The early physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes that follow harvesting of asparagus were investigated, with the aim of defining and regulating factors contributing to postharvest deterioration. The results showed that(i)induction of ethylene production in harvested asparagus tips is regulated by transcription of pAS-ACO and pAS-ACS in response to the wounding associated with harvest and, (ii)the increase in ammonia content and decrease in total GS activity in both top and bottom portions of the spears is a response to significant stress after harvest, (iii)the induction of PAL...