Donor-oyster derived heritability estimates and the effect of genotype X environment interaction on the production of pearl quality traits in the silver-lip pearl oyster, Pinctada maxima

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate donor-oyster derived heritability and genetic correlations for pearl quality traits in the silver-lipped pearl oyster, P. maxima; namely pearl size, colour, lustre, shape and complexion. As future breeding programs for pearls are likely to involve oysters that will be reared in geographically disparate locations we also evaluated the potential impact environment G × E interactions may have on the realization of genetic gains for pearl quality traits.