Total RNA extraction and RT-qPCR analysis

Total RNA extraction was conducted using a Total RNA Rapid Extraction Kit (Zomanbio, Beijing, China). First strand cDNA synthesis was performed using the PrimeScript™ RT Reagent Kit with gDNA Eraser (Takara Bio, Inc.). RT–qPCR was conducted using TB Green^® Premix Ex Taq™ (Tli RNaseH Plus, Takara Bio, Inc.), with the following program: one cycle of 30 s at 95°C, followed by 40 cycles of 5 s at 95°C and 30 s at 60°C. The previously reported translation elongation factor gene PpTEF2 was used as the internal reference gene (Tong et al., 2009 (link)). Three biological replicates were conducted for each sample. Sequences of the primers used for RT–qPCR are listed in Supplementary Table 1.