Statistical analysis
The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design. Each sample time point for each treatment was comprised of three independent biological replicates. Data were plotted as means ± standard errors (SE) in figures. Least significant difference (LSD) at the 5% level was analysed by DPS software (version 3.01; Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China). A complete linkage hierarchical clustering of 15 banana fruit MaERF genes was generated using the Pearson clustering algorithm according to their expression profiles.