Pod dehiscence in six rape varieties drying after harvest in the field was investigated with use of strain gauge. The development of rape pods was observed after 3-4 days of flowering. The length of pod and seed reached of their maximal size at the 20th and 35th days after flowering, respectively. The seed shape was nearly spherical 40 days after flowering, and pod width was maximal at the 45th days of flowering. Moisture content of seeds was 70% at cutting time, reduced to 30% at 5 days of drying in the plastic film house and 10% at 14 days. Pod dehiscence showed a diurnal change with moisture content of pods and relative humidity, and the dehiscence became difficult under low moisture content of pods and relative humidity of which seems to be related to the rapid drying condition of pod.