Review of Genetic and Related Studies on Commercial Oysters and Other Pelecypod Mollusks

Abstract

Those aspects of the genetics and the evolution of the oyster and other pelecypod mollusks already elucidated or presently under study are reviewed. The outcome to date of some practical breeding programs in the U.S. is summarized. Comments are made on ways various specialties within the science of genetics can inevitably contribute to commercial production. This is in regard to production on old natural wild beds and newly seeded beds, as well as in regard to intensive production under artificial hatchery conditions. The latter should eventually lead to true domestication of the still wild-type oyster. These are brief remarks on how all this compares to the role of genetics and breeding science in fish culture and to much acclaimed past and current roles of genetics in present-day production of cereal crops and farm animals.