4. Experimental
4.1. Sample collection
Samples were procured from the Florida Citrus Arboretum
(Winter Haven, FL) and from the groves at the Citrus Research
and Education Center (Lake Alfred, FL). Blossoms were harvested
during a 9-day period from March 24 to April 1 2008 (with average
temperatures: 66.9 ± 6.2 F and average R.H. 68.1 ± 8.8). Cultivar
trees at their peak bloom stage were selected for sampling. Specifically
only those blossoms at an early stage in their development
(as determined by their partially opened petals) were picked. Typically,
these young blossoms were picked from all around the tree.
These parameters collectively ensured sampling of blossoms at a
uniform development stage across cultivars, limited sun exposure
and a more representative sampling. In a day, no more than three
cultivars were harvested and the blossoms were analyzed the same
day as harvested. Whole blossoms including petal, pistil, stamen
and a short pedicel were picked before 9 am and refrigerated in
sealed containers (4 C, 3 h max.) until analysis to limit the rate
of respiration and deterioration of the picked flowers if not immediately
analyzed. Each blossom cultivar was analyzed in duplicate
with the exception of ‘dancy’, ‘pummelo’ and ‘Duncan’ being