Impact of pest damage on cashew apple quality for juice and value

Abstract

Cashew apples are nutritionally rich but highly perishable, with significant potential for juice and value-added processing. However, pest damage, particularly from Helopeltis, fruit borers, and stem/root borers, leads to deterioration in fruit quality. A field study was conducted using 13 graded levels of pest damage (0 to >60%) to evaluate effects on physical traits, juice quality, and processing suitability. Results showed a consistent decline in fruit weight, juice yield, vitamin C content, and product acceptability with increasing damage. Conversely, peel discoloration, acidity, and tannins increased. Fruits with damage above 30% were found unfit for premium processing, highlighting the need for effective pest management.