Diagnóstico do perfil tecnológico do abacaxi ‘Turiaçu’ e perspectivas da certificação territorial sob indicação geográfica

Abstract

The ‘Turiaçu’ pineapple variety plays a prominent role in the Maranhão consumer market, occurs in the municipality of Turiaçu, and is recognized for its excellent physical-biometric and sensory quality. This quality results from the interaction between genetic factors, local soil and climate conditions and traditional cultural practices. This study aimed to evaluate and characterize the production process and technological profile of pineapple producers in the municipality, in addition to gathering information to support certification by Geographical Indication (GI) in the Denomination of Origin (DO) category, with an emphasis on the preparation of the technical specifications booklet. The municipality and producing communities were characterized, as well as a historical, cultural and socioeconomic survey of local pineapple production, the profile of producers and the technological level used in cultivation were characterized in a sample of 30% of producers, and the incidence of corky lesions on fruits in producing areas was assessed. Twenty-two rural communities were identified, totaling 231 producers active in the production of ‘Turiaçu’ pineapple. The communities of Serra dos Paz, Paxiba, Janaúba and Vila dos Castro concentrate the largest number of producers (55.0%). The profile of producers showed a predominance of family farmers, with low levels of education and an average age between 41 and 50 years. Most of the properties have less than 50 hectares, with pineapple crops in small areas. Production is mostly traditional, with little adoption of technologies and practices such as the slash-andburn system. The assessment of the incidence of cortical lesions revealed that 66.8% of the fruits presented cortical lesions, with an average of 3.8 lesions per fruit. Properties without technical assistance and rural extension (ATER) presented a higher incidence and severity of these lesions. Thus, the importance of technical assistance to improve fruit quality and reduce losses is highlighted. The Technical Specifications Notebook aims to guide producers on the parameters of production, harvesting, marketing, product representativeness and use of the brand. The GI certification by Denomination of Origin will add value to the ‘Turiaçu’ pineapple, strengthening its territorial identity and promoting the sustainable development of the region.