Evaluating a new population of Kumamoto oysters (Crassostrea sikamea) for breeding on the U.S. Pacific coast
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: We describe the introduction, evaluation and integration of Kumamoto oysters (Crassostrea sikamea) collected from the Ariake Sea, Japan in 2006, to create a new genetically verified Kumamoto breeding population for the U.S. Pacific Coast. Progeny derived from collected G0 broodstock were used to create a G1 cohort that was reared under quarantine conditions with frequent disease testing. The G2 cohort with no detectable diseases, was released from quarantine and evaluated at a sub-tidal farm test site. Yields, survival, individual average weights, individual weights, shell dimensions and shell shape index [SSI; shell depth/(width+length)] of G2 and G3 Japanese cohorts were not significantly different from those of an established Pacific Coast population; however, individual weights and shell lengths of the Pacific Coast population were significantly greater. Desirable harvest traits of Japanese cohorts G2 and G3, except survival and SSI, showed high heritability and medium-to-high, positive genetic correlations, suggesting that genetic gains can be achieved via selection. Subsequently, G2 and G3 Japanese cohorts were crossed with an established Pacific Coast population to create an integrated G5 breeding population that was evaluated at inter-tidal and subtidal farm sites. The G5 inbreeding coefficient was estimated as zero and the absence of genetic evidence of parental hybridization with Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) was used to verify the species purity of the G5 population. Consequently, this G5 population provides the US Pacific Coast oyster industry with a valuable breeding population for future production of Kumamoto oysters.
Source: Aquaculture
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDGs: Life below water, Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,000
OpenAlex ID: W4405529657