Two shoots (six to eight leaves each) were sealed per 20 × 20-cm package constructed from 127-μm-thick, low-density polyethylene
using a Magneta 620 heat sealer. Shoots with bruised or damaged leaves were not used. Four 26.5-gauge needle holes ( » 0.4 mm in
diameter) were punched through each package to facilitate O2 and CO2 exchange. The entire procedure of harvesting and packaging
took < 90 min in all experiments (harvesting, 30 rein; packaging, 60 rein). Basil packages were held in darkness under black plastic for
the duration of all experiment