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

Male reproductive organ of maize after flowering, in Le Moulon, in the Paris region. The tassel at the top of the plant has several strands bearing male flowers consisting of spikelets. Each spikelet contains two florets consisting of three stamens. The stamen, suspended from a style, has an anther containing four pollen sacs. The anthers are at varying stages of bloom. A bee is collecting pollen. 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.