Organe femelle de reproduction du maïs en fin de floraison, au Moulon

Female reproductive organ of maize after flowering, in Le Moulon, in the Paris region. A tassel of silks can be seen at the top of the ear, wrapped in red spathes. The colours of the flowers, spathes and stalk depend on the genetic traits of the variety. To a large extent, maize metabolises only red pigments (anthocyanins). 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.