Project Number: 5358-31000-001-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Feb 21, 2002
End Date: Apr 30, 2005

Objective:
Conduct research on the quantitative and molecular genetics of oysters which leads to improved broodstock management programs for enhanced production efficiency and product quality. Develop reference families, molecular genetic markers and elucidate key genes and sequence information for traits of economic importance. Develop methods for production of triand tetra-ploid shellfish. Assess heterozygosity of diverse genetic lines.

Approach:
Utilize molecular genetic techniques to identify critical genes for production efficiency and product quality. Utilize marker-assisted selection to enhance breeding improvements in factors such as growth/rate efficiency, reproduction, survival, disease resistance and product quality. Utilize existing information from existing genetic maps and contribute new information to mapping databases. Integrate marker-assisted selection with breeding approaches to provide the shellfish industry with improved genetic stock. Examine mechanisms and feasibility of stable triploid production resulting form tetraploid X diploid crosses. Coordinate activities with,and utilize the genetic resources of, the Molluscan Broodstock Program at the Hatfield Marine Sciences Center. Explore utility of non-native germplasm for the identification and incorporation of important traitsand genes for pacific shellfish production. FY02 Program Increase $216,000. Add 1 SY. FY04 Program Increase $120,783.

Project Team

Camara, Mark Banowetz, Gary

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002

Related National Programs

Aquaculture (106)

Related Projects

Development of Genetic Marker Systems for Use in Research on the Quantitative and Molecular Genetics of Pacific Oysters