This work aimed to evaluate the effects of different mechanical injuries on 'Tahiti' lime. Three types of injuries were tested: impact, compression and cut, then the fruits were stored under environmental conditions (25ºC, 65%RH). The evaluations were done at each 3 days, when it was observed the respiratory activity and the appearance and it was determinated the loss of fresh mass and content of soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and the pH. During the storage, the injured fruit showed the worst quality, affecting the chemical parameters and the appearance and reduced the days of possible comercialization, mainly the ones submitted to cut and impact. Those injuries also caused a greater increase on the respiratory activity. Loss of weight was also observed during this period and it was increased when the fruits were submitted to cuts. The impact injury showed the worst results for the quality of 'Tahiti' limes, with undesirable appearance changes at the 9th day of storage.
Citrus latifolia; compression; impact; cut; lime
