Postharvest losses of guava in the retail trade at chapadinha (MA)

Abstract

As it is climatic fruit, guava has a short postharvest shelf life, that limits its marketing. The aim of the present work was to conduct a survey about the commercialization scenario and estimation of postharvest losses of guava in Chapadinha (MA). The research carried out in November 2016, through interviews in 12 groceries stores and 2 supermarkets in the city of Chapadinha (MA). For this, a questionnaire consisting of 13 objective questions that covered aspects about the origin, trading volume, causes, and estimation of guava losses was used. At the end of the study, it was found that 95% of guava sold in Chapadinha comes from the city of Tianguá (CE). Postharvest losses were estimated at 21% for supermarkets and 17% groceries stores. Physiological (accelerated ripening) and mechanical (kneading) factors were mainly responsible for guava losses. The damage caused can be mitigated by the adoption of good post-harvest practices and administrative management, which have the potential to be disseminated by training courses.