Abstract
This chapter summarizes current knowledge of the population genetics of pearl oysters, updates the understanding of the quantitative genetic basis of commercially important traits and highlights the application of emerging technologies to this group of bivalves. Some of the most important pearl producing species are Silver/gold-lip pearl oyster, Black-lip pearl oyster, Akoya pearl oyster, and Panamanian pearl oyster. There is an evidence of restrictions to gene flow in silver/gold-lip pearl oyster, particularly between eastern and Western Australian populations, and between Australian and Indonesian populations. Population genetic variability of Akoya pearl oysters has been studied in populations from Japan, China, Bahrain and Australia initially using allozymes and later molecular DNA markers. The Panamanian pearl oyster, Pinctada mazatlanica, occurs over a large latitudinal range from northwestern Mexico to northern Peru. Pearl oyster culture has not historically involved large-scale intensive domestication like that of terrestrial livestock and many other aquaculture species. The recent development of hatchery culture techniques for a number of pearl oyster species will lead to the use of quantitative genetic breeding techniques as a way to improve productivity. The effects of triploidy on the productivity of commercial traits have also not been reliably reported. The integration of molecular genetic techniques into future selective breeding programs will assist managers to achieve faster genetic responses than are achievable solely through traditional selection. This will allow genes that have a major effect on trait expression to be directly targeted or reduce the rate of inbreeding that can diminish genetic gains.
Published Version
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