Fruit growing contributes to Brazilian socioeconomic growth, both as a source of food for the population and in the generation of employment and income. However, the production chain incurs significant negative impacts, mainly due to post-harvest losses. The objective of the current study was to estimate the post-harvest losses of fruits, occurring in the retail markets of Anapurus, Belágua, Mata Roma, São Benedito do Rio Preto and Urbano Santos (Maranhão State). The study was carried out with visits to 45 commercial establishments, and the deployment of a questionnaire regarding post-harvest losses of 12 fruits. It is concluded that, in decreasing order, losses were: avocado (11.76 ± 0.09%) > papaya (11.65% ± 0.02) > banana (10.82 ± 1.75%) > grape (10.08 ± 0.06%) > passion fruit (9.28 ± 0.04%) > pineapple (8.62 ± 0.04%) > watermelon (8.48 ± 0.05%) > mango (8.00 ± 0.18%) > orange (7.12 ± 0.10%) > apple (6.68 ± 0.07%) > pear (6.52 ± 0.03%) > melon (4.32 ± 0.01%). Physiological disorders were the main cause of losses, with estimated losses being up to 10.62%. It is suggested that losses could be reduced with: better hygiene in commercial environments, effective planning of the quantities offered, and the adoption of low cost technologies for the conservation and refrigeration of temperate fruits. Some public initiatives, such as the increase in availability of training courses, improvement of roads in the rural areas of the Chapadinha Microregion, and encouragement of the expansion of fruit growing in Maranhão, may lead to improvements, with direct benefits to society in general.

Surveys carried out in different microregions of Maranhã o highlight papaya as one of the fruits with the postharvest losses estimates. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the Journal of Agricultural Studies 385 efficiency of plastic packaging on postharvest conservation of Hawaii papaya to instruct the Maranhã o retail market about viable alternatives to mitigate losses related to this fruit. The papayas were purchased from CEASA of Sã o Luí s and sent to the laboratory. Posteriorly, they were randomly separated into 65 groups of 2 units, and then, applying the coverings are made. The experimental design was completely randomized in a split-plot at 4x5 times, with four treatment control [(without packaging), plastic film (FP), hermetic-bag (SH), and perforated-bag (SP)] and five evaluation periods (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days of storage); four repetitions and 2-fruits per portion (tray). For the individual biometric characterization, was carried out the measuring of the longitudinal and transverse diameters, fresh mass, pulp yield, seed mass, firmness, and fruit mass loss. Furthermore, for chemical analysis, total soluble solids content, total titratable acidity, and pH were measured. It was found, at the end of the study, that the hermetic-bag is efficient for maintaining the loss of fresh mass, firmness, ripening, total soluble solids content, total titratable acidity, and pH, which are relevant attributes of quality for commercialization of the Hawaii papaya. Therefore, the use of the hermetic-bag is recommended to increase the postharvest shelf life of Hawaii papaya fruit under stored at room conditions and at least for 15 days.

Understanding morphological and physiological changes under different light conditions in native fruit species in juveniles’ stage is important, as it indicate the appropriate environment to achieve vigorous saplings. We aimed to verify growth and morphophysiological changes under shade gradient in feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret) to achieve good quality saplings adequate to improve cultivation in orchards. The saplings were grown for twenty-one-month under four shading treatments (0%, 30%, 50%, and 80%). Growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchanges, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf anatomy parameters were evaluated. Saplings under full sun and 30% shade had higher height and diameter growth and dry mass accumulation due to higher photosynthesis rate. As main acclimatization mechanisms in feijoa saplings under 80% shade were developed larger leaf area, reduced leaf blade thickness, and enhanced quantum yield of photosystem II. Even so, the net CO2 assimilation and the electron transport rate was lower and, consequently, there was a restriction on the growth and dry mass in saplings under deep shade. Therefore, to obtain higher quality feijoa saplings, we recommend that it be carried out in full sun or up to 30% shade, to maximize the sapling vigor in nurseries and, later, this light environment can also be used in orchards for favor growth and fruit production.

The fruits and vegetables sector is one of the most relevant activities in the Brazilian economy, but it is frequently affected by barriers, such as the expressive rates of postharvest losses. In Maranhão, studies about these indicators are scarce, although they could assist in the identification of risk factors, food distribution, and improvement in socioeconomic and environmentals aspects. This study aimed to carry out a socioeconomic survey of the marketing and post-harvest losses of fruit and vegetables in the main retail markets of seven cities in Maranhão. For six months, direct interviews in 107 commercial establishments, were performed. The results indicated that more than 96% of fruits and vegetables come from Piauí, Bahia, and Ceará, transported in open trucks, without refrigeration, and on paved roads. Among fruits, papaya (17.90%), avocado (16.55%), and guava (13.82%) stand out as those which commonly present a higher loss rate, while for vegetables were eggplant (24.70%), potatoes (15.98%), and cucumber (15.69%). Furthermore, Physiological disorders and mechanical damage were considered as the major causes leading to the losses. Comparing among the cities, Santa Quitéria and São Bernardo are the ones that showed elevated losses rates. Therefore, it is necessary to stimulate the production of fruits and vegetables in Maranhão, as well as to provide better training in commercial management and good postharvest practices to increase the profitability of this activity and reduce environmental impacts.