2.5. Deterioration index
Samples were visually evaluated on individual trays based on surface yellowing, dehydration symptoms, and decay by using an intensity scale (0 = excellent quality without changes relative to day 0; 1 = good quality with minor changes relative to day 0; 2 = samples with up to 1 senescent, dehydrated or yellow floret per tray, 3 = samples with up to 3 senescent, dehydrated or yellow florets per tray, 4 = samples with up to 5 senescent, dehydrated or yellow florets per tray, 5 = unfit for being marketed, 6 = unfit for being marketed and with fungal decay. The deterioration index (DI) was calculated as follows: