Variation in cultured pearl quality traits in relation to position of saibo cutting on the mantle of black-lipped pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera

Type Article
Date 2018-08
Language English
Author(s) Ky Chin-Long1, Nakasai Seiji2, Parrad Sophie3, Broustal Floriane1, Devaux Dominique2, 4, Louis Patricia5
Affiliation(s) 1 : Ifremer, UMR EIO 241, Labex Corail, Ctr Pacifique, BP 49, Tahiti 98719, French Polynesi, France.
2 : SCA Regahiga Pearls, BP 48, Gambier 98755, French Polynesi, France.
3 : Ifremer, Stn Port Bessin, Av Gen Gaulle,BP 32, F-14520 Port En Bessin, France.
4 : Grp Interet Econ Poe O Rikitea, BP 176, F-98755 Gambier, French Polynesi, France.
5 : SCA Heimoana Poe, BP 2274, F-98713 Papeete, French Polynesi, Fr Polynesia.
Source Aquaculture (0044-8486) (Elsevier Science Bv), 2018-08 , Vol. 493 , P. 85-92
DOI 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2018.04.059
WOS© Times Cited 5
Keyword(s) Pinctada margaritifera, Pearl oyster, Pearl quality traits, saibo position, Mantle tissue, Phenotype
Abstract

Cultured pearl production from Pinctada margaritifera uses the biomineralization capacities of the mantle graft, the saibo, which is usually obtained from only the middle mantle section of the donor oyster. To evaluate the potential for using other parts of the mantle, this study explores and describes the cultured pearl quality traits, pearl size, shape, surface defects and colour parameters obtained with saibo from the entire length of the mantle, comprising the four following sections: 1) posterior, 2) connection with the gills, 3) middle, (the section usually used commercially), and 4) anterior. Rates of nucleus retention and oyster mortality were also recorded and compared between sections. For this, two experimental grafts were designed and conducted in two contrasting culture sites, using 10 selected wild donor oysters in each to perform a total of 1536 grafts. Mantle section comparison revealed that the anterior section was different from the three other sections, showing: 1) the lowest nacre deposition rate in terms of weight and thickness, 2) the palest pearls, with lowest rate of the attractive overtone colour and the 3) a lower rate of pearls with lustre. For pearl circles and shape, no difference was recorded among the different mantle sections. Posterior, connection and middle sections showed similar pearl quality traits, revealing how the number of high quality saibo obtainable from the same batch of donors can easily be increased, thus benefitting the P. margaritifera pearl industry. This finding could provide significant benefits to pearl farmers and the further development of current pearl grafting practices.

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