Biochemical‐genetic variation in the green‐lipped musselPerna canaliculusaround New Zealand and possible implications for mussel farming

Abstract

Abstract Genetic variation was surveyed at 10 polymorphic enzyme loci in six samples of green‐lipped mussels, Perna canaliculus, from around New Zealand. There is a significant heterogeneity at five loci and at four of these the heterogeneity is produced by significant differences between northern and southern samples. The differences may be explained by limited genetic exchange owing to current movements coupled with local selection. Four loci were tested in spring and autumn seed mussels from Marlborough Sounds and Ninety Mile Beach. There is a significant difference between spring and autumn seed at one locus. Seed mussels show a significant excess of homozygotes at 6 out of 16 tests whereas for adult mussels at the same loci only 4 out of 24 tests are significant. It is suggested that the differences between spring and autumn seed and the greater homozygosity in seed mussels may be produced by partial assortative mating. For farming operations there may be genetic disadvantages in transferring seed fr...