Organe mâle de reproduction du maïs en début de floraison, au Moulon

Male reproductive organ of maize coming into flower, in Le Moulon, in the Paris region. The tassel, located at the top of the plant, consists of several strands bearing the spikelets that contain the stamens. The emergence of stamens on the main strand determines the plant's male flowering status. Scientists at the Quantitative Genetics and Evolution unit in Le Moulon are studying the genetic, epigenetic and molecular control of qualitative and quantitative characteristics and their importance in the adaptation and evolutionary history of plant species. They optimise selection processes based on target characteristics (such as growth, development and adaptation), taking advantage of breakthroughs in genomics and genetic resources, and allowing for changes in environmental conditions and farming methods.