture,



4 =< 3.86 cm; 1.9%
fertility, and population. Higher moisture



5 => 3.85 cm; 0.3%
and fertility increase the length. Higher



avg. = 2.44 cm, std = 0.33
population decreases the length even with




adequate moisture/fertility.


(18) SEED WEIGHT
S34 = 0.248 g
See CAPSULE LENGTH FROM 10 CAP


PER CAPSULE FROM
(All experimental
TEST (Character No. 17) for collection of


10 cap TEST
nurseries, 1997-2011)
capsules. The capsules should be dried,


The weight of the seed
Value based on the
the seed threshed out and the seed


in a capsule from the
average of a minimum of
weighed.


center of the capsule
three samples of the
The 10 capsules can be sampled from


zone
weight of 10 capsules (unit
physiological maturity through complete



of weight: grams)
drydown without an effect on this



Distribution within Sesaco
character. After drydown, only capsules



based on 10 cap test in all
with all their seed are taken. Thus, this test



nurseries in 1997-2002
cannot be done on shattering lines after



(Total number of lines
drydown.



tested = 1,613 with 8,285
Generally, the capsules in the middle of



samples)
the capsule zone have the highest seed



low = 0.053 g; high =
weight per capsule on the plant.



0.476 g
COMMENTS: see CAPSULE LENGTH



1 =< 0.138 g; 1.3%
FROM 10 CAP TEST (Character No. 17)



2 =< 0.222 g; 47.6%
for the effects of environmental factors.



3 =< 0.307 g; 50.6%




4 =< 0.391 g; 1.1%




5 => 0.390 g; 0.1%




avg. = 0.221 g, std = 0.039



(19) CAPSULE
S34 = 0.172 g
See CAPSULE LENGTH FROM 10 CAP


WEIGHT PER
(All experimental
TEST (Character No. 17) for collection of


CAPSULE FROM
nurseries, 1997-2011)
capsules. The capsules should be dried,


10 cap TEST
Value based on the
the seed threshed out, and the capsules


The weight of the
average of a minimum of
weighed. At times the peduncle can still


capsule from the center
three samples of the
be attached to the capsules. The


of the capsule zone
weight of 10 capsules (unit
peduncles should be removed and not


after the seed has been
of measure: grams)
weighed.


removed
Distribution within Sesaco
The 10 capsules can be sampled from



based on 10 cap test in all
physiological maturity through complete



nurseries in 1997-2002
drydown without an effect on this



(Total number of lines
character.



tested = 1,613 with 8,285
Generally, the capsules in the middle of



samples)
the capsule zone have the highest capsule



low = 0.059 g; high =
weight per capsule on the plant.



0.395 g
COMMENTS: see CAPSULE LENGTH



1 =< 0.126 g; 22.6%
FROM 10 CAP TEST (Character No. 17)



2 =< 0.193 g; 69.1%
for the effects of environmental factors.



3 =< 0.261 g; 8.2%




4 =< 0.328 g; 0.9%




5 => 0.327 g; 0.6%




avg. = 0.152 g, std = 0.036



(20) CAPSULE
S34 = 0.072 g



WEIGHT PER CM OF
(All experimental
The weight is derived by dividing the


CAPSULE
nurseries, 1997-2011)
CAPSULE WEIGHT PER CAPSULE


The weight of a capsule
Value based on the
FROM 10 CAP TEST (Character No. 19)


per cm of capsule from
average of a minimum of
by the CAPSULE LENGTH FROM 10 CAP


the center of the
three samples of the
TEST (Character No. 17).


capsule zone
weight per cm of 10
The 10 capsules can be sampled from



capsules (unit of measure: 
physiological maturity through complete



grams)
drydown without an effect on this



Distribution within Sesaco
character.



based on 10 cap test in all
COMMENTS: this character is used



nurseries in 1997-2002
instead of capsule width. Capsule width is



(Total number of lines
difficult to measure because there are so



tested = 1,613 with 8,285
many variables in a capsule. In a



samples)
bicarpellate capsule, the width differs when



low = 0.027 g; high =
measuring across one carpel or both



0.123 g
carpels. Capsules can also vary through



1 =< 0.046 g; 8.2%
the length of the capsule by being



2 =< 0.065 g; 55.5%
substantially narrower at the bottom,



3 =< 0.085 g; 36.5%
middle or top of the capsule. In 1997, four



4 =< 0.104 g; 4.4%
widths were measured on each capsule



5 => 0.103 g; 0.5%
and then averaged. This average had a



avg. = 0.063 g, std = 0.012
very high correlation to the capsule weight




per cm of capsule.




See CAPSULE LENGTH FROM 10 CAP




TEST (Character No. 17) for effects of




environmental factors


(21) VISUAL SEED
S34 = I
This rating is used for plants that are


RETENTION
(All crops, all nurseries)
being selected for advanced testing


Amount of seed in most
Subjective rating based on
whether individually or in a bulk with all the


of the capsules in the
the following values:
plants having the same level of seed


middle half of the
X =< 50% seed retention
retention.


capsule zone when the
(unsuitable for direct
Most “X” plants can be identified from


plant(s) are dry enough
harvest)
the first capsule that dries since the seed


for direct harvest with a
C = 50-74% seed
will begin falling out immediately.


combine
retention (unsuitable for
A “C” (close to V) plant will have some



direct harvest, but may
capsules with seed and some without.



segregate V or above in
A “V” (visual shatter resistance) plant



future generations)
can be identified when the first 50% of the



V => 74% seed retention
capsules have dried, but a “V+” rating



(sufficient seed retention
should not be used until the complete plant



for 10 cap testing)
is dry and most of the capsules are



W => 74% seed retention
showing seed retention.



on weathering in field after
Some “V” plants can be upgraded to



rains and/or winds
“W” after the dry capsules have been



I = in using the “drum
subjected to weather (rain and/or wind)



test” the seed in the
“V” and “W” become non-dehiscent only



capsules do not rattle and
after 10 cap testing with about an 80%



>85% of the capsules on
passing rate. 10 cap testing is done on “I”



the plant(s) harvested
selections have had about a 99% passing



have visible seed in the
rate.



tips of the capsules four or
The “drum test” consists of placing the



more weeks after the ideal
fingers from one hand about 1⁄2 inch from



harvest time. The “I”
the center of the main stem and then



rating is used for all of the
striking the stem alternately with one finger



capsules on the plant.
and then the other finger in rapid



‘+’ and ‘−’ modifiers can
succession. The human ear can perceive



be used.
degree of rattling over a range. IND is




defined as having no rattle. Degree of




rattle in this test correlates with loss of




increasing amounts of seed as capsules




are exposed to weather conditions.




COMMENTS: the ratings above should




be made under normal conditions (600 mm




of annual rainfall and 30 kg/ha of nitrogen)




through high moisture/fertility conditions.




In drought or very low fertility conditions, it




has been observed that there is less seed




retention. In addition, high populations




may lead to low moisture or fertility




causing less seed retention. If unusual




environmental conditions are present, the




effects should be taken into consideration




prior to rating.


(22) SHAKER
S34 = 79.5 %
See CAPSULE LENGTH FROM 10 CAP


SHATTER
(All experimental
TEST (Character No. 17) for collection of


RESISTANCE FROM
nurseries, 1997-2011)
capsules. The capsules should be dried


10 cap TEST
Value based on the
and inverted. The capsules and any seed


The amount of seed
average of a minimum of
that has fallen out should then be placed in


retention after the
three samples of the
flasks on a reciprocal shaker with a 3.8 cm


capsules are dry,
percentage of seed
stroke with 250 strokes/min for 10 minutes


inverted, and put
retained in 10 capsules
(see U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452). The seed


through a shaker (10
(unit of measure: Actual
that comes out of the capsules should be


capsule sample)
Number expressed as
weighed as ‘out seed.’ The retained seed



percentage)
should be threshed out of the capsules



Distribution within Sesaco
and weighed to compute the ‘total seed’.



based on 10 cap test in all
The shaker shatter resistance is computed



nurseries in 1997-2002
as a percentage as follows: (total seed −



(Total number of lines
out seed)/total seed.



tested = 1,613 with 8,285
The 10 capsules can be sampled from



samples)
physiological maturity through complete



low =0; high =100
drydown without an effect on this character



1 =< 20; 12.9%
for shatter resistant types. When taking



2 =< 40; 6.9%
capsules after drydown, only capsules with



3 =< 60; 23.4%
all their seed are taken. Thus, this test



4 =< 80; 47.7%
cannot be done on shattering lines after



5 => 79.9; 9.2%
drydown.



avg. = 55.9%, std = 23.9
COMMENTS: The ratings above should




be made under normal conditions through




high moisture/fertility conditions. In




drought or very low fertility conditions, it




has been observed that there is less seed




retention. In additions, high populations




may lead to low moisture or fertility




causing there to be less seed retention. If




unusual environmental conditions are




present, the effects should be taken into




consideration prior to rating. Lines with




shaker shatter resistance >64.9% are




known as non-dehiscent lines (see U.S.




Pat. No. 6,100,452).


(23) CAPSULE
S34 = SR
The rating is based on visual


SHATTERING TYPE
(All crops, all nurseries)
observations as to seed retention as the


Amount of seed
Subjective rating based on
plants remain standing in the field without


retention in a line or
the following values:
shocking.


plant
SUS = Super-shattering
GS plants can be identified while the



(<2 visual seed retention -
plant is putting on capsules or at drydown



equates to <25%)
because the carpels in the capsules do not



SHA = Shattering (<4
form false membranes. There are plants



visual seed retention -
that will have capsules with false



equates to <50%)
membranes on the lower and upper nodes



SSH = Semi-shattering (4-
but most of the capsules show no false



6 visual seed retention -
membranes.



equates to 50 to 75%)
ID plants can be identified during the



SR = Shatter resistant (a
growing season in that they have enations



numeric rating>6 visual
on the bottoms of the leaves. At drydown



seed retention without id
they are more difficult to distinguish from



or gs alleles - equates to
other lines that have closed capsules



>75%; an alphabetical
(other than GS). There is less of a suture



rating of V, W, or I)
than other capsule types.



ID = Indehiscent
SUS, SHA, SSH, and SR are defined by



(presence of id/id with
VISUAL SEED RETENTION (Character



capsule closed)
No. 21).



IDO = Indehiscent
COMMENTS: Most environmental



(presence of id/id with
factors do not have much of an effect on



capsule open at tip)
capsule shattering type other than to make



GS = Seamless
it more difficult to distinguish in the overlap



(presence of gs/gs with
zone. Generally, higher moisture, higher



capsule closed)
fertility, and lower populations will



GSO = Seamless
decrease the shattering a small amount -



(presence of gs/gs with
less than 10%.



capsule open at tip)
The wind can have a large effect in




decreasing the amount of seed retention.




Rain, dew and fog can also reduce seed




retention.


(24) NON-DEHISCENT
S34 = ND
Lines are designated as ND only after they


TEST
(All crops, all nurseries)
have undergone a minimum of 3 shaker


A line that has passed
Objective rating based on
shatter resistance tests. In order to be


the non-dehiscent test
the following values:
considered an ND variety, the line must


of having shaker shatter
ND = Non-dehiscent line
pass the ND threshold in multiple nurseries


resistance >64.9% is
XX = Line that does not
for multiple years.


considered an ND line
pass the non-dehiscent



in accordance with U.S.
test



Pat. No. 6,100,452.
ND distribution within




Sesaco based on 10 cap




test in all nurseries in




1997-2006




(Total number of samples




tested = 10,905)




ND = 53.6%




XX = 46.4%



(25) IMPROVED NON-
S34 = 7.4
This rating is used for a plot or field that


DEHISCENT VISUAL
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
is being evaluated.


RATING
S34= 7.4
The data is taken four or more weeks


Amount of seed in most
(Lorenzo nursery, 2011)
after the ideal harvest time. See DAYS


of the capsules in the
Value based on the
TO DIRECT HARVEST (Character No.


plants in a plot four or
average of a minimum of
30). Estimate the percentage of capsules


more weeks after the
three plots of a subjective
that have visible seed at the top. In the


ideal harvest time.
rating based on the
beginning in order to develop an eye for



percentage of capsules
the rating, the evaluator should observe all



with visible seed retention
of the capsules and rate each of them; get



8 < 100%
a count of those with visible seeds and a



7 < 85%
count of total capsules; and compute a



6 < 70%
percentage. Once the evaluator is skilled,



5 > 55%
there is no need to count the capsules.



Z < 55%
There is a very high correlation between



‘*’, ‘+’, and ‘−’ modifiers
this rating upon visual evaluation and the



can be used. For
amount of rattling generated by the “drum



averages, 0.5 is added for
test” defined above.



a ‘*’, 0.33 is added for a
Although retention can vary from plant



‘+’, and 0.33 is subtracted
to plant and even within a plant, the overall



for a ‘−’, e.g., “7+” = 7.33.
rating is correlatable with IND.



(Total number of lines
In crossing between lines, in early



tested = 288 with 801
generations there is a segregation of IND



samples in 2006)
plants and non-IND plants. In this case



low = 2.97; high = 7.33
the plot is given a rating of the majority of



1 =< 6.0; 2.1%
plants while the plants selected can have a



2 =< 6.5; 20.8%
higher rating, which is reflected in VISUAL



3 =< 7.0; 13.2%
SEED RETENTION. The ratings that are



4 =< 7.5; 63.9%
cited in this character are for plots, but a



5 => 7.5; 0%
ratings of 7 or 8 are only given if over 90%



avg. = 6.77, std = 0.54
of the plants have the higher rating.



Note: The percentage of




lines between 7.0 and 7.6




is very high because




Sesaco has established a




new threshold for a new




variety of IND > 6.9 and




only lines that are IND or




segregating IND are rated.



(26) IMPROVED NON-
S34 = IND
Varieties were designated as IND after


DEHISCENCE TEST
(All crops, all nurseries)
they demonstrated the defined


An ND line that passes
Subjective rating based on
characteristics with statistically significant


the rattle test and has a
the following values:
data.


visual IND rating > 6.99
IND = Improved Non-



is considered IND. A
dehiscent line



method for traditional
ZZ = Line that does not



breeding of an IND line
pass the improved non-



is described in U.S.
dehiscent test



Pat. 8,080,707. ND
Distribution within Sesaco



and IND lines should
based on visual IND (Total



not have id or gs
number of lines tested =



alleles.
1,934 in all nurseries from




2005 to 2007)




IND = 9.5%




ZZ = 90.5%



(27) DAYS TO
S34 = 43 days
The vegetative phase in sesame is from


FLOWERING
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
the time of planting to the start of


Number of days from
Value based on the
flowering.


planting until 50% of the
average of a minimum of
This data is taken as a date and later


plants are flowering
three plots of the number
converted to number of days. Flowering is



of days (unit of measure:
defined as flowers that are open - not



days)
buds.



Distribution within Sesaco
COMMENTS: flowering can be



based on lines in Uvalde
accelerated by drought and it can be



nursery in 2000-2001
delayed by higher moisture and/or fertility.



(Total number of samples
Higher heat units will decrease the days to



tested = 1831)
flowering.



low = 33 days; high = 89
Some lines are photosensitive and will



days
only begin flowering at a certain number of



1 =< 44.2 days; 87.9%
hours of daylight.



2 =< 55.4 days; 7.8%
Start of flowering does not always



3 =< 66.6 days; 2.4%
equate to start of capsule formation. Many



4 =< 77.8 days; 1.7%
lines will flower and not set capsules from



5 => 77.7 days; 0.2%
the first flowers.



avg. = 40.9 days, std = 6.3



(28) DAYS TO
S34 = 80 days
The reproductive phase of sesame is


FLOWER
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
from the start to the end of flowering.


TERMINATION
Value based on the
This data is taken as a date and later


Number of days from
average of a minimum of
converted to number of days. Flowering is


planting until 90% of the
three plots of the number
defined as flowers that are open - not


plants have stopped
of days (unit of measure:
buds. At the end of the flowering period,


flowering
days)
the rate that a plant puts on open flowers



Distribution within Sesaco
is reduced. Thus, there can be more than



based on lines in Uvalde
10% of plants with buds and still have



nursery in 2000-2001
reached this measure since there will not



(Total number of samples
be more than 10% with open flowers on



tested = 2668)
any one day.



low = 61 days; high = 114
The measure is based on the number of



days
plants and not the number of flowering



1 =< 71.6 days; 21.1%
heads. The branches will stop flowering



2 =< 82.2 days; 61.5%
before the main stem, and thus the plot will



3 =< 92.8 days; 15.9%
appear like there are more plants not



4 =< 103.4 days; 0.8%
flowering.



5 => 103.3 days; 0.8%
COMMENTS: flower termination can



avg. = 77.1 days, std = 6.9
be accelerated by lower moisture and/or




fertility, and it can be delayed by higher




moisture and/or fertility. Higher heat units




will decrease the DAYS TO FLOWER




TERMINATION. It is known that there are




lines that stop flowering sooner than




expected in northern latitudes, but it is not




known if this is due to shorter photoperiod




or cool temperatures.


(29) DAYS TO
S34 = 100 days
The ripening phase of sesame is from


PHYSIOLOGICAL
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
the end of flowering until physiological


MATURITY
Value based on the
maturity.


Number of days from
average of a minimum of
This data is taken as a date and later


planting until 50% of the
three plots of the number
converted to number of days. Physiological


plants reach
of days (unit of measure:
maturity (PM) is defined as the point at,


physiological maturity
days)
which 3⁄4 of the capsules have seed with



Distribution within Sesaco
final color. In most lines, the seed will also



based on lines in Uvalde
have a seed line and tip that are dark.



nursery in 2000-2001
COMMENTS: The concept of



(Total number of samples
physiological maturity in sesame was



tested = 2374)
developed by M. L. Kinman (personal



low = 77 days; high = 140
communication) based on the concept of



days
determining the optimum time to cut a



1 =< 89.6 days; 16.8%
plant and still harvest 95-99% of the



2 = 102.2 days; 58.0%
potential yield. When the seed has final



3 =< 114.8 days; 23.6%
color, the seed can germinate under the



4 =< 127.4 days; 1.4%
proper conditions. If the plant is cut at



5 => 127.3 days; 0.2%
physiological maturity, most of the seed



avg. = 97.1 days, std = 7.1
above the 3⁄4 mark will go to final color and




are mature enough to germinate, but will




not have as much seed weight. Since in




even a fully mature plant, there is less




seed weight made at the top of the plant,




this loss of seed weight does not seriously




affect the potential seed weight of the




plant.




Although present harvest methods let




the plants mature and go to complete




drydown, PM is important because after




that point, the crop is less susceptible to




yield loss due to frost or disease. The PM




is also important if the crop is to be




swathed or harvest aids are to be applied.




Physiological maturity can be




accelerated by lower moisture and/or




fertility, and it can be delayed by higher




moisture and/or fertility. Higher heat units




will decrease the days to physiological




maturity. Cool weather can delay




physiological maturity.


(30) DAYS TO DIRECT
S34 = 151 days
The drying phase of sesame is from


HARVEST
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
physiological maturity until direct harvest.


Number of days from
Value based on the
This data is taken as a date and later


planting until there is
average of a minimum of
converted to number of days. Direct


enough drydown for
three plots of the number
harvest is defined as the date at which the


direct harvest
of days (unit of measure:
plants are dry enough for combining seed



days)
at 6% or less moisture. Over 99% of the



Distribution within Sesaco
sesame in the world is harvested by hand



based on lines in all
before the plant completely dries down.



nurseries from 2004
The plants should be dry below where



through 2006
the cutter bar of the combine will hit the



(Total number of samples
plants. In many lines, 15-20 cm from the



tested = 1,998)
ground can be green without an effect on



low = 103 days; high = 161
the moisture of the seed. In taking the



days
data on a plot, the plants at the aisle have



1 =< 114.6 days; 3.3%
more moisture and fertility available and



2 =< 126.2 days; 13.3%
will drydown later. The same is true for



3 =< 137.8 days; 32.1%
plants within the plot that have a gap of



4 =< 149.4 days; 44.2%
half a meter between plants. These plants



5 => 149.3 days; 7.2%
should be disregarded in taking the data.



avg. = 136.7 days, std =
In addition, there are few farmer fields that



10.3
dry down uniformly because of varying




soils and moisture. There is a certain




amount of green that can be combined and




still attain the proper moisture. The




amount of green allowable is also




dependent on the humidity at the day of




combining - the lower the humidity the




higher the amount of allowable green.




COMMENTS: This date is the most




variable in the number of days that define




the phenology of sesame because weather




is so important. In dry years with little




rainfall, the plants will run out of moisture




sooner and will dry down faster than in




years with more rainfall. Fields that are




irrigated by pivots will generally dry down




faster than fields with flood or furrow




irrigation because pivots do not provide




deep moisture. Fields with less fertility will




drydown faster than fields with high fertility.




Fields with high populations will dry down




faster than fields with low populations. In




low moisture situations lines with a strong




taproot will dry down later than lines with




mostly shallow fibrous roots.


(31) LODGING
S34 = NT
The data is taken after physiological


RESISTANCE
Average of a minimum of
maturity (see DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL


The amount of lodging
three plots of a subjective
MATURITY - Character No. 29) and



rating based on the
before direct harvest (see DAYS TO



following values:
DIRECT HARVEST - Character No. 30).



0 to 8 rating
Lodging that occurs after direct harvest in



8 = no lodging
nurseries would not be a factor in



7 = Less than 5% of plants
commercial sesame.



lodged
There are three types of lodging: where



4 = 50% of plants lodged
the plants break at the stem, where the



1 = All plants lodged
plants bend over but do not break, and



Intermediate values are
where the plants uproot and bend over.



used.
When a plant breaks over, it will rarely



Distribution within Sesaco
produce any new seed, and the existing



based on lines in Uvalde
seed may or may not mature. If there is a



and Lorenzo nurseries in
total break, there is no hope, but if there is



2007
still some active stem translocation



(Total number of samples
through the break, there can be some yield



tested = 1061)
recovery. The main causes for uprooting



low = 1.0; high = 8.0
of plants are shallow root systems and



1 =< 2.4; 3.1%
fields that have just been irrigated, creating



2 =< 3.8; 6.9%
a soft layer of soil. When a plant bends



3 =< 5.2; 22.6%
over early in development, some lines



4 =< 6.6; 18.9%
adapt better than others in terms of having



5 => 8.0; 48.4%
the main stems turn up and continue



avg. = 6.1, std = 1.7
flowering. The tips of the branches are




usually matted under the canopy and will




rarely turn up, but new branches can




develop. As the plants go to drydown and




the weight of the moisture is lost, many of




the bent plants will straighten up making




the crop easier to combine.




COMMENTS: The major cause of




lodging is the wind. In areas where there




are constant winds such as in Oklahoma




and northern Texas, the plants adjust by




adding more lignin to the stems. It takes a




stronger wind to cause lodging than in




those areas where there are normally only




breezes (unless there is a strong front or




thunderstorm that passes through). In




areas with more root rot, the stems are




weak and it takes little wind to lodge the




plants.


(32) SEED COLOR
S34 = BF
This data is taken in the laboratory with


The color of the seed
(All crops, all nurseries)
the same lighting for all samples. The seed


coat
Subjective rating based on
from the whole plant is used.



the following values:
Seed coat color is taken on mature



WH = White
seeds. If there is any abnormal



BF = Buff
termination, the colors are not quite as



TN = Tan
even. The color of immature seed varies.



LBR = Light brown
Usually light seeded lines have tan to light



GO = Gold
brown immature seed; tan, light brown,



LGR = Light gray
gold, brown, light gray, and gray lines have



GR = Gray
lighter immature seed; black lines can



BR = Brown
have tan, brown, or gray immature seed.



RBR = Reddish brown
Usually, moisture, fertility, population



BL = Black
and light intensity do not have an effect on



Distribution within Sesaco
seed coat color. Light colored seeds in a



based on seed harvested
drought may have a yellowish tinge. Seeds



in all nurseries in 1982-
in some lines in the tan, light brown and



2001 (Total number of
gold range can change from year to year



samples tested = 161,809)
among themselves.



WH = 0.8%




BF = 74.8%




TN = 9.0%




LBR = 1.4%




GO = 1.5%




LGR = 0.6%




GR = 1.4%




BR = 6.5%




RBR = 0.6%




BL = 3.5%



(33) SEED WEIGHT -
S34 = 0.338 g
See CAPSULE LENGTH FROM 10 CAP


100 SEEDS FROM
(All experimental
TEST (Character No. 17) for collection of


10 cap TEST
nurseries, 1997-2010)
capsules.


Weight of 100 seeds
Value based on the
Count out 100 seeds and weigh. The


taken from the 10 cap
average of a minimum of
seed must be dry.


tests, which are taken
three samples of the
COMMENTS: the weight increases


from the middle of the
weight of 100 seeds from
with higher moisture/fertility. Generally,


plant.
the 10 capsules (unit of
the weight of the seed from the whole plant



weight: grams)
is lighter than the seed weight taken from



Distribution within Sesaco
the 10 cap test.



based on stable lines in all




nurseries in 1997-2002




(Total number of lines




tested = 820 with 2,899




samples)




low = 0.200 g; high =




0.455 g




1 =< 0.251 g; 10.1%




2 =< 0.302 g; 48.4%




3 =< 0.353 g; 34.0%




4 =< 0.404 g; 7.2%




5 => 0.403 g; 0.2%




avg. = 0.298 g, std = 0.04



(34) COMPOSITE KILL
S34 = 7.2
On the week a plot reaches PM, a


RESISTANCE
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
rating is assigned. The ratings are then


The amount of plants
Average of a minimum of
taken for 2 additional weeks. The three


killed by root rots in the
three plots of a subjective
ratings are averaged for a final kill rating.


Sesaco nurseries
rating based on the
For example, if a plot has a final kill of 766,



following values: Ratings
the average for the plot will be 6.33. When



are based on the number
a value of 1 or 2 is assigned, there are no



of plants killed in a plot.
additional ratings and there is no



Before physiological
averaging.



maturity (PM), the
There are three root diseases that affect



following ratings are used:
sesame in Texas: Fusarium oxysporum,



1 => 90% kill before DAYS
Macrophomina phaseoli, and Phytophtora



TO FLOWERING
parasitica. Between 1988 and the present,



TERMINATION (Character
spores of these three have been



No. 28)
accumulated in one small area (1 square



2 => 90% kill between
km) north of Uvalde, and thus it is an



DAYS TO FLOWERING
excellent screening area for the diseases.



TERMINATION (Character
Although each root rot disease attacks



No. 28) and DAYS TO
sesame in a different way and may result



PHYSIOLOGICAL
in different symptoms, no effort is made to



MATURITY (Character No.
definitively determine which disease is the



29)
etiological agent for the affected plants.



After PM, the following
Pathological screenings in the past have



ratings are used:
found all 3 pathogens present in dead



3 => 90% kill
plants.



4 = 50 to 89% kill
COMMENTS: normally, the ratings will



5 = 25 to 49% kill
decrease a maximum of one value per



6 = 10 to 24% kill
week. There is an overlap between any



7 = less than 10% kill
two ratings, but this is overcome to a



8 = no kill
certain extent by using three ratings over 2



Distribution within Sesaco
weeks.



based on lines in Uvalde
The amount of kill is usually increased



nursery in 2000-2001
with any type of stress to the plants.



(Total number of samples
Drought can increase the amount of



tested = 3045)
Macrophomina; too much water can



low = 1.00; high = 8.00
increase the amount of Phytophtora; high



1 =< 1.6; 1.7%
temperatures and humidity can increase



2 =< 3.2; 16.7%
the amount of Fusarium and Phytophtora.



3 =< 4.8; 38.7%
High population can increase all three



4 =< 6.4; 31.2%
diseases.



5 => 6.3; 11.6%
The ratings for any one year can be



avg. = 4.52, std = 1.49
used to compare lines grown in that year,




but should not be used to compare lines




grown in different years. The amount of




disease in any one year is highly




dependent on moisture, humidity, and




temperatures.


(35) RESISTANCE TO
S34 = NT
Ratings can be done in several ways:


FUSARIUM WILT (F.
Average of a minimum of
1. Take ratings after the disease is no


oxysporum)
three plots of a subjective
longer increasing


Amount of resistance to
rating based on the
2. Take ratings on consecutive weeks


Fusarium wilt
following values:
until disease is no longer increasing and



0 to 8 scale of the
average ratings.



% of infected plants
3. Take periodic ratings and average



8 = Zero disease
ratings.



7 =< 10% infected
COMMENTS: Fusarium has been a



4 = 50% infected
problem in South Texas, particularly on



1 => 90% infected
fields that have been planted with sesame



0 = all infected
before. Normally, only the COMPOSITE



Intermediate values are
KILL RESISTANCE (Character No. 34)



used.
rating is taken.



NT = not tested




NEC = no economic




damage - not enough




disease to do ratings



(36) RESISTANCE TO
S34 = NT
See Methodology for RESISTANCE TO


PHYTOPHTORA STEM
Subjective rating
FUSARIUM WILT (Character No. 35)


ROT (P. parasitica)
See Values for Fusarium
COMMENTS: Phytophtora has been a


Amount of resistance to

problem in Arizona and Texas, particularly


Phytophtora stem rot

on fields that have been over-irrigated.




Normally, only the COMPOSITE KILL




RESISTANCE (Character No. 34) rating is




taken.


(37) RESISTANCE TO
S34 = NT
See Methodology for RESISTANCE TO


CHARCOAL ROT
Subjective rating
FUSARIUM WILT (Character No. 35)


(Macrophomina
See Values for Fusarium
COMMENTS: Macrophomina has been


phaseoli)

a problem in Arizona and Texas,


Amount of resistance to

particularly on fields that go into a drought.


Charcoal rot

Normally, only the COMPOSITE KILL




RESISTANCE (Character No. 34) rating is




taken.


(38) RESISTANCE TO
S34 = 5.2
See Methodology for RESISTANCE TO


BACTERIAL BLACK
(Lorenzo nursery, 2010)
FUSARIUM WILT (Character No. 35)


ROT (Pseudomonas
Average of a minimum of
COMMENTS: this disease occurs


sesami)
three plots of a subjective
occasionally when there is continual rainy


Amount of resistance to
rating based on the
weather with few clouds. In most years,


bacterial black rot
following values:
the disease abates once the weather



0 to 8 scale of the
changes. No economic damage has been



% of infected plants
noticed.



8 = Zero disease




7 =< 10% infected




4 = 50% infected




1 => 90% infected




0 = all infected




Intermediate values are




used.




NT = not tested




NEC = no economic




damage - not enough




disease to do ratings




Distribution within Sesaco




based on lines in Uvalde




nursery in 2004




(Total number of samples




tested = 593)




low = 4.00; high = 8.00




1 =< 2.4; 0.0%




2 =< 3.8; 0.0%




3 =< 5.2; 8.6%




4 =< 6.6; 16.0%




5 => 6.5; 75.4%




avg. = 7.13, std = 1.00



(39) RESISTANCE TO
S34 = 7.0
Ratings can be done in several ways:


SILVERLEAF
(Puerto Rico nursery,
1. Take ratings after the insects are no


WHITEFLY (Bemisia
2012)c
longer increasing.


argentifolii)
Average of a minimum of
2. Take ratings on consecutive weeks


Amount of resistance to
three plots of a subjective
until insects are no longer increasing and


the silverleaf whitefly
rating based on the
average ratings.



following values:
3. Take periodic ratings and average



0 to 8 scale of the
ratings.



% of infected plants
COMMENTS: there have been very



0 to 8 scale
few years (1991-1995) where the



8 = Zero insects
incidence of silverleaf whitefly has affected



7 = Few insects
nurseries or commercial crops. In most



4 = Many insects
years, a few whiteflies can be seen in the



1 = Insects killing the
sesame with no economic damage.



plants
In the middle 1990s, the USDA began



Intermediate values are
introducing natural predators of the



used.
silverleaf whitefly in the Uvalde area. It is



NT = not tested
not known if the predators reduced the



NEC = no economic
effects of the whitefly or there is a natural



damage - not enough
tolerance to whitefly in the current



insects to do ratings
varieties.




Higher temperatures decrease the




number of days between generations.




There are indications that higher moisture




and fertility increase the incidence of




whiteflies, but there is no definitive data.




The sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia




tabaci) has been observed in nurseries




since 1978 without any economic damage.


(40) RESISTANCE TO
S34 = NT
See Methodology for RESISTANCE TO


GREEN PEACH
Subjective rating; see
SILVERLEAF WHITEFLY (Character No.


APHIDS (Myzus
Values for Whitefly
39)


persicae)
Distribution within Sesaco
COMMENTS: there have been very


Amount of resistance to
based on lines in Uvalde
few years (1990-1995) where the


the green peach aphid
nursery in 2004
incidence of green peach aphid has



(Total number of samples
affected nurseries or commercial crops. In



tested = 412)
most years, a few aphids can be seen in



low = 1.00; high = 8.00
the sesame with no economic damage.



1 =< 2.4; 1.0%
There have been many years in West



2 =< 3.8; 0.5%
Texas when the cotton aphid has



3 =< 5.2; 10.7%
decimated the cotton and did not build up



4 =< 6.6; 4.8%
on adjacent sesame fields.



5 => 6.5; 83.0%
Higher moisture and fertility increase



avg. = 7.04, std = 1.35
the susceptibility to aphids.


(41) RESISTANCE TO
S34 = NT
See Methodology for RESISTANCE TO


POD BORERS
Subjective rating; see
SILVERLEAF WHITEFLY (Character No.


(Heliothis spp.)
Values for Whitefly
39)


Amount of resistance to

COMMENTS: there have been very


pod borers

few years (1985) where the incidence of




Heliothis has affected nurseries or




commercial crops. In most years, a few




borers can be seen in the sesame with no




economic damage.


(42) RESISTANCE TO
S34 = NT
See Methodology for RESISTANCE TO


ARMY WORMS
Subjective rating; see
SILVERLEAF WHITEFLY (Character No.


(Spodoptera spp.)
Values for Whitefly
39)


Amount of resistance to

COMMENTS: there have been very


army worms

few years (1984-1987) where the




incidence of Spodoptera has affected




commercial crops in Arizona. In Texas,




army worms have decimated cotton and




alfalfa fields next to sesame without any




damage to the sesame. It is not known if




the Arizona army worm is different from




the Texas army worm.


(43) RESISTANCE TO
S34 = NT
See Methodology for RESISTANCE TO


CABBAGE LOOPERS
( Lorenzo nursery 2007)
SILVERLEAF WHITEFLY (Character No.


(Pieris rapae)
Subjective rating; see
39)


Amount of resistance to
values for Whitefly
COMMENTS: there have been very


cabbage loopers

few years (1992-1993) where the




incidence of cabbage loopers has affected




nurseries. In commercial sesame, cabbage




loopers have been observed with no




economic damage.


(44) PRESENCE OF
S34 = PY/PY
In the homogygous condition. The


PYGMY ALLELES
(All crops; all nurseries)
pygmy allele (py) reduces the HEIGHT OF


The pygmy allele is a
py/py = homozygous
THE PLANT (Character No. 5), the


new recessive gene
pygmy alleles
HEIGHT OF THE FIRST CAPSULE


that affects the growth
PY/py = heterozygous
(Character No. 6), and the AVERAGE


of the sesame plant.
pygmy alleles
INTERNODE LENGTH WITHIN CAPSULE



PY/PY = normal (no
ZONE (Character No. 9). In the



pygmy alleles)
heterozygous state, there are no



Distribution within Sesaco
reductions in the characters. In a cross



based on stable lines in
between a homozygous pygmy and a



the collection as of 2009
normal, the pygmy allele is a recessive



(Total number of lines =
gene that will not show the shorter heights



40,715)
and internode lengths until segregating in



py/py = 145
the F2 generation, with no intermediates



PY/py = 629
between the pygmy and the normal line. A



Normal = 39,941
homozygous pygmy selected in the F2,




from the F3 generation on is pure in its




effects on the three characters. Within




pygmy lines there are differences in the 3




characters, but all of the pygmies differ




from the normal lines. The name “pygmy”




was chosen because these lines are




shorter than dwarf lines that have been in




the world germplasm for many years. The




dwarf lines share the same three




characters, but there are intermediates in




the F2 generation and rarely any plants as




short as the original dwarf.


(45) SEED OIL
S34 = 53.8%
The data is taken after the seed has


CONTENT
(Uvalde nursery, 2010)
been cleaned of all extraneous material


The percentage of oil in
53.9%
and is less than 6% moisture.


the seed.
(Uvalde nursery, 2011)
There are two methodologies for



Value based on the
determining oil content: laboratory analysis



average of a minimum of
as prescribed in the procedures of the



three samples of the
American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) or



percentage of oil in the
with a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)



seed (unit of measure:
machine. The AOCS procedure does not



Actual number expressed
remove all of the oil from the seed and



as a percentage.)
thus has a lower content than with the



Distribution within Sesaco
NMR procedure. The NMR procedure is



based on lines in Uvalde
preferred because (1) it is non-destructive



nursery in 2010-2011
and (2) oil processors use that procedure.



(Total number of samples




tested = 2,015)




low = 36.0; high = 59.3




1 =< 45; 0.8%




2 =< 48; 4.8%




3 =< 51; 27.4%




4 =< 54; 47.4%




5 => 53.9; 19.6%




avg. = 51.92, std = 2.52





aUvalde nursery planted north of Uvalde, Texas (latitude 29°22′ north, longitude 99°47′ west, 226 m elev) in middle to late May to early June from 1988 to the present; mean rainfall is 608 mm annually with a mean of 253 mm during the growing season; temperatures range from an average low of 3° C. and an average high of 17° C. in January to an average low of 22° C. and an average high of 37° C. in July. The nursery was planted on 96 cm beds from 1988 to 1997 and on 76 cm beds from 1998 to the present. The nursery was


pre-irrigated and has had 2-3 post-plant irrigations depending on rainfall. The fertility has varied from 30-60 units of nitrogen.


bLorenzo nursery planted southeast of Lubbock, Texas (latitude 33°40′ north, longitude 101°49′ west, 1000 m elev) in mid-June from 2004 to the present; mean rainfall is 483 mm annually with a mean of 320 mm during the growing season; temperatures range from an average low of −4° C. and an average high of 11° C. in January to an average low of 20° C. and an average high of 33° C. in July. The nursery was planted on 101 cm beds. The nursery was rainfed. The fertility was 30 units of nitrogen.


cPuerto Rico nursery planted east of Ponce, Puerto Rico (latitude 18°15′ north, longitude 66°30′ west, 50 m elev) in December; mean rainfall is 963 mm annually with a mean of 0 mm during the growing season; temperatures range from an average low of 19° C. and an average high of 30° C. in January to an average low of 23° C. and an average high of 33° C. in July. The nursery was planted on 101 cm beds. The nursery had drip irrigation. The fertility was 60 units of nitrogen.






In developing sesame varieties for the United States, there are eight characters that are desirable for successful crops: SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE (Character No. 23), IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT VISUAL RATING (Character No. 26), COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE (Character No. 35), DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY (Character No. 30), YIELD AT DRYDOWN (Character 11), SEED COLOR (Character No. 33), SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDS FROM 10CAP TEST (Character No. 34), and SEED OIL CONTENT (Character No. 45). The first four characters contribute to YIELD AT DRYDOWN, which is the most important economic factor normally considered by a farmer in the selection of a variety. The last three characters determine the market value of the seed.
SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE and IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT VISUAL RATING determine how well the plants will retain the seed while they are drying down in adverse weather.
COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE determines whether the plants can finish their cycle and have the optimum seed fill.
DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY determines how far north and to which elevation the varieties can be grown.
In improving the characters, the YIELD AT DRYDOWN has to be comparable to or better than current varieties, or provide a beneficial improvement for a particular geographical or market niche.
In the United States and Europe, the SEED COLOR is important since over 95% of the market requires white or buff seed. There are limited markets for gold and black seed in the Far East. All other colors can only be used in the oil market.
SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDS FROM 10CAP TEST determines the market for the seed. Lack of Composite kill Resistance can reduce SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDS FROM 10CAP TEST. In parts of the United States where there is little rain in dry years, the lack of moisture can reduce the SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDS FROM 10CAP TEST.
SEED OIL CONTENT determines the market for the seed. Lack of Composite kill Resistance can reduce SEED OIL CONTENT. Low fertility in terms of nitrogen raises SEED OIL CONTENT and high fertility lowers SEED OIL CONTENT.
There are other characters important in developing commercial sesame varieties explained in Langham, D. R. and T. Wiemers, 2002. “Progress in mechanizing sesame in the US through breeding”, In: J. Janick and A. Whipkey (ed.), Trends in new crops and new uses, ASHS Press, Alexandria, Va. BRANCHING STYLE (Character No. 1), HEIGHT OF PLANT (Character No. 5) and HEIGHT OF FIRST CAPSULE (Character No. 6) are important in combining. CAPSULE ZONE LENGTH (Character No. 7), NUMBER OF CAPSULE NODES (Character No. 8), AVERAGE INTERNODE LENGTH WITHIN CAPSULE ZONE (Character No. 9), and SEED WEIGHT PER CAPSULE (Character No. 18) are important in creating potential YIELD AT DRYDOWN (Character No. 10). LEAF DIMENSIONS (Characters No. 12, 13, 14, and 15) are important in determining optimum populations.
NUMBER OF CAPSULES PER LEAF AXIL (Character No. 2), NUMBER OF CARPELS PER CAPSULE (Character No. 16), CAPSULE LENGTH (Character No. 17), CAPSULE WEIGHT PER CAPSULE (Character No. 19), and CAPSULE WEIGHT PER CM OF CAPSULE (Character No. 20) are important in breeding for VISUAL SEED RETENTION (Character No. 21) and IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT VISUAL RATING (Character No. 25), which lead to testing for SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE (Character No. 22) and determining the CAPSULE SHATTERING TYPE (Character No. 23), NON-DEHISCENT TEST (Character 24) and IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT TEST (Character No. 26).
DAYS TO FLOWERING (Character No. 27), DAYS TO FLOWER TERMINATION (Character No. 28), DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY (Character No. 29) and MATURITY CLASS (Character No. 3) are highly correlated and important in determining the phenology and geographical range for the variety.
DAYS TO DIRECT HARVEST (Character No. 30) is important in that once the plants reach physiological maturity there is no weather event that will increase yield and many weather events that may substantially lower the yield. A shorter drying phase increases yield. PLANT PHENOTYPE (Character No. 4) is a summary character of characters 1, 2, and 3 that allows an overall visualization of the line.
RESISTANCE TO DROUGHT (Character No. 11) may reduce yield and seed weight. Even though there was a drought in the growing areas in 2006, there has not been a drought in nurseries planted since 2000 because of irrigation. LODGING RESISTANCE (Character No. 31) is important in years when there are high winds in the growing areas. The resistance characters (Characters No. 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, and 43) are important in reducing the losses from diseases and pests.
Over the past 35 years, Sesaco has tested 2,990 introductions from all over the world. Commercial samples have been obtained from China, India, Sudan, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Egypt, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Thailand, Turkey, Upper Volta, Uganda, Mali, Kenya, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Philippines, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Somalia, Eritrea, Paraguay, Bolivia, and El Salvador. Additional research seed has been received from the commercial countries and from many other countries such as Australia, Iraq, Iran, Japan, Russia, Jordan, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Angola, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Gabon, Greece, Italy, South Korea, Libya, Nepal, Zaire, England and Tanzania. Research seed received from one country may have originated from another unspecified country. All of the commercial and research introductions have CAPSULE SHATTERING TYPE (Character No. 23) of shattering, “SHA”.
Using selected characters from Table II, Table III provides a character differentiation between S34 and name cultivars from all over the world.







TABLE III







Character Differentiation of Various Sesame Varieties a









Character
Rating
Name cultivars tested by Sesaco





CAPSULE 
SHA
Eliminate the following from the world:


SHATTERING

From Venezuela: Venezuela 51, Venezuela


TYPE

52, Guacara, Aceitera, Inamar, Acarigua,


(Character

Morada, Capsula Larga, Arawaca, Piritu,


No. 23)

Glauca, Turen, DV9, Fonucla, UCLA




From Mexico: Pachequeno, Yori, Anna, Teras,




Denisse, Canasta, Tehvantepeter




From India: TMV1, TMV3




From Turkey: Ozberk, Muganli, Gamdibi,




Marmara




From Israel: DT45




From Guatemala: R198, R30




From Paraguay: Escoba and INIA.




From Texas: Llano, Margo, Dulce, Blanco,




Paloma, Oro, Renner 1 and 2, Early Russian




From California: UCR3, UCR4, Eva, Calinda




(Cal Beauty)




From Thailand: KU18




From Korea: Danback, Gwansan, Pungyiong,




Suweon, Yuseong, Hanseon, Ahnsan,




Kwangsan, Jinback, Pungsan, Sodan,




Yangheuk, Konheuk, Whaheuck, Sungboon



SSH
Eliminate from Sesaco: S02, S03, S04, S05,




S06, S07, S08, S09, S10, S12, S14



ID
Eliminate the following from the world:




From Venezuela: G2, Morada id




From Texas: Rio, Delco, Baco, Improved




Baco, Roy, Eli




From South Carolina: Palmetto




From California: UCR234




From Sesaco: S01



SR
All others, go to NON-DEHISCENT TEST


NON-
XX
Eliminate from Sesaco: S11, S15, S16, S17,


DEHISCENT 

S18, S19, S20, S21


TEST
ND
All others to the SEED COLOR


(Character 




No. 24)




SEED 
BL
Eliminate from Sesaco: S55


COLOR 
BF
All others to the IMPROVED NON-


(Character 

DEHISCENT TEST


No. 32)




IMPROVED 
ZZ
Eliminate from Sesaco: 11W, 19A, S22, S23,


NON-

S24, S25, S26, S28, S29, (all of these lines


DEHISCENT

and varieties have been disclosed in previous


TEST 

patents, and there are no lines or varieties that


(Character 

are not included.)


No. 26)
IND
go to the PRESENCE OF PYGMY ALLELES


PRESENCE 
py/py
Eliminate from Sesaco: S70


OF PYGMY
PY/PY
From Sesaco: S27, S30, S32, S33, and S34,


ALLELES 

go to BRANCHING STYLE


(Character




No. 44)




BRANCHING 
U
Eliminate from Sesaco: S27, S32, and S33


STYLE
B
From Sesaco: S30 and S34, go to Table IV


(Character 




No. 1)





a SHA = shattering; SSH = semi-shattering; ID = indehiscent; SR = shatter resistant; XX = not non-dehiscent according to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452; ND = non-dehiscent according to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452; IND = improved non-dehiscent according to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 8,080,707, py/py = presence of homozygous pygmy alleles; PY/PY = absence of pygmy allelesaccording to the teachings of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0271359; U = unbranched; B = branched






As a comparison to the S34 variety, another Improved Non-dehiscent (IND) sesame cultivar, S30, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,847,149. S30 is a stable, commercially suitable sesame line providing improved non-dehiscence.
Table III differentiates S34 from all other cultivars and varieties except S30. Table IV provides additional data that separates S34 from S30.







TABLE IV







Character Comparison of S34 to S30











No.
Character
Year/nursery
S30
S34














6
HEIGHT OF FIRST CAPSULE (cm)
2011 UV
43
52


7
CAPSULE ZONE LENGTH (cm)
2011 UV
79
67


27
DAYS TO FLOWERING
2011 UV
38
43


33
SEED WEIGHT − 100 SEEDS 
1997-2011
0.317
0.338



FROM 10 cap TEST





34
COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE
2011 UV
6.5
7.2


38
RESISTANCE TO BACTERIAL 
2010 LO
7.0
5.2



BLACK ROT





39
RESISTANCE TO SILVERLEAF
2012 PR
5.0
7.0



WHITEFLY









In comparison to S30, it can be seen in the above table that S34 has a higher first capsule, has a shorter capsule zone, flowers later, has a higher seed weight, has higher composite kill rating, has less resistance to bacterial black rot, and has better resistance to Silverleaf whitefly.
Table V shows all the characters from Table II for S34 and varieties S26, S30, S32, S33, and S34. The table is in terms of all of the characters listed in Table II. The major differences in Table V are indicated in the “Dif” column by a “C” for commercially important differences and an “M” for morphological differences.







TABLE V







Character Comparison of S26, S30, S32, S33, and S34a















No.
Character
Year/nursery
S26
S30
S32
S33
S34
Dif





1
Branching Style
All
B
U
B
B
U
M


2
Number of Capsules per
All
1
1
1
1
1




Leaf Axil









3
Maturity Class
Adjusted PM
100
99
99
98
98





2008-2011 UV
M
M
M
M
M



4
Plant Phenotype
All
B1M
U1M
B1M
B1M
U1M



5
Height of Plant (cm)
2011 UV
128
122
131
122
119



6
Height of First Capsule
2011 UV
52
43
55
55
52




(cm)









7
Capsule Zone Length
2011 UV
76
79
76
67
67




(cm)









8
Number of Capsule Node
2011 UV
22
26
23
22
23




pairs









9
Average Internode
2011 UV
3.4
3.0
3.2
3.2
3.0




Length within Capsule










Zone (cm)









10
Yield at Drydown (kg/ha)
2011 UV
783
808
720
747
825





2011 LO
437
498
486
516
620



11
Resistance to Drought
2000 SA
Good
NT
NT
NT
NT





 5th - 2008 UV
28.1
16.3
25.5
19.8
NT



12
Leaf Length (cm)
10th - 2008 UV
22.3
18.5
18.3
15.7
NT





15th - 2008 UV
15.9
15.0
14.1
11.1
NT





 5th - 2008 UV
16.6
10.7
14.8
11.7
NT



13
Leaf Blade Length (cm)
10th - 2008 UV
16.8
14.3
14.7
12.8
NT





15th - 2008 UV
13.3
12.5
12.2
10.3
NT





 5th - 2008 UV
23.0
10.5
13.8
11.7
NT



14
Leaf Blade Width (cm)
10th - 2008 UV
5.4
3.0
3.0
1.9
NT





15th - 2008 UV
2.6
2.0
1.6
1.2
NT





 5th - 2008 UV
11.5
5.6
10.7
8.1
NT



15
Petiole Length (cm)
10th - 2008 UV
5.5
4.2
3.6
2.9
NT





15th - 2008 UV
2.6
2.4
2.0
1.8
NT



16
Number of Carpels per
All
2
2
2
2
2




Capsule









17
Capsule Length (cm)
1997-2011 All 
2.26
2.26
2.14
2.09
2.39



18
Seed Weight per
1997-2011 All 
0.232
0.259
0.219
0.202
0.248




Capsule (g)









19
Capsule Weight per
1997-2011 All 
0.163
0.172
0.148
0.140
0.172




Capsule (g)









20
Capsule Weight per cm
1997-2011 All 
0.072
0.076
0.069
0.067
0.072




of Capsule (g)









21
Visual Shatter
All
W
I
I
I
I




Resistance









22
Shaker Shatter
1997-2011 All  
73.1 
77.1
74.8
83.4
79.5




Resistance (%)









23
Capsule Shattering Type
All
SR
SR
SR
SR
SR



24
Non-dehiscent Test
All
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND



25
Improved Non-dehiscent
2008 UV
6.3
7.2
7.1
7.5
7.4




visual rating
2008 LO
6.3
7.3
7.2
7.4
7.4



26
Improved Non-dehiscent
All
ZZ
IND
IND
IND
IND




Test









27
Days to Flowering
2011 UV
45
38
42
40
43



28
Days to Flower
2011 UV
81
73
78
72
80




Termination









29
Days to Physiological
2011 UV
102
102
100
97
100




Maturity









30
Days to Direct Harvest
2011 UV
164
148
150
156
151



31
Lodging Resistance
2007 UV
6.6
7.3
6.2
8.0
NT





2007 LO
5.0
7.9
7.1
8.0
NT



32
Seed Color
All
BF
BF
BF
BF
BF



33
Seed Weight - 100
1997-2011 All 
0.330 
0.317
0.309
0.292
0.338
C



Seeds from 10 cap test










(g)









34
Composite Kill
2011 UV
6.9
6.5
6.6
7.3
7.2
C



Resistance









35
Resistance to Fusarium

NT
NT
NT
NT
NT




Wilt (F. oxysporum)









36
Resistance to

NT
NT
NT
NT
NT




Phytophtora Stem Rot










(P. parasitica)









37
Resistance to Charcoal

NT
NT
NT
NT
NT




Rot (Macrophomina










phaseoli)









38
Resistance to Bacterial
2010 LO
5.8
7.0
7.0
5.9
5.2
C



Black Rot (Pseudomonas










sesami)









39
Resistance to Silverleaf
2011 PR
6.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
7.0
C



Whitefly (Bemisia










argentifolii)









40
Resistance to Green
2004 UV
8.0
8.0
5.5
NT
NT




Peach Aphid (Myzus










persica)









41
Resistance to Pod Borer
2001 UV
NEC
NT
NT
NT
NT




(Heliothis spp.)









42
Resistance to Army

NT
NT
NT
NT
NT




Worms (Spodoptera










spp.)









43
Resistance to Cabbage
2007 LO
NEC
NEC
NEC
NT
NT




Loopers (Pieris rapae)









44
Presence of pygmy
All
PY/
PY/
PY/
PY/
PY/




alleles

PY
PY
PY
PY
PY



45
Seed oil content (%)
2011 UV
52.7
52.0
53.7
51.7
53.8





2010 UV
53.4
51.8
52.4
51.9
53.9





aB = true branches; U = uniculm (no true branches); UV = Uvalde nursery; M = medium maturity class of 95-104 days; B1M = phenotype of true branches, single capsules per leaf axil, and medium maturity class of 95-104 days; U1M = phenotype of uniculm, single capsules per leaf axil, and medium maturity class of 95-104 days; LO = Lorenzo nursery; NT = not tested; W = weather visual seed retention >75%; SR = shatter resistant; ND = non-dehiscent; ZZ = not improved non-dehiscent; IND = improved non-dehiscent; BF = buff color; and NEC = no economic damage - not enough disease or insects to do ratings; PY/PY = absence of pygmy alleles.






As stated earlier, in developing sesame varieties for the United States, there are eight important characters: SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE (Character No. 22), IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT VISUAL RATING (Character No. 25), COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE (Character No. 34), DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY (Character No. 29), YIELD AT DRYDOWN (Character No. 10), SEED COLOR (Character No. 32), SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDS FROM 10CAP TEST (Character No. 33), and SEED OIL CONTENT (Character No. 45). These characters will be discussed first comparing S34 to Sesaco varieties (S26, S30, S32, and S33, which are the current varieties used in the United States), followed by other characters that differentiate S34. The data is based on planting the varieties side by side with five replications in Uvalde and two in Lorenzo.
FIG. 2 provides the SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE (Character No. 22) of various Sesaco sesame varieties using data from 1997 through 2011. SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE represents the amount of seed that is retained by the plant several months after being dry in the field. This standard was developed as a minimum standard in 1997-1998 and has proven to be a good predictor of shatter resistance. All varieties have SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE in the mid seventy to mid eighty percent level.
S34 has 79.5% SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE, which is above the 65% threshold established in U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452 to qualify S34 as a non-dehiscent variety.
FIG. 3 provides the IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT VISUAL RATING (Character No. 25) of the patented varieties (data from Uvalde and Lorenzo nurseries, 2011). When the plants have reached DAYS TO DIRECT HARVEST (Character No. 30), the plants are holding more than the seed represented by the SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE percentage. If there is no rain, fog, dew, or wind during the drying phase, the non-dehiscent plants will be retaining almost all of their seed for the combine. However, the predominant weather in the harvest season in the U.S. includes rain, fog, dew, and wind. The IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT VISUAL RATING sets a new benchmark for selecting varieties based on a rating done 4 weeks after DAYS TO DIRECT HARVEST (the ideal harvest time).
S34 exhibited an IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT VISUAL RATING rating of 7.4 (data from both Uvalde and Lorenzo nurseries, 2011) which is above the 7.0 threshold established in U.S. Pat. No. 8,080,707 to qualify S34 as an improved non-dehiscent variety.
FIG. 4 provides the COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE (Character No. 34) of the patented varieties (data from Uvalde nursery, 2011). COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE is a composite rating of resistance to three root rots: Fusarium, Phytophtora, and Macrophomina. In most years, Fusarium is the major cause of kill. When sesame is first introduced into a growing area, there are few disease problems, but over time the spores of these fungi accumulate and disease resistance becomes important. When sesame was first introduced in Uvalde in 1988, the yields were high. As farmers planted on the same fields in subsequent years, the yields decreased.
S34 has a rating of 7.2 for COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE (data from Uvalde nursery, 2011) and is an improvement over most of the other patented commercial varieties. Any rating above 5.67 indicates that over 90% of the plants produced good seed to the top of the plant.
FIG. 5 provides the mean DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY (Character No. 29) of the previously patented Sesaco sesame varieties (data from Uvalde nursery, 2011). In the United States, sesame is currently grown from South Texas to Central Kansas. The growing window of a crop is determined by the earliest the crop can be planted in the spring as the ground warms up, and the onset of cold weather in the fall. Current sesame varieties require about 21° C. ground temperature to establish an adequate population and night temperatures above 5° C. for normal termination. Generally, the ground is warm enough in South Texas in middle April and in Central Kansas in late May, and the night temperatures are warm enough in South Texas until the middle of November and in southern Kansas until the middle of October. Cold fronts may affect the growth of sesame, and these are more likely in northern growing areas from the middle of September on. Elevation may also affect the growing temperature. For example, moving from east of Lubbock, Tex., at the start of the Caprock toward the west, the elevations begin climbing approaching toward the Rocky Mountains. The higher the elevation, the earlier the onset of fall cold temperatures and the later the onset of spring warm temperatures. In all years, if the sesame is planted as early as temperatures allow, lines with DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY of 105 days or less will not be adversely affected by the temperatures, even in years with an early frost. Data gathered over a twenty-three year period indicates that about 96% of the time, sesame with a value of 115 or less DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY will produce a crop. Since most growing areas depend upon having a planting rain before the sesame is planted, the earlier the DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY of the variety, the more flexibility the farmers have with the planting date. Different geographical areas may have different goals due to the normal weather patterns. In South Texas, varieties with DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY of less than 110 days are generally suitable, while in southern Kansas it is preferred, but not always necessary, to utilize varieties with lower DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY such as 100 days or less.
The mean DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY for S34 is 100, which allows it to be planted in all of the current sesame growing areas. Care should be taken in areas where early freezes may occur to plant S34 in at a time where it will physiologically mature prior to expected freezes.
FIG. 6 provides the mean YIELD AT DRYDOWN (Character 10) of the patented varieties (testing in the Uvalde nursery in 2011). In releasing a new variety, another important consideration is whether the yields will be comparable or better than the existing varieties.
The yield of S34 is expected to be slightly better or better than that of prior varieties under typical growing conditions and was found to be comparable under less than ideal conditions used for testing as reported in FIG. 6. The yield data is taken close to DAYS TO DIRECT HARVEST (Character No. 30), which is the ideal time to harvest. However, weather in the fall in the sesame growing areas of the U.S. can prevent harvest for up to a month subjecting the crop to rain, fog, dew, and wind. Those four factors increase shattering, and wind may bring on lodging. Drought can affect yield. As reported in FIG. 6, the 2011 data from the Uvalde and Lorenzo areas indicates a lower yield than would be expected under typical conditions since those areas experienced historical drought conditions that year. No rain fell during the growing season, and there was virtually no sub-surface moisture from winter and spring rains. Both nurseries had irrigation, but in severe drought, the yields are still lower than in normal years.
The SEED COLOR (Character No. 32) of S34 is buff, which is suitable for most of the U.S. and world markets.
FIG. 7 provides the mean SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDS FROM THE 10CAP TEST (Character No. 33) of the current varieties between 1997 and 2011. A particular seed weight may be a characteristic desired by certain seed processors and end-users and commercial specifications may require a threshold seed weight.
S34 seed is heavier than the other patented varieties (between 0.33 and 0.34 grams per hundred seeds), and thus meets most commercial specifications in the ingredient and natural topping markets for sesame seed, which (in the United States) often set a threshold value of 0.30 grams per hundred seed weight.
FIG. 8 provides the SEED OIL CONTENT (Character No. 45) of the current varieties. The commercial oil markets generally contractually require that sesame seed contain an oil content of at least 50-52%. If the oil content is lower than the specified requirement, the contract generally penalizes the seller. While current commercial practice does not include a monetary incentive to the seller if sesame seed has a higher oil content than the contractual requirement, increasing the oil content of sesame seed may provide de facto advantages to the purchaser or user.
S34 exhibited oil contents of 53.8% and 53.9% (data from Uvalde 2010 and 2011) and thus is suitable for use as a source of sesame oil for the commercial oil market.
FIG. 9 provides the RESISTANCE TO SILVERLEAF WHITEFLY (Character No. 39). This pest is a problem in areas having high temperatures and other crops that attract whiteflies, such as vegetable crops. Examples of sesame growing areas which may be subject to whitefly issues are the South Texas/Lower Rio Grande Valley region, which typically has many acres of vegetables planted and Puerto Rico. Having resistance to the whitefly provides a benefit to a sesame variety.
S34 has demonstrated adequate resistance to whiteflies. While prior variety S26 has been used as a comparative standard for whitefly resistance, S34 (with a rating of 7.0) had better resistance than S26 in testing conducted in Puerto Rico.
FIG. 10 provides the RESISTANCE TO BACTERIAL BLACK ROT (Character No. 38). Bacterial black rot may occur, though rare, when there are cool, cloudy days, usually at higher elevations. While there may be little sesame acreage subject to these conditions, resistance may still be important to some growers.
S34, with a rating of 5.2, exhibits less resistance when these conditions are present than previously described varieties. However, generally, only ratings below 4.0 are equated to substantially reduced yields.
On Mar. 27, 2012, a deposit of at least 2500 seeds of sesame plant S34 was made by Sesaco Corporation under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, and the deposit was given ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707. This deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository for a period of 30 years or 5 years after the last request or for the enforceable life of the patent, whichever is longer. Should the seeds from the sesame line S34 deposited with the American Type Culture Collection become non-viable, the deposit will be replaced by Sesaco Corporation upon request.
The foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and characters for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the invention as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

## Claims

1. A seed of sesame variety designated S34, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707.

2. A sesame plant produced by growing the seed of sesame variety S34, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707.

3. Pollen of said sesame plant of claim 2.

4. A sesame plant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of sesame variety S34, a sample of the seed of said variety having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707.

5. A tissue culture of regenerable cells produced from seed of sesame variety S34, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707.

6. A tissue culture of regenerable cells produced from sesame plant S34 produced by growing the seed of sesame variety S34, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707.

7. A sesame plant regenerated from a tissue culture of regenerable cells produced from seed of sesame variety S34, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707, wherein said regenerated sesame plant has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of said sesame variety S34.

8. A sesame plant regenerated from a tissue culture of regenerable cells produced from a sesame plant produced by growing the seed of sesame variety S34, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707, wherein said regenerated sesame plant has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of said sesame variety S34.

9. A method of producing sesame seed, comprising crossing a first parent sesame plant with a second parent sesame plant and harvesting the resultant sesame seed, wherein said first or second parent sesame plant was produced by growing seed of sesame variety S34, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-12707.