Lignées pures de maïs obtenues par l’autofécondation manuelle des épis, au Moulon

Pure lines of maize are obtained by manual self-fertilisation of ears in Le Moulon, in the Paris region. When male and female inflorescences bloom simultaneously, fresh pollen from the plant is collected in a bag by shaking the tassel. The ear is released from its protective bag. The bag of pollen is placed over it. The fertilised ear begins to swell after ten days (which is the grain abortion limit). 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.