The activities of several stage specific enzymes (SSE) and the changes of some compounds during softening of Qinmei kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) were studied. The results showed that there were two phases of kiwifruit softening. Firstly the rapid softening phase was coincided with starch degradation (r=0.99) and the increase of amylase activity. It suggested that amylase was the key SSE for softening at this phase. In the second phase, the rate of softening was decreased, the contents of water insoluble...