PLATONIA INSIGNIS MART. (BACURI): SCIENTIFIC ADVANCES, PRODUCTION POTENTIAL, AND PERSPECTIVES FOR CROP VALORIZATION IN THE AMAZON

Platonia insignis Mart. is a native Amazonian fruit tree of high ecological, socioeconomic, nutritional, and agro-industrial relevance, standing out as a strategic resource for the valorization of sociobiodiversity and the Amazon bioeconomy. Despite its recognized potential, this crop remains predominantly associated with extractive or semi-extractive production systems, characterized by low technological input, irregular productivity, and structural limitations that hinder its rational cultivation and the consolidation of its production chain. In this context, this review aimed to compile, systematize, and critically discuss the scientific literature related to P. insigniszeiro, addressing its botanical, ecological, productive, physicochemical, nutritional, functional, genetic, socioeconomic, agro-industrial, and technological aspects. The literature analyzed indicates that P. insignis fruits possess highly appreciated sensory attributes, promising nutritional composition, the presence of bioactive compounds, and significant potential for whole-fruit utilization, including pulp, peel, seeds, and by-products with applications in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological sectors. In parallel, studies also demonstrate high genetic and phenotypic variability, reinforcing both the species’ domestication potential and the need for conservation strategies and the selection of superior plant materials. However, important knowledge gaps remain regarding clonal propagation, genetic improvement, ecophysiology, agronomic management, postharvest handling, processing, and industrial scale-up. Furthermore, the fragmentation of available knowledge and the lack of integrative approaches still limit the consolidation of the species as a technically structured fruit crop. It is concluded that the advancement of P. insignis cultivation depends on the articulation among scientific research, genetic conservation, technological innovation, production chain organization, and the strengthening of family farming, in order to expand its insertion into sustainable systems of production, value addition, and territorial development in the Amazon.