Larval and juvenile growth performance of Manila clam hybrids of two full-sib families

Abstract

In order to determine whether growth performance could be improved by hybridizing full-sib families of Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum), crosses between two full-sib families including self and reciprocal crosses were carried out. The effects of heterosis, combining ability and interaction on the growth of shell length were estimated. The results showed that the growth of hybrid larvae was intermediate between parents on days 6 and 9. Heterosis on shell length was observed, which varied at juvenile stage. The cross of a (TM),A x a (TM) EuroB (Hp varied between 10.41% and 68.27%) displayed larger heterosis than a (TM),B x a (TM) EuroA (Hp varied between 1.89% and 32.33%) did, suggesting that a (TM),A x a (TM) EuroB was an ideal hatchery method of improving the growth performance of Manila clam. The variances of general combining ability (GCA), special combining ability (SCA) and interaction (I) were significant in shell length (P < 0.05), indicating that both additive and non-additive genetic factors were important contributors to the growth of larvae and juveniles. The GCA for shell length of a (TM),A x a (TM) EuroB was higher than that of a (TM),B x a (TM) EuroA at both larval and juvenile stages. This confirmed that the cross between a (TM),A and a (TM) EuroB showed great growth in shell length. In summary, the growth of Manila clam seeds could be improved by hybridizing selected parents from large numbers of full-sib families.