The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of mechanical damages application in 'Geada' avocado fruit by impact, compression, and cut. This work was carried out in two stages: first, the impact test was applied by free fall of the fruits, from 1.5 m to 3.0 m, with steps of 0.5 m. For the compression tests, fruits were loaded using blocks of two different weights: 6 kg for 12 h and 12 kg for 6 h. Four cuts of 80 mm, in length and 4 mm, in depth were performed for the cut tests; second, for the compression tests was used blocks of 12 kg for longer time than the first one (24 h). In the impact test it was applied a 2.0 m free fall and cuts was carried out in the same way of first stage. The fruits were stored at room condition and evaluated for coloration, weight loss, total soluble solids and titratable acidity. The results showed that fall higher than 2.0 m promoted fissures in the fruits; up to 2.0 m high it was observed fissures in pit surrounding that was filled by filaments of rigid appearance that was not visible on the skin surface. The avocado fruit was not susceptible at compression application (6 kg/12 h and 12 kg/6 h), but at 12 kg/24 h the skin exhibited darker green color than control fruits for three days. The cuts promoted skin scars.
compression; cut; impact; Persea americana
