SBIR/STTR Phase II: Ploidy Induction with Penaeid Shrimp for Protection of Investment in Selective Breeding

Aquatic Farms, Honolulu HI

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on mass production of triploid marine shrimp. Marine shrimp culture experienced exponential growth between 1980 and 1990, increasing from 5% to 28% of total world production. Since then, farmed shrimp production has stagnated due to disease and water quality problems. Disease problems are largely due to dependence on wild caught shrimp broodstock and post larvae, which carry many untreatable viral diseases. A solution to this problem is closed-cycle culture, which also permits genetic selection for improved production performance. To protect a breeder's investment in specific pathogen free (SPF)stock, specific pathogen resistant (SPR) stock, and genetic selection, it is highly desirable to sell only sterile post larvae. Triploidy is a possible solution since triploids of other species are typically sterile and may exhibit superior culture performance. In addition triploidy may allow for the culture of exotic species in environmentally sensitive areas where exclusion of exotics is desirable. Phase II will focus on development of tetraploid breeding stocks that will be crossed with normal diploid stocks to produce triploid progeny. The successful outcome of our R&D effort will result in significant changes in marine shrimp culture. It will prevent competitors from propagation of shrimp stocks that have been genetically selected for aquaculture performance. It will help stimulate large-scale investment in SPF, SPR, genetic selection and closed-cycle shrimp culture. It will help create opportunities to expand use of exotic shrimp species into environmentally sensitive culture areas. Our company intends to be at the forefront of these opportunities.