In the present study,we evaluated the effects of controlled atmosphere on the content of pectin and the activities of relevant metabolizing enzymes(PE,PG,CX) in the kiwifruit cultivar Hongyang.Postharvest kiwifruits were stored under air(control) and air-O 2-CO 2 atmosphere(1 ± 0.5℃,80% ~ 98% relative humidity) with different gas compositions,i.e.,CA 1(2%O 2 + 3% CO 2),CA 2(2%O 2 + 6% CO 2),CA 3(5%O 2 + 3% CO 2),and CA 4(5%O 2 + 6% CO 2).Results showed that the fruit soften was closely related with PG and CX,maybe had no direct relation with PE.Controlled atmosphere CA 1 and CA 3 could significantly prolong postharvest storage period as long as 120 d.However,the controlled atmosphere CA 1 was the most effective in suppressing the activities of cell wall-degrading enzymes and preventing pectin decomposition,further delaying the fruit softening and extending the shelf life of Hongyang kiwifruits.