Growing mangosteen in Brazil

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), family Clusiaceae, is considered the most delicious fruit from the Asiatic tropic. It wass introduced in the Brazil in 1935 and currently is cultivated mainly in the states of Para and Bahia in an area estimated on 350 ha with production of 300 tons. The fructification period of the mangosteen tree varies according to climatic conditions and, in the state of Para, the principal harvesting season is usually from January to May and a small second crop in August and September. In the state of Bahia the main harvest season is usually from March to April and a second harvesting occurs in August. Few pests have been observed in brazilian mangosteen orchards and the related problems are caused by mite, triphs and trigona bees (Trigona spinipes) which damage the fruit rind difficulting the harvest. The mangosteen tree wilt, disease not yet observed in orchards of mangosteen in other countries, has been the main problem in adult's mangosteen trees in South of Bahia region. Gamboge disorder, a physical damage in the fruit pericarp, and the translucent pulp also area commons in mangosteen fruits in brazilian orchards. The fruits are harvested manually, cleaned, graded and packed into a 21 x 21.5, 6.5 cm cardboard box containing from 9 to 20 fruits. The fruits are sold mainly in big urban centers. The mangosteen presents average of 32.5% of pulp, 18.17 degrees Brix and 1% of acidity. The rind has a group of substances known as xanthonas which are utilized by pharmaceutics industries.