Protection des jeunes plants de maïs contre les corvidés, au Moulon

Protecting young maize plants against crows in Le Moulon, in the Paris region. A net is laid over the plot as soon as planting is complete, to prevent crows from digging up the grains of maize. The netting is removed when the plants become autotrophic (i.e. capable of feeding themselves using photosynthesis and nutriments in the soil) at around the five-leaf stage). In suburban areas, a resurgence in versatile birds such as pigeons and crows is prompting farmers to grow less vulnerable species, or to protect their harvests with special-purpose solutions. 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.