Being peculiar for its unique chemical and nutritional characteristics, sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is
a good option for farmers. It is used as human food, animal feed and has great potential for the
production of bio diesel. Despite these potentials, studies on ideal maturity stage for harvesting and
physiological quality of sesame seeds in different parts of the plant are rare and also there is
insufficient information on it. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the physiological quality of
sesame seeds harvested at different maturity stages and plant positions. It employs complete
randomized design consisting of factorial scheme 2 × 3 × 3, with four replications. Treatments are
composed of two beige and black sesame seed cultivars, harvested at three maturity stages (50, 70 and
90%) and in three parts of the plant (superior, medial and inferior). The unproductive part was
discharged and the productive part was divided into three equal parts. The evaluation of physiological
quality of seeds in treatment was verified by the following tests: Standard Germination Test (TPG -
Teste Padrão de Germinação), first count, plant length, speedy aging and electrical conductivity. The
data were subjected to variation analysis, and when suitable, it was subjected to the Skott and Knott
test at 5% probability. The results of physiological analysis indicated that the seeds harvested with 90%
of mature capsules have higher percentages mean values for vigor and viability. Therefore, the
realization of harvest in these conditions it is the most appropriate to obtain a high quality product.