Optimum O-2 or CO2 atmosphere for storing broccoli florets at various temperatures

'Marathon' broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) florets were stored in air, low O-2 (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) or high CO2 (3%, 6%, and 10%) at 0, 5, and 10C. Oxygen consumption and CO2 production were reduced under low O-2 or high CO2 atmosphere, the reduction being greater at lower O-2 and higher CO2 levels. No differences were found in ethylene production among the different atmospheres. Low O-2 and high CO2 retained color of broccoli florets to about the same extent at 10C but had no effect at 0 and 5C, Development of soft rot and browning was suppressed by low O-2 or high CO2, but offensive off-odor occurred in 0.25% O-2 at all temperatures and 0.5% O-2 at 10C, These results indicate that the best 0, and CO, levels seem to be 0.5% O-2 and 10% CO2 at O and 5C, and 1% O-2 and 10% CO2 at 10C.