Development of Genomic Breeding Tools through Transcriptome Analysis by RNAseq for Sustainability of the Hard Clam Aquaculture Industry

Long-term sustainability of any farmed animals or plants depends on use of genetically selected broodstock for production of well-adapted offspring or seed. Our proposed project aims to develop genomic breeding tools through transcriptome analysis by RNAseq, a technology emerging in 2009 and being applied for fish and shellfish in recent years, and combining with traditional breeding strategies to advance the hard clam aquaculture industry in the eastern U.S. This project is being developed in coordination with the Florida hard clam industry, and will be performed in collaboration with clam aquaculture farmers. It is anticipated that this project can serve as an initial action to achieve our long-term goal, which is production of superior broodstock for high quality seed production, to sustain the hard clam industry and increase the resiliency of shellfish aquaculture systems.

任何养殖动植物的长期可持续性，均依赖于使用经遗传选育的亲体，以繁育适配性优良的子代或种苗。本研究项目拟通过2009年问世、近年逐步应用于鱼类与贝类的RNA测序（RNA-seq）转录组分析技术，开发基因组选育工具，并结合传统选育策略，以推动美国东部硬壳蛤养殖产业的发展。本项目将与佛罗里达州硬壳蛤产业协同推进，并与硬壳蛤养殖农户开展合作实施。预期本项目可作为实现长期目标的初步举措：培育用于优质种苗生产的优良亲体，以此维持硬壳蛤产业发展，并提升贝类养殖系统的抗逆能力。