Studies of Wild Sesame Plants with Reference to Their Characters

[摘要] The species investigated were as follows: Sesamum alatum, S. angolense, S. angustifolium, S. capense, S. prostratum, and S. radiatum. The reed germination rate and germination energy of these species were generally low, and the terms required for germination were longer than that of the cultivated species Onishi-shirogoma (S. indicum). But we could obtain high germination rates by either of those two treatments, namely, wounding their seedcoats or alternating the germination temperature (30°C-8 hours and 20°C-16 hours, alternatively). S. alatum, S. angolense, S. capense, and S. radiatum showed more remarkalbe branching habit than the cultivated species (S. indicum). S. prostratum was found to have a creeping habit. S. angustifolium came into full bloom about one month later than the other species, and maturing was also late. The foliar glands of those wild species were larger and more numerous than those of the cultivated species (S. indicum). Capsules of S. prostratum were difficult to dehisce at maturing time. According to Index Kewensis, S. alatatum is identical with S. capense. We express our hearty thanks for the kindness of those who sent us the sesame seeds for this experiment.

[学科分类] 农业科学（综合）