Key morphological capsule traits influencing sesame seed retention and threshability. (a) Capsule dehiscence score: compares a generally shatter-resistant genotype (left) exhibiting a more complete suture split (score closer to 1), which facilitates seed release during threshing, versus a susceptible genotype (right) with a less extensive split. (b) Capsule valve opening score: illustrates differences in apical gap width (optimal score ∼ 7 allows drying while retaining seeds). (c) Membrane coverage score: shows optimal coverage (score 7), which retains seeds pre-harvest but is fragile enough for threshing. (d) Capsule compactness (cross-section): highlights reduced apical gap in resistant (left) vs. susceptible (right) capsules (optimal score 4-5 balances retention and release). (e) Seed-placenta adhesion: illustrates seed attachment within the locules (optimal score ∼ 7 withstands vibration but yields to threshing). Refer to Table 2 for detailed scoring. Scale bar in (a) = 1 cm