Integrated Multidimensional Evaluation of Postharvest Quality and Physiopathologies in Seasonal Tropical Fruits: Linking Physicochemical, Sensorial, and Economic Loss Parameters

Tropical regions exhibit remarkable environmental variability, resulting in high biodiversity and numerous fruit species with considerable nutritional and commercial potential. Despite this richness, many tropical fruits remain underexplored, particularly regarding their postharvest quality, phytosanitary status, and consumer perception. This study aimed to characterize and analyze five seasonal tropical fruit species that lack comprehensive evaluation: mamoncillo (Melicoccus bijugatus), yellow sapote (Quararibea cordata), red dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus), chontaduro (Bactris gasipaes), and cherimoya (Annona cherimola). Samples were collected from commercial distribution centers in Colombia during the 2024-2025 harvest seasons. Physicochemical traits and postharvest diseases and disorders were evaluated using fruits at commercial maturity, while economic losses and physiopathological impacts were assessed in the main marketing centers of Antioquia, Cundinamarca, and Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Additionally, a consumer perception survey was analyzed using natural language processing techniques to prioritize quality attributes such as color, aroma, flavor, and texture. Results revealed high variability in physical, chemical, and physiological parameters among species and between species by season (2024 vs. 2025). The most frequent disorders included epidermal browning, dehydration, senescence, and sunburn, while anthracnose and stem-end rot were the predominant pathological conditions. These issues caused a 40%-70% reduction in market value and fruit losses ranging from 25% to 80%. Highly perishable fruits, such as cherimoya, and high-cost products, like red dragon fruit, exhibited particularly elevated waste rates. Our research provides an integrated perspective on the postharvest behavior, economic implications of postharvest physiopathologies, and consumer acceptance of seasonal tropical fruits, emphasizing the need to improve pre- and postharvest handling and establish strategies for export-oriented quality and phytosanitary assurance.