Hydroponically grown strawberries (Fragaria
ananassa Duch. cv. Pajaro) were obtained from a
farm on the Central Coast of New South Wales,
Australia, during the 1997 and 1998 growing seasons.
Fruit were transported to the laboratory
within 4 h of harvest and medium size berries
without deterioration were selected for experimentation.
Each experimental unit comprised 15
strawberries (about 250 g) which were placed in a
sealed 4 l plastic container.