TERRITORIAL CHARACTERIZATION AND PHYTOSANITARY RISK CLASSIFICATION OF CITRUS FRUIT CONSOLIDATION UNITS IN THE RECONCAVO REGION OF BAHIA, BRAZIL

Fruits entering Consolidation Units originate from multiple properties and regions, further emphasizing their logistical importance and role in phytosanitary connectivity. The phytosanitary risk of 15 units located in five municipalities in the Reconcavo region of Bahia was characterized and classified. The study incorporated secondary data, a structured questionnaire comprising 37 questions, field observations, georeferencing, and aerial orthomosaics obtained using a drone and processed with opensource software. The orthomosaics enabled the delimitation of 0-200 m, 200-400 m, and 400-600 m distance zones between the units and nearby orchards. These zones were interpreted as a gradient of spatial exposure rather than merely as distancebased categories. Most units (93.3%) processed Tahiti acid lime, 86.7% received fruits from thirdparty orchards, and 66.7% supplied the international market. The highest operational intensity was recorded in June and July. Only 33.3% of the units cleaned vehicles and equipment, whereas 73.3% reported disposing of waste in open dumps. In the integrated assessment, 66.7% of the units were classified as high risk, 6.7% as medium risk, and 26.7% as low risk.