To set a distinction method for sesame cultivars,110 sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)germplasms were collected from China,Cuba,the former Soviet Union,Mozambique,Japan,and the United States.Materials were characterized for various agro-morphological traits at 3 locations in China(Wuhan,Zhumadian and Shijiazhuang)during 2005 and 2006.34 traits were observed.Yield-related traits showed wide range of phenotypic variability.Number of nodes to the first flower,initial flowering,leaf length,leaf width,leaf length/width ratio at initial flowering,lobe incision of basal leaf,petiole length of basal leaf,branch number,plant height,capsule length,capsule width,1000-seed weight,seed oil content,and seed crude protein content were scored according to grades 3,4,5,6 and 7.Stem hairiness,leaf color,flower hairiness,color on outer side of corolla,pink color on inner side of lower lip,anther filament color,and capsule hairiness ranged from few(light)to more(heavy)and were scored according to the minimal descriptors 1,2 and 3.Number of flowers per leaf axil,pink color on inner side of corolla,enations on back side of a leaf,petiole color,number of carpels per capsule,plant growth type,stem branching,main stem color at maturity,capsule color at maturity,capsule dehiscence at maturity,seed shape,and seed coat texture varied little and were scored according to two grades,either 1 and 2 or 1 and 9.The 5 seed coat colors white,yellow,brown,grey and black,were scored as 1,2,3,4,and5 respectively.Based on traits variability,a set of 34 minimal descriptors was suggested for characterization of sesame for distinctness,uniformity and stability(DUS),and was recommended in national agriculture standard NY/T 2434-2013.