Gene expression profiling of leaves and shoot meristems during different developmental stages in three Lactuca species

Lactuca sativa 'Salinas', Lactuca sativa 'Cobham Green', Lactuca serriola US96UC23 and Lactuca saligna CGN05327 were grown under semi-controlled conditions in a greenhouse until bolting to characterise several developmental stages. Leaf and shoot apical meristem (SAM) samples were collected at defined developmental stages according to the BBCH scale, which describes the phenological stages of head-forming leafy vegetables.