Tracking the storage stability in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): impact of accelerated storage on storability characteristics, seed quality, phytochemical content, and fatty acids

Abstract Storage stability under non-optimal conditions is an essential characteristic of Sudanese sesame. To understand opportunities to improve storage stability in sesame, seed quality, storability characteristics, content of fatty acids and phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated in ten Sudanese genotypes subjected to high temperature (55 °C) and humidity (60% RH) for 16 and 32 days. The accelerated storage increased seed color, linoleic acid, fungal growth, and peroxide value, while oil content, oleic acid, water activity, phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacity decreased (P  0.05). The landrace Abusundoug showed better storage stability than the other genotypes due to generally low fatty acids and high phytochemical contents. The differences in storage stability in the Sudanese genotypes underscore the need for their further evaluation and use in breeding programs to improve sesame shelf life and quality.