BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE air exchange in the storage environment, broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica cv Gem) developed a strong, offensive odor after 8 to 10 days at 2.5°C (36.5°F). The restricted air circulation through containers of broccoli caused rapid oxygen depletion and carbon dioxide accumulation (graph 1) in storage tests conducted in the L. K. Mann Laboratory at the University of California, Davis.