Manavgat Golden Sesame Description and Distinguishing Features of Manavgat Golden Sesame Manavgat Golden Sesame belongs to the Pedaliaceae family and is an annual plant from the Sesamum genus, specifically the S. indicum species. It is a dicotyledonous plant that grows upright and is known for its high oil content. The Muganlı-57 variety is cultivated from this sesame. Historical records from Manavgat land registers, dating back to the 1450s and documenting taxes collected from tahini mills, suggest that sesame cultivation in Manavgat predates the 15th century. Sesame farming plays an important role in the agricultural heritage of the people in Manavgat, a region renowned for producing tahini supplied to the Ottoman Palace. Sesame is a heat-loving oilseed crop that requires regions with a monthly average temperature that does not drop below 20 °C, minimal fluctuations between day and night temperatures, and soil temperatures of 15-20 °C or higher during seed germination. It grows best in sandy-loamy alluvial soils. The agricultural practices in the Manavgat region, especially within the Manavgat River Basin and Karpuz Çay Basin, greatly influence the unique characteristics of Manavgat Golden Sesame. The alluvial soils in this area are rich in organic matter, have a clayey-loamy texture, neutral to slightly alkaline pH, and contain abundant mineral nutrients. The ideal conditions for the growth of Manavgat Golden Sesame include average temperatures between 20.2 and 24.6 °C during the growing season from May to September, minimal differences between day and night temperatures, and soil temperatures exceeding 25 °C at depths of 5, 10, and 20 cm. The low diurnal temperature range especially supports the development of a high oil content. The total oil content, a critical quality measure for sesame, ranges from 50% to 62% in Manavgat Golden Sesame. Besides its impressive oil yield, this sesame variety is internationally acclaimed for its seed size, color, and fragrance. Production Method Sowing: The soil is plowed during the autumn and winter seasons. In spring, when conditions are suitable, a second plowing is carried out. The second planting takes place after the wheat and barley harvest. Because sesame seeds are small and light, it is essential to carefully regulate the seeding quantity. For broadcast planting, 800-1000 grams per hectare is sufficient, while row planting with a seeder requires 400-600 grams. It is important to refrain from entering the fields until the plants reach a height of 10-15 cm, as flowering triggers accelerated growth. Depending on weed presence, manual hoeing may be done, or if planted mechanically, a tractor with an inter-row cultivator is used. Overcrowded seedlings are thinned. The initial flowering stage lasts about 45-50 days, signaling the onset of vigorous growth. Irrigation: Generally, irrigation is not required as the natural soil moisture is adequate. Fertilization: Prior to sowing, a balanced base fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideally applied. Weed Control: Weed elimination is conducted during the double plowing in spring. The soil is tilled to a depth of 8-10 cm, which helps conserve moisture and control weeds effectively. Harvest and Threshing: Indicators for harvest readiness include yellowing leaves and seed pods, partial leaf fall, flowering cessation, and seed coloration turning dark yellow in white varieties or light brown in brown varieties. Harvesting is done manually by bundling plants in groups of 10-25, arranged on a clean, flat surface with roots facing outward and tops inward, exposed to sunlight for 3 to 5 days. Once loosened, bundles of 8-10 are gathered and tied at the top with string or straw. This drying period lasts 7-15 days depending on weather, until the seed pods open for easy seed release. Finally, seeds are cleaned and bagged using harvesting machines equipped with fans.