POSTHARVEST

MANAGEMENT OF SESAME

GROUP NO 2.
SESAME
• Sesame is a versatile and widely consumed agricultural commodity.
• It is primary cultivated for its seeds which have various culinary and industrial uses.
• Its production levels can vary due to factors like weather patterns, crop diseases and
governmental policies.
Uses of sesame
• Sesame seeds are widely used in cooking and baking
• Sesame seeds are used in the production of snacks like sesame bars, granola bars and
sesame crackers after being roasted and seasoned
• It is used in production of sesame oil, margarine and mayonnaise
• It is used in cosmetic industry, to produce creams, soaps, lotions and hair care products
due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties
• It is used as lubricant in machinery
• It is used in production of biodiesel
• Due to its therapeutic properties its products are used for massage and skin care
Indicators used to harvest sesame
• They vary depending on the variety and growing condition, but the following are commonly
observed when determining optimal time for sesame’s harvest;
• Pod color. When pods turn yellow or brown, it is an indication that the seeds inside are mature and
ready for harvest.
• Opening of pods. The pods naturally open (dehiscence), indicating that the crop is ready for harvest.
However you should not wait too long after dehiscence as the seeds may begin to drop out of the
pods and be lost
• Dryness of the plants. As the sesame plant matures, the leaves and stem start to dry and turn
yellow, harvesting at this stage ensures that the plant has reached its maximum seed development.
• Seed hardness. When the seeds are fully mature they become hard and firm. It can be checked by
pressing the seeds between the fingers, if they feel firm and do not crush easily is a sign that they
are ready for harvest.
• Seed moisture content. At the time of harvest sesame seeds should have moisture content of 6% to
8%. Moisture meter is used to check moisture content or by measuring the weight of the seed’s
sample before and after drying them in an oven. Properly dried seeds are essential for storage and
preventing spoilage.
• Seed color. Seeds should be harvested after turning color from green to light brown or beige color,
because it is the right time as they have attain full maturity
 Pre-harvest preparations to ensure efficient harvest
• Monitoring maturity. Typically around 90-120 days sesame plants will attain maturity.it is
important to monitor the crops closely and determine the optimal time for harvest. The
seeds should be fully developed and dry before harvesting.
• Weather conditions. Sesame should be harvested during dry weather to minimize the
moisture content in the seeds which helps to prevent spoilage during storage
• Harvesting tools. Tools like sickles, scythes, or combine harvesters depending on the scale of
your operation should be well prepared before harvesting by cleaning them, sharpening and
ensure they are in good working condition.
• Field preparation. Obstacles or debris such as rocks, large clumps of soil, or other
obstructions that might hinder harvesting process should be removed.
• Drying. Sesame seeds should be well dried before harvesting to minimize growth of mold
during storage
• Storage containers. Suitable containers should be prepared. They should be clean dry and
airtight and they should not allow moisture or pests to enter.
• Storage conditions. The storage area should be clean, cool and dry. Proper temperature and
humidity control are crucial for preventing seed deterioration. Aim for storage temperature
of around 10-15°C and humidity level below 60%.
 Harvesting
• Sesame can be harvested using several methods depending on the scale of cultivation, local
farming practices and available equipments. Some common methods used are;
• Manual harvesting. In small scale or traditional farming systems, sesame plants are harvested
manually, using tools like sickles or knives to cut the plants at the base. This method is
important for selective harvesting, where only mature plants are harvested.
• Mechanical harvesting. In larger scale commercial sesame farming this method can be applied
to increase efficiency. Mechanical harvesters equipped with cutting blades are used to cut and
gather sesame plants. These machines may also have mechanism to separate the seeds from
the harvested plants during the process.
• Combining and threshing. Some farmers use combine harvesters, it cuts the sesame plants,
separates the seeds from the mother plants, and stores them in the hopper. Afterward, the
harvested sesame plants are threshed to remove any remaining seeds. Threshing can be done
using mechanical threshers or traditional methods such as beating the plants with sticks or
using threshing drums
• Windrow harvesting. In this method, the sesame plants are left to dry in the field after
reaching maturity. Once the plants have dried sufficiently, they are gathered into rows or
windrows using rakes or specialized equipment. The windrow are left to dry further before the
seeds are mechanically extracted using theshers or other appropriate equipments.
 Post-harvest handling of sesame seeds.
• Threshing. Is the process of separating the sesame seeds from the dried plants. It can be done
manually or beating the plants with sticks or by use of mechanical threshers.
• Drying. proper drying helps to reduce moisture content of sesame seeds and prevent spoilage
during storage. Spread the seeds in a thin layer on clean, dry surfaces and expose them to
sunlight or use mechanical dryers if available. Stir the seeds regularly to ensure even drying
• Cleaning. Remove any impurities like stones, plant debris, or other foreign material from the
dried sesame seeds. This can be done using sieves or winnowing techniques to separate the
seeds from unwanted particles.
• Storage. After cleaning, the seeds should be stored in suitable containers or bags to protect
them from moisture, pests and spoilage. Use clean and dry containers made of materials such
as sacks or food-grade plastic bags. Store the seeds in a cool, dry and well ventilated area.
• Pest and disease management. Measures to control pests and diseases should be
implemented, such as fumigation, use of insecticides or employing biological methods
• Transportation. During transportation, the seeds should be handled carefully to prevent
damage or moisture absorption. Use clean and dry vehicles, protect seeds from direct sunlight
and avoid rough handling.
• Quality control. Conduct regular quality control checks to monitor the moisture content purity
and presence of storage pests.
 Post harvest insects pests affecting sesame
1. The lesser grain borer. (Rhyzopertha dominica)
• Is a common pest that infest stored seeds of sesame.
• Damage; they tunnel into the seeds, creating small holes and galleries.
Infested seeds may appear discolored and damaged.
• Other symptoms of infested seeds are;
• Frass; presence of fine powder-like frass on the infested seeds which consists
of insect excrement and chewed seeds particles. The frass may accumulate
near the damaged areas or at the bottom of storage containers.
• Odor. Emission of characteristic musty or stale odor due to presence of the
insects and their activities
 Management strategies of lesser grain borers.
• Prevention. Preventive measures should be implemented in the storage areas
such as sanitation and removing any spilled or infested seeds and isolate them.
• Temperature control. Keeping the temperature below 15 °C can effectively
slow down their activities and growth because these pests thrive in warm
temperatures.
• Moisture control. These pests prefer high humidity conditions, so
maintenance of humidity below 12-14% is essential. It is achieved by
dehumidification and proper ventilation techniques.
• Inspect and monitor. Regular inspections are recommended o the stored
seeds to realize any sign of infestation. Traps can be used to detect presence of
adult insects.
• Chemical control. This is applied after consulting the pest management
professionals, for appropriate insecticides approved for use on these pests.
 2. Red flour beetles. (Tribolium castanem)
• They are small reddish-brown beetles that cause significant damages to stored
grains by feeding on the seeds and contaminating them with their body parts
and excrement.
• Symptoms
• Presence of live adult beetles on the stored sesame seeds
• Damages and hollowed seeds. These beetles feed on sesame seeds, causing
damage by creating holes, tunnels and hollowing out the seeds. The infested
seeds appear shriveled, discolored having powdery appearance.
• Accumulation of frass near infested grain bins or storage areas.
• Unpleasant odor. Emission of musty or rancid odor.
 Control measures.
• Sanitation. Cleanliness is important by removing any spilled or infested seeds
from storage areas and vacuum or sweep the storage facilities.
• Proper storage. Storage in airtight containers or bins that are well sealed to
prevent entry of beetles, and ensure that the storage areas are clean.
• Temperature management. These pests are less active and reproduce less
temperatures below 20 °C. cooling systems are important.
• Moisture control. Red flower beetles thrive in humid environments. So
maintenance of moisture level below 14% is recommended. Desiccants or
drying agents can be used to achieve optimal moisture level.
 3. Rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae)
• They are small in size approximately 2-3 millimeters, with a long snout.
They can infest stored seeds of sesame and cause significant damages.
• Symptoms of infestation of rice weevils.
• Presence of live adults weevils in the stored sesame’s seeds is an initial
indicator of infestation of these pests.
• Holes in the grains. Rice weevils feed on sesame seeds and creates small,
round exit holes on the surface. These holes are often surrounded by fine
flour or dust.
• Accumulation of fine flour or dust produced by the feeding activities of
rice weevils.
 Control measures.
• Sanitation. Cleanliness of the storage room is important before introducing new
seeds of sesame. Remove any spilled seeds, grains or debris that may serve as a
food source for weevils.
• Proper storage containers. The use of airtight containers for storage is
recommended. Metals or glass containers with tight-fitting lids are more effective
in preventing weevils infestations compared to traditional bags or sacks.
• Temperature and moisture control. Maintain cool and dry environment on stored
seeds, is important for reducing growth and reproduction of these weevils.
• Freezing or heating treatment. When suspecting any infestation of rice weevils in
the storage room or want to prevent infestation in newly sesame seeds, you can
freeze the grains at -18 °C for a minimum of 72 hours or heat them at 60 °C for at
least 30 minutes. These treatments can kill both weevils and their eggs.
• Fumigation. Fumigants like methyl bromide, ethylene dibromide, HCN and
phostoxin tablets can be used depending on the advice from the agricultural
experts