Lignées pures de maïs obtenues par autofécondation, au Moulon

Pure lines of maize are obtained by self-fertilisation on an experimental farm in Le Moulon, in the Paris region. The female maize flowers are protected against extraneous fertilisation. An ear on each plant is protected until ready to be fertilised. The ear is fertilised manually with pollen from the tassel situated at the top of the plant (self-fertilisation). Only the uppermost ("dominant") ear is fertilised. 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.