 The discovery of an indehiscent mutant (analogous to nonshattering domestic grains) by Langham in 1943 began the work towards development of a high-yielding, dehiscence-resistant variety.Although researchers have made significant progress in sesame breeding, harvest losses due to early dehiscence continue to limit domestic US production.Since sesame is a small, flat seed, it is difficult to dry it after harvest because the small seed makes movement of air around the seed difficult.