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. Fertilisation is now complete, and the ears are waiting for the grain to reach maturity inside their bag. The bag remains as an indicator of the manual treatment and helps to protect against grain-eating wildlife such as crows and small rodents. 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.