Décorticage d’un épi de maïs en cours de remplissage des grains, au Moulon

Dissecting an ear of maize during grain maturation on an experimental farm in Le Moulon, in the Paris region. Each fertilised ovule has produced a grain of corn. At the top of the ear, a number of ovules have aborted, probably due to a stress factor such as drought conditions. The long stigmata (silks) on the right have dried out. The ear of maize is protected by a leafy husk, which has been stripped away to reveal the ear. 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.