First Triploidy in Tropical Bivalves: Can This Increase Profitability in Pearl Farms?

Triploidy offers an excellent opportunity for increased profitability and competitiveness of hatchery-based pearl farming in the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands and Hawaii, for little additional cost. Techniques developed in Phase I for inducing triploidy in black-lip pearl oysters (Pinctada margaritifera) using Cytochalasin B and 6-DMAP were very successful ? up to 100% in several cases. These excellent results confirm the feasibility of producing triploid pearl oysters. Phase II will address three critical issues for commercializing this technology: (1) The value of triploidy to commercial pearl farms will be assessed through growth and seeding trials using 2N and 3N oysters from Phase I experiments. (2) Techniques will be refined for large-scale production of triploid animals in commercial pearl oyster hatcheries, and (3) Tetraploid pearl oysters will be attempted by crossing 2N and 3N oysters, or by other innovative means.